Hi I wondered if anyone has had other issues that may relate to their glaucoma? My blood pressure is low and drops significantly through the night whilst sleeping and this can be an issue regarding eye pressure as the flow of blood is restricted.
Glaucoma can be linked with other diagnosis e.g severe rhinitis, migraines, nocturnal hypertension! Any advice as i am trying so hard to understand why my sight in my left eye continues to deteriorate
Thank you
Hi Bazzer65!
Your post could have been written by me when I was diagnosed in 2018. You’ll find not much advice on your questions in the Uk, but you might be interested to google Flammers Syndrome which is discussed more widely in Europe and USA.
Obviously my next comment is that whatever you read and whatever you deduce from that info, please do still follow your treatment plan from your hospital consultant exactly. Very important! 👍🏻
Hi Beecalmed
Thank you for your response I will google it as I am literally researching as much as I can as I do believe there’s more to this than the Glaucoma! Can I ask what the outcome was for you and if there has been any other diagnoses? How is your eyesight? I just think if I don’t try and find anything that may be adding to my sight loss it will continue to deteriorate
I really appreciate your reply
Hello Bazzer
I'm sorry to hear that the sight in your left eye is continuing to deteriorate despite treatment.
You don't say what type of glaucoma you have but I assume that it is open angle. Do you know if you have normal tension glaucoma(NTG)? If so, pressures of 15+ are generally too high. Low blood pressure is quite common with NTG so it would be worth finding out.
As to other issues that may relate to glaucoma, I have low blood pressure too which dips a lot during the night. Whilst it has not cured it, I have found that raising the head and foot of the bed helps a little, and making sure I have a light supper and if possible a light snack during the night (a slice of bread with a light covering of butter or jam does me). The food aspect helps the BP and circulation although I don't suppose it is very healthy otherwise.
The other issue I have is cold extremities, once again reltaed to circulation/BP all made worse by long-term use of acetazolomide/diamox.
Just a thought, but have you considered getting a second opinion about your continued sight loss?
Hi Laura
Apologies as I should have said it was NTG. My pressures are usually at 16 but cannot get them lower. I have emailed my consultant to ask if I am a candidate for new trials that I have been researching and I am awaiting a reply
My next step is getting a second opinion and trying to find a great ophthalmologist who may be able to look into the sight loss in more depth
Thank you so much for your reply
I think that a second opinion is your best bet if your current consultant is not succeeding in lowering your pressures below 16. Afterall, 16 is not low and many of us on here are on a cocktail of drops to achieve a lower pressure. You may need a trabeculectomy which is often offered when pressures are stubborn. Is there any chance of you seeing a glaucoma consultant privately for your second opinion? You would get more time to discuss your issues and they are usually happy to transfer you back to the NHS for treatment.
As for trying to get on to trials, the problem with that is that you need treatment now and with a trial you might be in the placebo group with no treatment which would only worsen your problems. Being in that position might make you ineligible for trials.
Good Luck with your second opinion. Best Wishes, Laura
brain fog! 
Outpatient delays!
Struggling with depression 
Gardening
