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Was just diagnosed with glaucoma, need support!
Eye Conditions | Last Active: Feb 10 12:41pm | Replies (99)Comment receiving replies
<p>My new ophthalmologist recently diagnosed me with glaucoma, with pressures measuring 30/32. (I was using prednisone at the time) In the past, my previous doctor monitored my pressures and optic nerve closely, with pressures consistently in the mid to upper 20's. Despite this, she dismissed it as natural high pressures, emphasizing the importance of the optic nerve. However, upon my first visit to my new doctor, I was diagnosed with glaucoma, advised for laser treatment in both eyes, and prescribed Lantanoprost. The medication worked well at first, but after about five weeks, I had side effects. The doctor recommended having Durysta implant surgery. I feel uncertain about the suggested course of action and worry that my vulnerability is being exploited. Therefore, I am seeking a second opinion. Should I discontinue the drops a day before my appointment?</p>
Replies to "My new ophthalmologist recently diagnosed me with glaucoma, with pressures measuring 30/32. (I was using prednisone..."
Good morning
Your eye pressure of 30/32 sounds very high to me. I've been fighting glaucoma for over 30 years now and goal is to keep pressure under 15.
I'm currently on 3 eye drops: Pilocarpine, Dorzolimide, and Rocklatan.
I had not heard about Durysta implant which sounds like it can reduce pressure without eye drops for months. But it is a relatively new treatment and does not reduce pressure for eveyone.
I would be very cautious about having foreign object injected into my eyes, and would recommend first getting second opinion at one of the US recognized eye research centers such as Bascom Palmer or Wills. I've been to Bascom Palmer in Miami several times over the years and they are very good at diagnosing and recommending treatment. They can also provide recommendations on glaucoma specialist graduates working in your area.
My current local optimologist did a fellowship at Bascom Palmer.
@sixtz4me
Personally I wouldn't do the implant. I'd try other drops first.
Jake
I appreciate your response! Indeed, that's precisely why I mentioned that he appeared to be exploiting my vulnerability. He immediately resorted to laser treatment as the initial approach, and the moment the drops proved ineffective, he swiftly moved on to suggesting injections. It feels as though he bombarded me with all these options while I was still processing the shock. I must take responsibility for placing my trust in this so-called "specialist!"
@sixtz4me
Do you have cataracts?
When I had my cataract surgery done, my pressures went back down to normal and I didn't have to use drops anymore but my pressures were nowhere near what yours are. My mom also had cataract surgery, but she had to continue taking her latanoprost.
Good luck to you,
Jake
I recommend getting another opinion, too. I was diagnosed with glaucoma 5 years ago. I have used eye drops to bring down numbers, highest being 26. I also underwent MIGS, the least invasive treatment I understand. That helped some.
I recently developed some allergic reactions to Timolol (very unusual my opthomologist said) and to brimonidine ( swelling and pinkness around one eye, a lot of itching). It took some time to figure out the culprits. I first thought I was allergic to the preservatives in the eye drops, but that is not the case. I currently use dorzolamide and latanaprost. I get eye pressure checked about every 3 months for this new combination of eye drops.
Good luck to you. I feel lucky that I was able to use Timolol for 5 years before developing negative symptoms.
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No reason to discontinue drops. One day will not change nothing