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Should I take drops?

Posted , 4 users are following.

simon35086
simon35086

Hi Guys.

I'm a 37 year old male and have 19-22 IOP in left eye and 22-23 in the right with a family history of glaucoma.  I'm fairly consistently in this range each time I test.  My peripheral vision is fine and eyesight is 20/20 with no current optic nerve damage.  The opthamoligist said just to keep up my 6 month checkups but I'm thinking perhaps I should start taking drops - what's the consensus on when (based on age and pressure) when one should consider starting drops?  

Many thanks in advance.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • mrsmop
    mrsmop simon35086

    Posted

    Listen to your Ophthalmologist.  He is obviously keeping an eye [sorry!] on your pressures.

    I had to use drops for 2 or 3 years because of secondary glaucoma, my pressures dropped to 8 in both eyes, the more junior doctors were happy to leave me on the drops.  The Consultant told me that my pressures were too low and where they had previously told me that the 'cut off point' was 20, they no longer seem to worry, so long as I attend clinics regularly to be checked.

  • libralady13
    libralady13 simon35086

    Posted

    Hello Simon,  I have been under the care of Moorfields since around 1999.

    I am now 66 years old.  I was sent there because my pressures were too high. Like you at the time there was no nerve damage and field tests were fine  just went every 6months to a year just to be checked no drops given.  I was discharged around 2005.  In 2010/11 the optician referred me back to the hospital.  By this time I had cataracts,blepharitis and the pressures were over 30.

    To cut a lot story short cataracts now done, blepharitis under control.  There is some minor changes to the left eye, right eye is fine.  I did have glaucoma eye drops for a short while but they affected my asthma so it was decided to leave it and just check regularly.  I also had to have them after the cataract surgeries.

    I go back in November to see if things have changed and might have to go on drops permanently.  During all this time my pressures have been anything from 19 to high 20's.  At my last visit right eye was 19 left eye 24.  Just go with what the hospital advise.  I don't think there is any age when you should start, but I think although it may have changed that the cut off for starting drops is 30.  They also sometimes do laser treatment.  Of course if they see any damage that might change things.  Most importantly make sure to keep to your 6 months checkups.

    Hope this helps all the best to you.

  • dambudzo
    dambudzo simon35086

    Posted

    i agree with MRSMOP. follow the advice of the opthalmologist. If you are concerned then ask at the next appointment whether or not you should be on drops.

    i was really upset at starting drops at an apparently young age (in my early 40s) but the opthalmologist said that although it was not strictly necessary, she was concerned enough about potential damage in the future and that's why she wanted to start me on drops then. She preferred to be safe rather than sorry.

    not sure if this helps

     

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