Was just diagnosed with glaucoma, need support!

Deborah - a couple more thoughts. When you call Medicare, you might want to ask if it is covered and/or how to get a second opinion paid for. Again, I would check with your PCP doc, he or she knows how to work through the system. I used to be a hospital administrator, and believe me, there is ALWAYS a way to get through the system. Next thought, if you are comfortable with it, you could share your location on this blog. Someone else may be in your area and able to recommend a good Glaucoma specialist. Hope this helps! Sue

I live in Parma, Ohio and I went to the Cole Institute (Cleveland Clinic).

@deborahfrick123 Glad I could help I never heard of an Opthalmologist suggesting what he did hopefully your Ins will allow it once you explain what that Dr said Let me know wish you the best.I use to live on Pa close to Pittsburgh now on CA

@ashby1947 Yes, everything you wrote is very helpful. I will be calling Medicare and asking for help/clarification.

@lioness I bought "baby shampoo" and a box of" Refresh lubricant eye gel" yesterday. Used both before I went to bed and will wash my eyes twice a day. I will call Medicare today. I am going to review "My Chart" to see what the ophthalmologist wrote. My mother had all sorts of medical issues and she too has eye problems. I see you use to live one state over at one time, we were almost neighbors back then!

Hi Deborah - I'm glad you are taking some steps to benefit your eyes. I also use an Eye Mask for Dry eyes (I got mine from my doc, but Amazon, Walgreens, etc have them). I use it for about 10 minutes @ day and it helps stimulate the meibomian glands. The Cleveland Clinic is good. I had a consultation there a number of years ago (not eyes). You might want to consider calling the Institute and inquiring about a second opinion - how to go about it, will it be paid for, etc. Your previous doc shouldn't be upset, and if he is, all the more reason to say good bye. My Glaucoma doc suggested I get a 2nd opinion when I was having a serious issue. Persevere, you will get better! Sue

Hello @deborahfrick123

I agree with what @lioness and @ashby1947 have posted that a second opinion is in order. When you are having a chronic eye problem it is certainly a good idea to seek out a second opinion. Make the necessary calls to your PCP and/or your insurance company to verify that they will refer you for a second opinion.

Much of what your ophthalmologist told you is true about treating dry eyes. The cleansing pads are quite refreshing. I use Systane drops (preservative-free) which work quite well for me. Hot compresses are also helpful.

Here is some information from Mayo Clinic's website about Glaucoma, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

If your current ophthalmologist uses My Chart if would be a good idea to read what was posted by him about your eye pressure numbers. Some doctors treat their patients more conservatively and this could be the case, but you need to put your mind at ease regarding this. Eyesight is a precious commodity for us all and we want to take care of vision problems the best we can.

I second the recommendation to get 2nd opinions when you are unsure if your GS doc is recommending best plan for you, or you just want confirmation. I live in Tampa Bay Florida area and have been fighting glaucoma after 2 detachments for over 25 years now (I'm 75). Every few years I sign-up to fly down to Miami for the day with my wife Charlotte to get a second opinion at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Univ. of Miami. They do a complete exam and field tests and give me advice on current treatment and the progression of the disease. Here are the top 10 ranked eye research centers including Bascom, Wills, and Cleveland Clinic:
https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/ophthalmology
You can ask for references in your area and they may be able to give you references for GS docs who have interned at their institute. I am very happy with my current GS doc and he is happy to refer me to Bascom whenever I want. I am on Medicare which does not cover discretionary second opinions so I did have to pay for them myself. The total including flights was less than $1,000. The peace of mind while fighting this life long battle has been worth it for me.

@deborahfrick123 Been to Ohio many times different areas lovely state as all eastern states area Hope you feel better some. I can't believe a Dr from Cleveland Clinic told you this .Glad your looking into getting a new Dr

I use Refresh brand for dry eye relief.
Preservative Free.