Normal tension glaucoma

[YogaLover]

Hello, I have advanced normal tension glaucoma and despite various interventions eye pressures remain normal which is higher than my consultant would like so I’m on the list for a trabeculectomy. I would love to hear from anyone with ntg who has had a trab and what the outcome was. Thank you

[RobMitchell]

Hi. I had a trab in my left eye in May this year. Pressures immediately brought down from 30+ to 9-10. Bluriness took longer to lift than I was expecting and it’s only lifted in the last couple of weeks, so nearly a good 6 months of that. Also cataract in left eye exacerbated following trab so now needs operation. But overall, it’s the pressures that it’s about, so it’s been very successful. Hope yours is too.

[YogaLover in reply to RobMitchell]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope all continues to go well.

[Cornwalleyes]

Hi I have npg and had to have a trab in each eye, roughly a year apart. Both ops went really well and pressures down to between 8-10. No further damage since then. I could see just fine within a week of each operation, although did have to have a stitch removed that had loosened- that was done in clinic and was very quick. Happy to answer any trabulectomy queries.

[YogaLover in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Hi and thank you for your reply. It’s great to hear of your positive experience. And your offer of replying to queries is appreciated. My pressures are fairly stable around 18 so it’s hoped that a trab would reduce them as all other interventions have failed. I have lost a considerable amount of sight as I have advanced glaucoma so hoping a trab would preserve what sight remains. Did you notice any trauma to your eyes following surgery? I have to confess that I’m worried about any negative impact of surgery on my sight.

[Cornwalleyes in reply to YogaLover]

Hi my pressures were around 16/18 before the trabs. I haven’t noticed any difference at all in my sight, my glasses are still the same prescription as before. The only thing I’ve noticed is that my eyes water a bit more when it’s windy, but that’s all.

[Iona57]

I had trab in June this year. Pressure down from 15 to ( eventually)4! 4 is a bit low and can have adverse effect on vision but my consultant says these haven't happened in my case , and the risk of further deterioration of glaucoma is reduced. Pressure will probably rise a bit over time , according to other people on this site.

[YogaLover in reply to Iona57]

Hi. Many thanks for your reply. Pressure at 4 - my consultant would be delighted!! Good to hear that risk of further sight loss is reduced. May I ask if you have any regrets about having the trab?

[Iona57 in reply to YogaLover]

I don't regret having the trab, because it had become clear that my near-central vision in my right eye was deteriorating. A trab was the best chance of slowing or stopping the decline. However, recovery was not straightforward. The vision in my non-trab eye is poor, so I had totally blurred vision for around 8 weeks. I would have preferred a pressure of, say, 7 or 8, as there is risk of retinal folding if pressure drops too low. And my drainage bleb is weird. The eye fluid is draining down the outer edge of the eye and looks like a low swelling or blister. But if my sight is preserved, these issues don't matter too much!

[Mitziecat]

Hi. I have advanced glaucoma in both eyes and have had a trab in both eyes. Both surgeries went well and vision returned to normal fairly quickly. Following the post-op care and advice is really important to help the recovery.

The only negative for me is that I am prone to scarring & due to this, I am due to have the scar tissue removed and a revision of the trab. I worried prior to each surgery but they both went well. Good luck & keep us updated with your journey.

[YogaLover in reply to Mitziecat]

Thank you for telling me about your trabeculectomy experience and the advice on aftercare. May I ask if the surgery has preserved your remaining sight?

[Laura7777]

Hi, I have advanced ntg and like you, my pressures weren't low enough to arrest progression. I had trabs in both eyes 38 years ago and they are still working, albeit not quite so effectively as they were.

While the trabs were successful, I did have to take the usual pressure controlling drops after the ops. The drops have changed and increased over the years and I also take Diamox capsules. This management regime has succeeded in keeping my pressures below 10 and I have not lost any vision/sight since having the trabs. The trabs were worth it for me and I wish you luck in having yours.

[Crazycatlady27]

hi, I have advanced NTG and I had a trabeculectomy 4 years ago in my right eye. It is a fair recovery with a lot of drops initially which tail off over time. If you are lucky, you can then stop drops in the affected eye. That’s what happened to me. Four years on my pressures are increasing and I’m now on 4 medications (Brinzolomide, Timolol (in one drop -Azarga, Latanoprost and now Iodipine with Evolve -sodium hyalorunate- for lubrication). If this extra drop doesn’t work I’ll be needing a revision of the trab. Four years is a great length of time. It was worth it for me. I need my other eye doing at some point too. Good luck.