Delayed eye appointment warning

[Phoenix51]

Just wanted to post a cautionary message regarding eye appointments. Just before lockdown I was diagnosed with glaucoma, (this had caused some loss of peripheral vision ) and the beginnings of cataracts which was a shock coming only 2 months after GCA diagnosis. The consultant prescribed Latanoprost eye drops to try and reduce the ocular pressure. He said he would see me in 4/5 weeks to see if the drops had worked as the key was preserving remaining vision. Then Covid and Lockdown arrived. My scheduled appointment was cancelled as was the case for so many, and I was told it would be rearranged when safe to do so. I had a call from the consultant after 8 weeks, he asked me how I was getting on and I asked how I would know if the drops were/were not working. He said it would be very unlikely if they didn’t work. I was reassured. Finally last week I got an appointment through and went yesterday, nearly 3 months after my initial diagnosis. Unfortunately the drops haven’t worked, my pressure is higher now than when I first presented and I have a small haemorrhage behind my eye. I have now got to start another treatment in the hope that that will reduce the pressure. I feel I have lost 3 months and possible further loss of vision. I am not posting to be alarmist merely to suggest that anyone in a similar position would be well advised to be proactive and be seen as soon as possible. I know that some of you on this forum have a diagnosis of glaucoma so this may be relevant to you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm so sorry - they work on the majority and really don't ever seem to imagine we might not be "run of the mill" do they.

[jinasc]

One thing, 'the beginning of cataracts'.

14 years ago I was diagnosed with GCA. My optician immediately changed my lens to Re-actolite Rapide. If I had not worn spectacles she would have told me, sun glasses whenever the light is very bright and especially when sunny.

The reason for this is that pred+sunshine can and does cause cataracts either to grow or form.

14 years later, those cataracts of mine have not grown at all. Fingers crossed.

I can only echo PMRpro. A hard lesson to learn is to be pro-active.

[tansy13 in reply to jinasc]

Thank you for that tip jinasc. I have steroid induced cataracts in both eyes, Saw eye consultant just before lockdown and he'll operate on worst eye first. Never knew about wearing sunglasses with pred. Next appointment 24 July, hopefully, and I will go ahead asap.

[Phoenix51 in reply to jinasc]

Thank you very much for this advice

[Rugger]

I'm not sure what the current situation is (June 2020), but in April, my husband needed to have the pressure checked in his eye, following surgery for a detached retina. The eye clinic was closed, but the Consultant advised him to contact Specsavers, who were able to carry out the procedure as an 'emergency' appointment. My husband was masked up and so was the optician. He didn't need a referral from the hospital, but just explained the situation when he rang for the appointment. Other opticians may have been offering a similar service?

I am sorry that this information is too late for you, but hope that you will now receive the best care possible to protect your sight. Best wishes.

[Phoenix51 in reply to Rugger]

Thank you very much for this advice

[Phoenix51 in reply to Phoenix51]

I've just had a go and did it straight away, its different on the app, which was where I was looking this morning. On the PC its much easier. thank you for your help

[DogAgilityObsessed]

My family has glaucoma and I’ve always been clear so far. Is there a link with PMR?

[SheffieldJane]

Thank you for thinking of me Phoenix51. I hope that this is not as dismaying as it first appears. X

[Phoenix51 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi, I did think of you straight away.. I sent you a direct message but I’ve probably done it wrong 🙄🌈