Newly diagnosed with secondary open angle glaucoma - experiencing dizziness

[Wellingtonwearer]

Hi. I was recently diagnosed with secondary open angle glaucoma in my right eye. I was prescribed Latanoprost (1 drop in both eyes at night) and Timolol (1 drop in right eye in the morning). I started taking these on 7 May. Initially I didn’t appear to have any side effects from the drops but for the last few days I have started to feel dizzy and my blood pressure is quite high (I have been on Amlodipine blood pressure tablets since 2021 which appear to have been effective in controlling my BP). I was concerned that the dizziness might be a reaction to the eye drops so went to a local A&E eye clinic today. I had a brief chat with a doctor - she said as I hadn’t noticed any visual disturbances or noticed any pain above my eye, it was unlikely to be the drops causing the problem. To be honest, she didn’t fill me with confidence. I am going to try and get an appointment with my GP tomorrow but just wondered if anybody else had experienced dizziness with these drops.

[whitedog]

Hi

Not so much dizziness but I remember feeling like my heart was racing a bit after being on Timolol for a while so they swopped it for Cosopt which I've been on for a long time and never experienced the same since.

[Wellingtonwearer in reply to whitedog]

Thank you for your reply. My blood pressure was through the roof yesterday so ended up in A&E until the early hours until they finally managed to reduce it. I’m going to try and speak to my GP today and will ask him if I can change my eye drops.

[Cornwalleyes]

I’m pretty sure Timolol lead to my increase in blood pressure, although it’s always hard to prove, it can easily be swapped for another eye drop.

[Wellingtonwearer in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Thank you for your reply. It’s really interesting that you think Timolol caused your BP to increase. My readings yesterday were sky high and I ended up in A&E until the early hours while they tried to reduce it. Can I ask what drops you are on now?

[Cornwalleyes]

They moved me to Cosopt, fortunately not now on any drops as had trabulectomies in both eyes.

[Wellingtonwearer in reply to Cornwalleyes]

That’s great news Cornwalleyes - I’m glad your trabulectomies were a success. I’m hoping to avoid any eye surgery if possible. My glaucoma was caused by a complicated cataract op and vitrectomy so I’m wary of any further operations.

[Cornwalleyes]

Hope it all gets sorted for you.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello, With any new prescribed medication. It is important to read the possible side effects. On both patient information leaflets it states that dizziness can occur. Punctal occlusion, where you close your eyes and press on the tear duct for up to 2 minutes after you put the drops in can help. Have you made your eye specialist aware of other prescribed medication? If not, it is important that you do so.

drugs.com/drug-interactions...

[Wellingtonwearer in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Hi. Thank you for your message. I saw my consultant for the first time today. He has changed my medication and I am now on Brinzolamide and Travoprost and he will see me again in 2-3 months.