Glaucoma

Sorry for all the spelling mistakes in my message.  I dictated it and was shocked when I read it...

Try not to stress ( I know easier said than done) but keep in mind Glaucoma can typically be easily managed with eye drops. Your doctor will want to see you more often and to do visual field test at least yearly and check your pressures. There are also many drops out there, if you do have bad side effects with a particular drop have your doc switch you to a different one. typically the most common side effect I see is irritation. You can use lubricating drops you will want to wait at least 5 minutes after to put them in but they can help if you do have irritation. Just make sure to use your drops consistently. Good luck with everything!

Dont worry Sue...high pressure can be managed with eye drops...It would be wise to use ones without bak in them..as its the preservative in the drops that causes the most problems...when I put mine in.I hold the sides of my eyes,just at the side of my nose, for about 3 mins...put a little pressure there...it keeps the drops from going down the back of your throat, and keeps side effects to a minimum ..I have been using them for a year now..with no problems...xx

Hello sue86053   As others have said try not to worry.  I was just like you and after having higher pressures as much as 29 but with no damage for many years.  Many years later it was decided that as they left eye was starting to show early signs of damage so  I  should start on Xalatan which I think is often their first choice especially as it is only taken at night.  Unfortunately it affected my asthma so after 2 cataract surgery and laser treatment (painless procedure in out patients) I was started on Azopt I like you was worried because of the side effects  as I suffer from blepharitis which is an inflammation of the eye lids and is quite common.  I have no problems with  azopt and like others also suggested after putting the drop in my eye I put a finger over the corner for 2/3 mins to prevent prevent the drops going down the back of the throat.  I also but this is just for my blepharitis take a small piece of cotton wool or cotton buds and very carefully just quickly clean around the eye lashes just in case any is left on the lids although unlikely,   My pressures now are around 19 to 21.  They are happy with this and I also have the option to try xalatan with no preservative in the future.  It is the preservative I believe which sometimes causes sore eyes etc,  I have been using Azopt for 3/4 years with no problems and I have very sensitive eyes.  Remember not everyone experiences side effects and there are many eye drops they can try and possibly new ones with come on the market.  Try not to worry just use your drops regularly and keep all appointments and you will be fine.  You don't mention your age.  I was only in my early 50's when the high pressures started and worried myself sick around them getting worse.  I am now 70 and have only been on drops for around 3/4 years.  Do let us know here on the forum how you get on.

Forgot to mention one of the consultants way back told me to use a  lubricating drop 30 mins before your xalatan.  I used to do this but find I don't need them so much now.  I used a preservative free one on nhs prescription.