Normal Tension Glaucoma

[AnnieJo41]

I was diagnosed with NTG 2 years ago after having a field of vision test and scans. My eye pressure remains at 14 in each eye and I am administering Visutrax every night. Is NTG more difficult to treat than high pressure Glaucoma and does it progress quicker? Thanks in advance.

[Laura7777]

Hello AnnieJo,

NTG can be difficult to treat due to the need to keep the eye pressures lower than is usual and, sometimes it can be difficult to recognise. However, once NTG has been recognised and diagnosed, the various different drops, tablets, procedures and surgery available are generally successful in keeping eye pressures low enough to prevent any sight loss.

That said, everyone is different, and some folk with High pressure galucoma, NTG and other glaucomas, have a more difficult treatment path than others.

The progression of the condition, for all types, also differs for different people. The main thing is to get the condition under control, at a point where there is no deterioration in vision, and to keep everything stable. Regular check ups to monitor progress and diligent administration of drops etc are vital, of course. Blips occur from time to time. I've had NTG for 40 years and had many different cocktails of drops to lower my pressures when they have risen. I understand that generally, when blips occur, drops are usually changed or added to and maybe a procedure considered, if appropriate.

Hope this helps a bit, no doubt others will be along soon.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

Laura

[YogaLover in reply to Laura7777]

I have NTG and it has been very stubborn to treat resulting in significant sight loss. I’m a week post trabeculectomy so fingers crossed that this achieves the desired outcome. As mentioned we’re all so different in terms of response to treatments etc. NTG can seem baffling at times. Glaucoma UK and others on here can be a great source of information and support.

I wish you the very best on your glaucoma journey.

[Laura7777 in reply to YogaLover]

Hello YogaLover,

Sorry to hear about your trouble. I hope the trab does the trick for you.

I too lost nearly all of my eyesight (95%) at the beginning of my journey as they did not recognise that I had NTG. Once they did, I had trabs in both eyes and with the help of many drops and Diamox tablets, I have not lost any more sight in the last 40 years. Thankfully, NTG is recognised much more readily these days and hopefully folk aren't left high and dry as I was.

Fingers crossed that your trab proves to be turning point for you.

Good Luck and Best WIshes,

Laura

[AnnieJo41 in reply to Laura7777]

Thanks Laura for your very helpful reply. I think my NTG was spotted early because I have Diabetic eye screening every year, so I am thankful for that. My drops have been changed to Visutrax without preservative because my eyes were sore. Thanks again for your information. Annie x

[AnnieJo41 in reply to Laura7777]

Thanks Laura for your very helpful reply. I think my NTG was spotted early because I have Diabetic eye screening every year, so I am thankful for that. My drops have been changed to Visutrax without preservative because my eyes were sore. Thanks again for your information. Annie x

[Shinal_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello, NTG is can be considered harder to treat than other types of glaucoma because even though eye pressure is within normal range, the optic nerve damage can still occur.

Treatments for NTG are the same as for other types of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and include eye drops, laser treatment and surgery to lower eye pressure. However, NTG can need slightly more robust treatment than other types of POAG, because we need to get the pressures in your eye lower. This is to keep your eye pressure at a level to stop further damage happening to your optic nerve.

[AnnieJo41 in reply to Shinal_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks for the helpful information. It is confusing when the pressure is low yet still doing damage. I have only been prescribed 1 drop of Visutrax in each eye at night and for two years pressure in each eye has stayed at 14. Because the NHS Glaucoma clinic is so busy I only have a check up every six months or so. Maybe the Ophthalmologist will increase my treatment next time. Thanks again for the information. Annie

[Oldtuggo]

I am 86 and have had NTG for about 15years. My pressures are 14 in each eye and despite administering Brinzolamide ( 2 per day), Bimatoprost and Tiopex the pressures are not going down to 9 which the consultant would like to see. The good news is is that I have passed the DVLA twice at Specsavers and I have not had any Irritation problems or side affects. I am due for another consultation in 2 weeks time, after reminders from me. Hope you find this info useful.

[AnnieJo41 in reply to Oldtuggo]

Thanks so much for your reply. It has cheered me up no end. I am 83 and my pressures have stayed at 14 since NTG was diagnosed two years ago. I, too have good sight. My NTG was discovered when I had my diabetic eye test that I have had every year for 13 years. At the moment I only administer one drop of Visutrax in each eye at night. The NHS Glaucoma clinic is very busy here and I am only being seen 6 monthly or so. I keep ringing them to see if I’m still in the queue. I hope all goes well at your appointment, do let know me how you go on. Thanks again. Annie