Glaucoma and bowel movement straining!

Hi @evw100 that is a very interesting question. I did find on the Mayo glaucoma page, that high blood pressure can be a risk factor, which straining during bowel movement would increase your blood pressure. Have you brought this up to your doctor? Do you currently experience glaucoma symptoms?

@ew100 As Ethan said straining will increase blood pressure if its not under control Have you talked to your Dr. about your concern ? Maybe just a stool softner would help or something else . I would talk to your Dr. or Pharmacist and see what they recommend . If your concerned about glaucoma see you eye Dr. But don't just guess or let it worry you go find out .

Hi Ethan & lioness, Thanks for your input! I'll ask my ophthalmologist on Thursday if he doesn't rush out before I can ask any questions! He said I have mild stage open-angel glaucoma. The first prescribed eye drop didn't bring the eye pressure down, so he prescribed a different one. Hopefully, I'll hear good news that this one works! I'm not looking for laser treatment. I'll be 79 yrs old next month. I have Myopic Degeneration and cataract. One of the surgery risks is retina detachment because of my thinning retina!

Hi, I know this article is a few years old, but it's something I'm trying to get some real answers before I have the operation for Glaucoma.

I definitely do have Cataracts and need surgery for that. My eye doctor has found high pressure in both my eyes. My left eye went from 26 to 34 in 6 weeks. My right eye went from 28 to 38 in the 6 weeks. Yes, I understand that is high pressure, but putting a stent in each eye to relieve pressure I am not sure if he should so soon. He is telling my I'm going blind and I need to ASAP. The reason why I'll explain below.

A little history: since I was a child, I've always have had a hard time pooping. As an adult at 64, I still have that problem. I have had to strain so hard to get it out I even have felt like passing out. I even feel the pressure in my eyes in the past straining.

Since I have found out I have Glaucoma, I went on a stool softener and Miralax and my pooping is finally normal. it's been 6 days and my problem is under control. I wish I would have tried this a long time ago.

What I need to know is since I'm not straining anymore, I'm thinking that the pressure in my eyes may go back to normal in time and the eye stent he wants to put in will just be a waste of a procedure to have done. Do you think I should hold off for a little while and see if the pressure goes back to normal?

I have no family history of Glaucoma in my family. My eyes have always been healthy 20/20 my whole life. Cataracts is in the family.

What do you think?

Thank You!

Regarding cataract surgery:
Only YOU can know if it is time for that surgery.
I’d want to research other Opthamologists as well as ask friends, or your PCP, for referrals to get second, or third opinions. I’m using eye drops for increased ocular pressure. Lumigan 0.01% one drop each eye at night. Also directed to do no yoga exercises with head lower than heart. However my pressure has never been higher than 25. It was usually below 21.

For CONSTIPATION, dehydration is commonly a cause. To keep myself honest I drink a carafe of herbal tea daily. It holds 7 cups of fluid. Remember, caffeine is a diuretic and dehydrates. Be well!