Unilateral or bilateral procedure?

[GreyhoundFriend]

I was recently referred by my optician as slight differences were noted since last year’s appointment. My referral outcome letter says my optician was “…… querying cupping of the left eye in particular “ and ends with “… Disc ocular coherence topography shows suspicious optic disc on the left side in particular. Overall impression is suspicious discs, more so on the left side than the right side, Strong family history of normal tension glaucoma.”

The last sentence refers to my brother diagnosed recently aged 61.

My intraocular pressures at my appointment were 14 in both eyes.

The Consultant (who was lovely and answered all my questions) said I could be monitored over coming months or I could start treatment now as there is a new school of thought that says starting treatment early is beneficial particularly in view of my brother’s diagnosis. I currently have barely any visual loss but as my optic nerve does look suspicious he is happy for me to start treatment early and hopefully never have any sight damage if monitored regularly.

So, I am booked in for next Thursday for the bilateral procedure. My dilemma is whether to proceed with treatment for both eyes next week or whether to have left eye treated and opt for monitoring my right eye for the moment. I plan to discuss with the Consultant on the day but would welcome any views in advance particularly as I am feeling extremely anxious about the procedure itself and the thought of having it done in both eyes is scary. Thank you for reading.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello. Treatment is sometimes offered as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of glaucoma from developing. If an eye specialist has concerns that there are possible signs of glaucoma (suspect) and there is also strong family history, they will discuss treatment with the person. If treatment such as laser or eyedrops is agreed, and glaucoma does develop it will be caught in the early stages as you have been receiving treatment within this period. Any concerns should really be discussed with your eye specialist.

[GreyhoundFriend in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Trish. That’s very helpful. I am creating a list of questions ready for next week so I fully understand my situation before any treatment.

[Sapeur87 in reply to GreyhoundFriend]

Welcome to the family sis 😉

[GreyhoundFriend in reply to Sapeur87]

Thanks bruv - lots of info on here. Thanks for the intro