Increasing blood pressure and Glaucoma

[Mitziecat]

Hello.

I have glaucoma in both eyes and have had several surgeries, next one due next week to remove scar tissue and revision of trabeculectomy bleb. I take Amlodipine for my blood pressure and read a few reviews regarding how it may affect glaucoma. I discussed this with my eye doctor, as I have been on it for several years and my glaucoma has progressed in the past few years. He was not convinced that it was a contributory factor. The problem I have now is that my blood pressure is increasing. You are constantly told to monitor it and send the best of 3 readings to your GP surgery. However, the readings are very variable. I am concerned that my blood pressure might be affecting my optic nerve so have made an appointment to see my GP (had to fight for it as you usually just have a call from the pharmacist).

I suspect that another blood pressure medication might be added as I am already on 10 mg of Amlodipine. They all seem to have side effects but Losartan seems to come up as a partner for Amlodipine. Does anyone have experience of using this medication or any other? and if it had any effect on their glaucoma. It is only my systolic blood pressure that is raised. My diastolic pressure is quite low. Any information or advice would be much appreciated.

[NoraBoneGirl]

Hi,

I have advanced NTG in one eye and suspected in the other and was diagnosed with high blood pressure over 30 years ago. Since Since then I have taken a variety of blood pressure medication, including Amlodipine. I now take 10mg of Amlodipine as well as Telmisartan, a stating statin and aspirin. My NTG and BP are currently stable. An opthalmolo

gist once discovered my BP was dropping at night which she felt might affect my sight, so I now take my meds in the morning. Apart from that my BP meds don't seem to affect my NTG.

Checking with your GP and eye consultant would be good to reassure you. I hope my experience is helpful. Ultimately we are all different.

All the best.

[Mitziecat in reply to NoraBoneGirl]

Thank you for your response. I agree that we are all different but it is great that we can learn from different experiences. Good to hear that your BP and glaucoma are both stable.

All the best to you also.

[muddledme in reply to Mitziecat]

Hello Mitziecat,

Recently my B/P was elevated , and when I monitored it at home I was surprised how variable it was, although like your B/P only the systolic level had been raised. I discussed several readings with my GP who seemed happy that it was usually low enough.

For several months now I have taken Beetroot powder and Celery seeds , about a teaspoon of each sprinkled over my evening meal. I have become quite used to the pleasant flavour and it does seem to have kept the B/P more stable. (Bought easily in 'Grape Tree')

I realise that everyone responds differently , but for me this seems to work. I used to have low B/P and worried about it dipping at night, so I have the head of the bed on 4 inch blocks which is very comfortable and I find easier than multiple pillows.

Hope your surgery goes well.

[Mitziecat in reply to muddledme]

Thank you Muddledme for your response and good wishes for my surgery. . I have heard that beetroot is good for the blood pressure and will try it

[Wellingtonwearer]

Hi Mitziecat. I am also having problems controlling my blood pressure and, like you, it’s only my systolic reading that is high. Prior to being diagnosed with secondary open angle glaucoma in my right eye my BP was well controlled with 5mg Amlodipine. Shortly after being diagnosed with glaucoma I felt very lightheaded and generally unwell. I took my BP and it was over 200 so I had to go to A&E. My GP increased the Amlodipine to 10 mg and I seemed to be okay on that. I then read a couple of articles about Amlodipine possibly increasing the risk of glaucoma so I went to see my GP. She said she wasn’t aware of any problems with Amlodipine but would change me to another tablet if that’s what I wanted. I was then initially put on Lacidipine but my BP was very high on this so 2 weeks ago I was put on 7.5 mg of Ramipril. My GP told me not to take my BP at home as she felt this was making me stressed, but to come back and see her in 2 weeks. At first I felt ok taking this but for the last couple of days I have felt very lightheaded again. I had the 2 week follow up appointment today and my BP was high (lowest reading 168) so I’ve now been put on 5 mg Amlodipine and 7.5 mg Ramipril and I’m to be reviewed in another 2 weeks. To be honest I wish I’d just stayed on the 10mg of Amlodipine in the first place, as since coming off of it I’ve not felt well and I’m concerned that constantly having high BP could affect my glaucoma. I hope your surgery goes well and you manage to get your BP under control soon.

[Mitziecat in reply to Wellingtonwearer]

Thank you Wellington wearer for your response and good wishes for my surgery. It appears to be quite difficult to get the right medication combination & also stressful as they all appear to have some side effects. I did ask the eye doctor about Amlodipine and glaucoma but he was not aware of any problems. I have been on it for 15 years and not had any concerning side effects but my glaucoma was diagnosed a few years after and has become increasingly worse. I have a GP appointment this afternoon to discuss it and will let you know the outcome. I hope that you also get your BP under control soon.

[Wellingtonwearer]

Thanks for your reply Mitziecat. I’d been on Amlodipine for a couple of years prior to being diagnosed with Glaucoma, but I don’t think Amlodipine caused it. My consultant said my glaucoma was a result of very complicated cataract surgery and a subsequent vitrectomy. I’d be interested to know what your GP said.

[Mitziecat in reply to Wellingtonwearer]

Hello Wellingtonwearer.

My GP was very helpful but was not aware that Amlodipine may affect or cause glaucoma, especially if my consultant was not concerned. She advised that they now look at the average result when BP is taken over several days and advised that mine was on the upper end of normal.. However, due to my surgery she has added a small dose of Doxazosin. I have not heard of it before but it appears to have helped.

I had my needling of the trab bleb on Thursday and unfortunately my pressure was 1 when checked the next day. I have been prescribed Atropine drops so hope. Helps. Hope you are well.

[Wellingtonwearer]

Thanks for your message Mitziecat. It’s reassuring that your GP is not aware of any risk associated with glaucoma patients taking Amlodipine. I’m still struggling with my BP but think a lot of my problems are related to stress - initially caused by my unexpected glaucoma diagnosis and exacerbated by the fact I can never seem to see the same doctor twice. I’m going to see a reiki therapist next week, as she was recommended to me. Apparently reiki is very good for relieving stress. Anything’s worth a try! I hope your eye pressure is now improving following your needling of the trab pleb.