Dark shadows from glaucoma eye drops

[doileyqueen]

Hi I was diagnosed almost 3 yrs ago and simply handed a leaflet and a prescription. I now have to use them 3 times a day as the pressure has worsened.The dark shadows in my eye sockets now look so bad, although I did read about this I have never been told if there is an alternative. The nurse at the clinic seemed annoyed when I asked and more or less said I should be grateful for my sight. Does anyone have any suggestions please,

Thank you.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Some drops can cause the skin to darken. It would be mentioned in the common side effects on the patient information leaflet. The number one aim of any eye consultant is to maintain their patients glaucoma and reduce the risk of anymore progression to help save their vision. You will need to discuss your concerns with your consultant, to see if there is an alternative eyedrop.

[Astilbe in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

My dark shadows got worse over time, it didn't matter what eyebrows I used.I had shunt in one eye and grab in the other a couple of years ago so no more drops. The dark shadows have lightened slightly but still there.

I used a tinted eye cream for dark shadows and this made them less obvious. My favourite is one by Avon in a light shade. I found myself explaining to comments that it was the eye drops and that no, I wasn't tired. I think staff could be a bit more sympathetic. A consultant told me that it was due to the many years of eye drops. Of course we are very grateful for the treatment to save our sight, that is a given and I always thank them very much.

[Astilbe in reply to Astilbe]

That should have read eye drops, not eyebrows 😂😂

[doileyqueen in reply to Astilbe]

Thank you for your reply, I found the cold clinical attitude and lack of support difficult. There was no explanation except to say read the the leaflet and this is for life.I do use a concealer and don't let the drops touch my skin this has helped a little over time. It does seem as if it's trial and error.

[autumnlass]

I do know that Bitamoprost (Lumigan) can cause brown staining below the tear trough. Is that the eye drop? It can be avoided by applying a small amount of Vaseline to that area to resist the staining on the skin.

[doileyqueen in reply to autumnlass]

Thank you for your reply. I have tried Vasaline and now try not to let the drops on my skin. Now that all depends on the type of bottle you're supplied with, another story altogether 😁

[autumnlass in reply to doileyqueen]

I now have to use Lumigan which causes brown staining - it took awhile to go last time. So now I’m prepared with Vaseline!

[North-Sea]

The eye clinic is very much about monitoring and treating your eyesight. No frills. Fortunately we have Health Unlocked, Glaucoma UK, RNIB, all of which are amazing and invaluable. I got dark circles within a year of using lantanoprost and now use YSL Touche Eclat to cover the darker skin. Doesn’t look like you are wearing any make up. Good luck Doileyqueen. The members here are especially supportive💕

[doileyqueen in reply to North-Sea]

Thank you I also use YSL. I have fybromyalgia which doesn't help, not always in the mood for make up. Grateful for the support though.

[ODTAA]

Unfortunately you don't say what your prescription is. I went through virtually all the different eye drops which were available, and none was without significant side effects, from severe itching to inability to walk. Finally I had surgery on both eyes to insert drains to reduce the pressure. As I am a 91-year old male now, eye darkening would not bother me, but I can understand your concern. The nurse's attitude which you mention is deplorable, and I would certainly ask your consultant to try some different eye drops. Keep pressing for a solution which is satisfactory to you. After all, they are your eyes, and you have to live with them! The consequence of continued high pressures is irreversible damage to your sight, so must be taken seriously and persued vigourpusly.

[doileyqueen in reply to ODTAA]

Thank you so much. I am pleased you found some help and relief.

[Iona57]

Hi doileyqueen, you have my sympathy as a fellow sufferer , with dark shadows all round both eyes, and a sunken eyed look. I find it quite depressing at times. I've never gone in for make-up in a big way as I have sensitive skin and am prone to eczema. However, when I want to give myself a boost, I do use a Clinique concealer, which improves the appearance by about 80 percent. For a complete cover up, I have discovered that concealer, then foundation, then concealer again gives about 100 percent improvement. If I can be bothered, of course!!! I don't do that very often as you have to be careful about putting too much gunk round your eyes anyway! I find that even just knowing that I can do a cover up if I want makes me feel a bit better.

[doileyqueen in reply to Iona57]

Thank you, I do use YSL concealer but like you I'm not one for heavy makeup. I will try your method. It's my daughters wedding soon so panicking a bit.

[JanD236]

My consultant was sympathetic and changed my prescription from Lumigan to Monopost. This has helped reduce the dark circles slightly and my pressure has remained stable.

[doileyqueen]

Thank you, I didnt know there were so many drops doing the same thing.