Gransnet forums

Health

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

(6 Posts)
Lynker Fri 26-Jan-18 22:03:16

I've been referred to an ophthalmic surgeon following a routine eye test and it seems that I am likely to need laser treatment to prevent a build up of pressure in my eyes. It's come as a bit of a shock to me....has anyone any experience of this please?

grandma60 Fri 26-Jan-18 22:18:40

Hello Lynker, This happened to me two years ago, I can remember the shock that I felt after what I thought was going to be a routine opticians appointment.

Firstly, don't worry about the laser treatment. It only takes a few minutes and is painless.
A bit later on I had surgery to widen the angles. It was done as part of cataract surgery, again painless.
Of course it does mean you will need to use eye drops, probably for the rest of your life and need regular checks at the eye hospital.
My pressures are much lower now and it has become part of my life and not that massive worry that it was when I was first told.

Good Luck flowers

Lynker Sat 27-Jan-18 11:27:17

Thank you for your reassuring post Grandma. It came as quite a surprise given I only went to the opticians for new specs! My pressure is ok, but I am apparently at risk of having a sudden severe headache and potential loss of eyesight. I have decided to go privately to speed things up now I am aware of it. It shows how important regular eye tests are.... my friend had high blood diagnosed by her optician, another found he had high cholesterol. Thanks again for your post.flowers

grandma60 Sat 27-Jan-18 17:31:22

Yes, I only went for new specs, unfortunately despite always having regular eye checks (the last one 2 years before), my pressure was quite high and there was already damage to the optic nerve. Even so I am always nagging everyone to go for regular checks. I went private as well as it was paid for by the company I worked for at the time. I did help as the surgery was dealt with quickly so I had less time to get really worked up about it.
Hope you are less worried now.

Nelliemoser Sat 27-Jan-18 18:05:39

My whole family on my grandmothers side has a Glaucoma issue. "Our" generation only has four of us cousins now. Three of us are being treated with drops now my sister has had other treatment .
I am not sure about my male cousin in Austraila.
For me so far it shows in the back of my eye as such but is well controlled.
All seven women in our family have had this to some degree or other. Do keep taking your tablets and have your surgery if offered.

MrsJamJam Tue 30-Jan-18 15:56:48

So glad I have found this thread. Strong family history of glaucoma and at my last clinic appointment they found the beginning of3 deterioration of the optic nerve so wanted me to start daily drops. I have used contact lenses for 50 years and currently use extended wear ones which suit me perfectly but not compatible with daily drops. Permanent glasses filled me with gloom and then I was told that they could offer a laser therapy if I was interested. This is now fixed for 1st March and I am feeling a bit apprehensive so any good news stories about this would be hugely appreciated. smile