Glaucoma?

[Mirador19]

Good Morning.

This is my first posting on Glaucoma UK

After a years wait for an appointment at the Ophthalmology department I am still left wondering. The Dr was very good and thorough so have no complaints there. My mum lost her sight due to glaucoma so its a worry. My optician saw something in the back of my eyes that he monitored for a year, then sent for the appointment as it was slightly worse.

The Dr yesterday said the same as optician which is reassuring but I didnt ask all the questions I am thinking of today. They both say looking into my eye it looks like glaucoma but my pressures are normal so it was decided i didnt have glaucoma, a big relief. But the Dr wants another appointment in 2 months to check what is happening. He has also put me on the list to repair Cataracts, this is the first time anyone has mentioned Cataracts to me.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a similar outcome?

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi Mirador19. It could be that it's early stages so they would want to be sure before making a diagnosis. It is possible to have normal tension glaucoma which can be trickier to diagnose, so if your pressures are normal then this is something that they will take into account.

In 2 months they will have a look to see if there has been any more progression, and at that point they might be able to make a diagnosis. I would suggest asking your eye specialist about cataract surgery, but it can be effective at reducing eye pressure so this might be why it has been suggested.

[Mirador19 in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thank you Kieran that does explain a lot. I must have my list of question ready for my next appointment.

[Mirador19 in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Hello again Kieran, I have attached the letter I received after my appointment(18th Feb). I have now received another letter for an appointment for cataract pre assessment, I’m not really sure what to expect from this appointment? I was told the waiting time for cataracts surgery is between 1 to 2 years. Not sure how the system works now.

Diagnosis letter.

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to Mirador19]

Hi there. So from the looks of it you are only a glaucoma suspect and your pressures are in the 'normal' range. The NTG that I mentioned above is a bit like a 'subset' of primary open angle glaucoma, and from the looks of your pressures (13 and 12) it looks like this would be the case. It sounds as though there is no concerns with your visual fields - so all looking good for now.

They won't treat the cataracts as urgent, especially if it is not affecting your vision in any way, so the 1-2 year wait sounds about right. The pre assessment will be monitoring your eyes again and going over what cataract surgery is and if you have any questions - so be sure to ask about any that you might have then.

Hope this helps.

[Mirador19 in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thank you for your reply Kieran, That is a relief to hear, it’s all a bit daunting at the moment but you have reassured me there is nothing to worry about.

[Littlesnowflake]

Have you had your peripheral vision checked? I had a family history of glaucoma and saw an optician annually due to extreme short-sightedness. Nevertheless, by the time I was diagnosed I had already lost peripheral vision.

[Mirador19]

Hi, I have my peripheral vision checked on my yearly optician check, I am also shortsighted and am checked yearly.

[whitedog]

Hi

When consultants were first worried about damage to my right eye, they booked me for both cataract and glaucoma surgery. However, on the day, my consultant said he'd just do the cataract so that afterwards he would have a clearer picture as to what he was dealing with.

Perhaps a cataract op may both help reduce pressures as Kieran says and also help them see the rest of your eye more clearly? I'm only guessing but might be worth asking.

[Mirador19]

Thank you, I will mention it on my next appointment.