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Do I really have glaucoma?

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Gino9
Gino9

Diagnosed with glaucoma 3 years ago. Stopped the eye drops 2 years ago. Optic nerve pics show no discernable change from 3 years ago. Visual field tests show some areas of vision loss. Unchanged from 3 years ago. I am 67 years old. I have mild sleep apnea, doc says my type of glaucoma is indicated when you have glaucoma. I am a Veteran in the USA so the care is free. Eye pressure is 12 and 13. Doc wants to have appointments every 3 months. I hate the VF tests. Any thought on if I really have glaucoma? Am I wasting Docs time or are they wasting mine? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee Gino9

    Posted

    You should take a diagnosis of glaucoma more seriously. It can be fairly stable for years even without eye drops and then escalate very rapidly without you being aware. Often this is then too late and you can be blind or very nearly blind in no time at all.      You have already lost some areas of vision so you are at risk. Using eye drops every day is a very small price to pay to keep your sight.,and I am sure you have experienced worse things than a VF test.

    It is essential to have glaucoma monitored as each patient will be different in the way the problem progresses..

  • Gino9
    Gino9

    Posted

    Thank you for your feedback. Are you a eye professional. Just wondering if I really have glaucome or am being misdiagnosed? I’ve read many reports online of this. Thanks Gino
  • Gino9
    Gino9

    Posted

    Stable to escalating very rapidly then blindness without eyedrops. To paraphase recent comment.

    I have not read this online anywhere. Supposedly then with eyedrops no blindness? This all sounds hyberbolic to me. Any other informed opinions out there. Welcome to all I am but a laymen looking for advice. 12 and 13 iop does not sound that I am in high risk danger here.

     

  • samantha1970
    samantha1970 Gino9

    Posted

    Sounds like you may have normal tension glaucoma. This should be watched closely too and every three months is a good doctor being thorough. We all hate visual field tests. Unfortunately, it’s a sad test we must all endure and one if the few methods a specialist can help with our eyes deteriorating.
  • Gino9
    Gino9

    Posted

    Thank you for your reply. Normal tension Glaucoma, I’ve seen that talked about. My iop stays the same with or without eyedrops. Medicine for “maybe” helpful has always bothered me. I think we should all be skeptical and ask questions about treatment. What is a definitive diagnosis of glaucoma. Vf test that remain the same year in and year out? Optic nerve pics that don’t change? I’ve seen pro and con to treat normal tension glaucoma patients and suspects on the internet. Thanks to all input.
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