I'm approaching 70. I've always had a lazy left eye but last year Specsavers picked up something suspicious with my retina and referred me to a specialist. Independently my regular eye screen for diabetes also picked up something in the left eye. Pressure in both eyes was similar and normal. After months of waiting then more tests I told I had normal tension open angle glaucoma, i.e. normal eye pressure but glaucoma anyway due to the other factors involved. I was given laser trabeculoplasty to help the eye drain, with little success, but now I'm on Latanoprost drops which have reduced the pressure somewhat. My right eye is currently fine.
I'm glad the drops are working but worried that if pressure isn't the main cause it may not stop it progressing. Like most people I depend on a car, and my main hobby is motorcycling, so I'd like to keep my vision to driving standard as long as possible!
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WhiteTiger800
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There are others on the forum with normal tension glaucoma so a search may bring up some helpful previous posts.
We're all different with our glaucoma experiences but I guess we all have the same concerns . The good thing is that there are so many treatment options so always hope!
I've had normal tension open angle glaucoma (NTG) for almost 40 years. I had trabeculectomies at the start and have been on drops and Diamox capsules ever since.
The only aspect of NTG they can treat is to keep the pressures lower than they are naturally. There are many drops, procedures and surgery available to achieve this and they have done their job for me.
The most important thing is that you have the diagnosis and that they keep monitoring you. Of course you also have to comply with taking the drops 😀
My glaucoma has not progressed significantly over the years as when the pressures start rising they change the drops. This is common practice and generally works to stop glaucoma progressing. I was unlucky in that the glaucoma had progressed significantly before it was realised that I had NTG so driving was taken from me early on. However, despite fears to the contrary, the sight I had left has not reduced any further, thanks to the drops etc.
I think we all worry when we first get our diagnosis but I can assure you that the vast majority of folk keep enough eye sight to carry on driving.
I suppose I'm worried because the hospital isn't much good. I never met a consultant or had a letter, my field test tech explained my diagnosis! I've had one follow up since starting drops which showed some pressure reduction, about a year ago, and heard nothing since. I don't even have a name or number to call.
I'm sorry to hear that you've been left in the lurch, no wonder you are worried.
Hospital Eye Departments are really overworked, always have been, but now it is even worse. I think most of us have had to find out about glaucoma ourselves and joining this Forum is a pretty good place to start. Use the search facility to look for topics that interest you.
Another really good source of information is Glaucoma UK (who moderate this Forum); they have a website that is full of information about all types of glaucoma. They also have a helpline which is very friendly where you can talk to an actual person and get answers to your questions.
I don't think it is right that you should have been left for over a year without any follow-up. I appreciate that you don't have anyone specific to contact but it would be worth you telephoning the Eye Department and explaining your position to them so that they can check that you haven't fallen through the cracks and been forgotten.
As I said in my earlier reply to you, it is important that your pressures remain stable and they must be checked to ensure that the drops are working and glaucoma is not progressing. If I were you, I would find a local privately owned Optician (ie, not a chain such as Specsavers) and ask for an appointment to have a pressure check with a Goldman machine and to discuss your glaucoma with the optician afterwards. I have always found Opticians very helpful and knowledgeable and they may be able to help you get back into the NHS system.
Finally, if you are really worried, and can afford it, you can take the route that many of us have had to resort to for peace of mind: go private. Just a one off appointment might sort you out by explaining NTG and the extent of it in your case - and all in pleasant surroundings with a consultant who will have 30 minutes just for you and your questions.
Sorry for the long reply. If I can help you at all, please let me know.
Hello. NTG can be confusing, but it can be well controlled with treatments. SLT can be hit and miss for some people, and we can all respond differently to treatments. You might find this article to be helpful. glaucoma.uk/blog-category-b...
Sorry you have had a negative experience at your hospital. If you would like to, you can speak to your GP about a referral to a different hospital. There is also the PALS department, who might be able to help with your appointments. You could also get a one-off private consultation, if you would like to. This can give you the opportunity to sit down with a consultant and have them answer your questions. I understand not everyone can afford to do this, but I just wanted to make you aware of your options.
Please contact the helpline if you would like further help.
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