Saline nasal rinse and glaucoma

[Bonniecat7]

I suffer with allergies and used to use steroid nasal spray. Now I have glaucoma I now know that these sprays are bad news! I've been looking into saline nasal rinse kits as an alternative to help me with the chronic catarrh in my throat but can't see any information about if these are safe to use for glaucoma patients.Does anyone have any experience with these?

I have normal tension glaucoma. I had Trabeculectomy surgery just over a year ago and use drops in the other eye.

[Reformer]

Hi - I have high pressure in my eyes, no glaucoma diagnosis yet thank goodness. I use Monopost every evening. I used to use Otrivine/Beconase etc when I had colds as they frequently turned into sinusitis. I did also use saline rinses which were very helpful. I didn't use the pressurised ones you can get from the chemists, but the ones where you mix a small sachet of saline and then use either a neti pot or a bottle like the NeilMed one to rinse out my nose. I still use them and only use them now because of the contraindications re Otrivine etc. It works really well for me - and I can't think why it would cause eye problems - but I'd be very interested to hear the Glaucoma UK's staff's thoughts on it!

[Eyeworrier in reply to Reformer]

I have open angle glaucoma. I also get hay fever. My consultant told me that I could use most OTC remedies - I gather that the contraindications apply to closed angle glaucoma, though manufacturers don't make that clear. I use the salt spray in normal containers.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello,

Saline nasal sprays are generally OK to use if you have glaucoma as they do not contain steroids, but we always recommend checking with your consultant first.

We understand that sometimes there is no choice but to treat a condition with steroids. If this ever happens or you are prescribed a new long term medication, it is important that you contact and advise your consultant. This is for two reasons. One being it may be contra-indicative to your glaucoma medications and they may to address and change your prescription, and the other being that they are kept up to date with any change to your medical history.

[LolaW]

I have been using steroid nasal sprays as well and the doctor said it can speed it up as well as the asthma meds and antihistamines.... Obviously, there's limited research, but my face was swollen on the right side and had loads of acute episodes in the past few years, so I think it is all connected.

[Bluella]

Hi - have you tried Sterimar, the one with copper, it might help. I find it amazingly helpful in sinusitis but I don't suffer from heyfever.

[HMThai]

Good morning from Thailand....I use tiny bit of table salt in luke to cool water and just a dash of saline for nasal draining....... Surprisingly we have many atmospheric allergies in our area.....as I write we are sneezing in half a dozen !!🤣😂... and in temperatures of 35°C!+... and read this.....we live backing a very large forest and seaside 800 metres apart!😂