Was just diagnosed with glaucoma, need support!

Posted by evw100 @ew100, Jun 8, 2019

I’ll be 79 in a couple of months and my ophthalmologist just diagnosed my eyes “Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, mild stage”. My eye pressures are borderline high, 22.5 left eye and 21 right eye. Since my dad was blind of glaucoma, the doctor wants me to start using eye drops on my left eye only, so he can compare the result of the drops. After using Travatan Z (free sample bottle from his office) for one month, my left eye pressure went up to 23! He switched me to Latanoprost (Xalatan) with the same direction and recheck one month in July.

I was diagnosed with myopic degeneration or degenerative myopia 9 years ago, I also have bad cataracts. I’m praying that Latanoprost drops will bring my left eye pressure down from 23, so the doctor does not recommend laser or surgery as the next step!!! I don’t heal well; I have very weak immune system. I have Medicare, HMO insurance plan.

I would appreciate so much if you would share any of your experiences of your glaucoma treatment journey and the different types of eye drops that you used!

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@ew100
Hello,
I took Lumigan awhile then Latanoprost with good results.
You mentioned Cataracts which I had as well however I had cataract surgery and after my surgery my pressures returned to normal.
Has your doctor suggested removing your cataracts? Perhaps you would have the same luck I did. My Mom had glaucoma too and she also had cataract surgery however it didn't help her pressures like it did mine.
Good luck,
Jake

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I might be seeing the wrong opthmologist! My eyes are so dry, it feels like no fluid inside my eyeballs, they are blood shot, they hurt all around the sockets, feel like hot. On 9.25.20 the eye doctor said just buy over the counter drops. I asked what my pressure was and he said 22 and 21 in the other eye. I asked if I should be concerned and he said, "no", when pressure readings are at 30 then it is time to worry. Do I have glaucoma and just a bad o pthmologist? Any thoughts????

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@deborahfrick123

I might be seeing the wrong opthmologist! My eyes are so dry, it feels like no fluid inside my eyeballs, they are blood shot, they hurt all around the sockets, feel like hot. On 9.25.20 the eye doctor said just buy over the counter drops. I asked what my pressure was and he said 22 and 21 in the other eye. I asked if I should be concerned and he said, "no", when pressure readings are at 30 then it is time to worry. Do I have glaucoma and just a bad o pthmologist? Any thoughts????

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@deborahfrick123 Hi Deborah I have Glucoma and my ct was ,20-21 Dr put me on Latanaprest ct down to normal 14-15. I think you should see another Opthalmologist Glucoma can lead to blindness ,don't mean to scare you but yes you need to get it under control I also have Macular Degeneration so Dr put me on AREDS a pill 2x a day

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Thank you lioness. I will have to wait an entire year because I am sure Medicare won't pay twice in the same year. I never heard of such things the doctor told me. Quit drinking tea, drink water instead. Do a daily nasal wash because the eyes, nose and throat are connected and buy over the counter drops and eye pads ( he said, acum pads) to cleanse my eye lids. I thought he was joking and I said what for? He said, to correct my dry eye problems.

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@deborahfrick123

I might be seeing the wrong opthmologist! My eyes are so dry, it feels like no fluid inside my eyeballs, they are blood shot, they hurt all around the sockets, feel like hot. On 9.25.20 the eye doctor said just buy over the counter drops. I asked what my pressure was and he said 22 and 21 in the other eye. I asked if I should be concerned and he said, "no", when pressure readings are at 30 then it is time to worry. Do I have glaucoma and just a bad o pthmologist? Any thoughts????

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Hi Deborah - I've dealt with Glaucoma for 37 years, and my experience tells me that you definitely need to seek a second opinion. I can't comment on your current ophthamologist; however, your pressures are high. Also, "just buying OTC eye drops" is not a good answer. Most OTC eye drops have preservatives in them, which further the eyes being dry. I've worked with a Dry Eye Specialist, and there are many things to do to deal with dry eyes - and it sounds like yours are severely dry. Please do not let these issues go on without prompt attention. You were right to trust your gut in sensing that your current ophthamologist might not be the best for you. Let us know how you are doing! Sue

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@deborahfrick123

Thank you lioness. I will have to wait an entire year because I am sure Medicare won't pay twice in the same year. I never heard of such things the doctor told me. Quit drinking tea, drink water instead. Do a daily nasal wash because the eyes, nose and throat are connected and buy over the counter drops and eye pads ( he said, acum pads) to cleanse my eye lids. I thought he was joking and I said what for? He said, to correct my dry eye problems.

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@deborahfrick123 I never heard of this To clean eyelids a friend gave me some baby shampoo to use dip Qtip wash, rinse dry I use Refresh lubricating tears the others didn't work for me For my severe Dry eyes she gave me Restasis eye drops also eye ointment at night Check with your ins. about seeing another Opthalmologist they might?

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@jakedduck1

@ew100
Hello,
I took Lumigan awhile then Latanoprost with good results.
You mentioned Cataracts which I had as well however I had cataract surgery and after my surgery my pressures returned to normal.
Has your doctor suggested removing your cataracts? Perhaps you would have the same luck I did. My Mom had glaucoma too and she also had cataract surgery however it didn't help her pressures like it did mine.
Good luck,
Jake

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@jakedduck1 I had cataract surgery but didn't help my dry eyes or Glucoma everyone is different

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Deborah - Call Medicare and find out what you need to do to get another exam. Your Primary Care Physician may be able to help you also. Among my 3 eye docs, I probably have 8-10 appts/year. It has to be coded right, but you definitely need to figure out a way to see a new Ophthamologist - as soon as possible. Sue

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@ashby1947

Deborah - Call Medicare and find out what you need to do to get another exam. Your Primary Care Physician may be able to help you also. Among my 3 eye docs, I probably have 8-10 appts/year. It has to be coded right, but you definitely need to figure out a way to see a new Ophthamologist - as soon as possible. Sue

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@ashby1947 I will call Medicare. I feel in my heart this doctor is way off with my diagnosis. Thank you.

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@lioness

@deborahfrick123 I never heard of this To clean eyelids a friend gave me some baby shampoo to use dip Qtip wash, rinse dry I use Refresh lubricating tears the others didn't work for me For my severe Dry eyes she gave me Restasis eye drops also eye ointment at night Check with your ins. about seeing another Opthalmologist they might?

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@lioness I wrote down everything you suggested. I am going to the store today and I will buy some baby shampoo and Refresh eye tears. I really have to thank you, I have been miserable for months and was hoping for more help from the ophthalmologist. I will definitely call Medicare to see if I can get a second opinion.

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