Changing to weaker eye drops?

[TenzinWosal]

Diagnosed about eight ninths ago and on Ganfort since then. Happily drops seem to be working and pressure coming down progressively - 16 in each eye and then down to 14 in each eye and this week 12 in each eye. Also have thick corneas so readings tend to get reduced further. Fields test also pretty good as whilst structural damage to the optic nerve the test showed the nerve was functionally normal. This was good if surprising as subjectively I think my field of vision is more limited /narrow in my left eye but presumably not so limited as to show up as a problem. Asked the ophthalmologist if pressure could go too low and he wasn’t concerned in my case but subsequently wondered if I might go on weaker drops as understand Ganfort is quite strong compared to other drops. Something to ask at my next appointment if reduction continues and different drops would not see a significant increase in pressure. Just wondered if anyone had ever been put on weaker drops and what sort of change in pressure was seen? Pleased with way things seem to be going but tend to prefer weaker meds if pos.

[whitedog]

Hi

I've been on a multitude of different drops over the years - and, at one point, Diamox tablets when the pressures were really high.

Can't say I've ever considered the strength of the drops - so long as they do the job. And they work in different ways so that has to be considered. I had to be taken off one that was a beta blocker but otherwise go with what's given, though one that I'm on now, Cosopt, does sting.

Are you experiencing any side effects?

[TenzinWosal in reply to whitedog]

Hi, thanks for this . No serous side effects, just the common darkening around the eyes and longer eye lashes. I did wonder about blood pressure which seemed to go up at the same time as I went into Ganfort but the ophthalmologist thinks unconnected and on blood pressure pills as well as eye drops. Can’t deny that the eye drops have got the pressures down.

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. Thanks for sharing this. It is unlikely that the eye pressure will go too low from the eye drops alone. This is usually more of a concern after surgery, but even then it doesn't usually happen. A pressure reading of12 is very good. I understand that you mention about thicker corneas too, it would depend on the exact thickness to be able to know the pressure reading. If you would like to discuss at your next appointment then of course you can, but I'm not surprised to hear that your consultant isn't too concerned about the pressure going too low, and just wanted to let you know why.

[TenzinWosal in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Hi, thanks for this. Can’t say a corneal thickness measurement but in the past consultants have tended to reduced the pressure reading obtained by 4-5. So pressure of 12 becomes 7-8. This is way down on where I was in February when (unadjusted) readings were about 42 and 32. Those numbers are presumably why I was put on Ganfort as I understand it has a greater effect than other eye drops with only one active substance. It does seem to be working and hopefully no more damage being done. Still perhaps something to discuss next time but may not be an issue and certainly pleased/relieved at how things have gone.

[aasthagulati]

I’ve actually gone through something similar! Switching to weaker eye drops felt like a big move at first. I was using stronger ones for a while, but my doctor suggested trying something milder because my eyes were getting too used to the strong stuff. At first, I was nervous they wouldn’t work as well, but honestly, my eyes felt way better after the switch—less irritation and all.

That said, it’s probably best to check with your eye doctor before making any changes. They can help you figure out if it’s the right move and keep an eye on how your eyes are reacting. Everyone’s eyes are different, so what worked for me might be different for you!