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Need some straight answers

Question:

I was diagnosed in my mid-thirties.  Much back and forth.  The pressure readings were never terribly high.  Visual field and other exams have always been fine.  However, my doc started me on drops once he finally decided to make the diagnosis.  I’ve changed scripts once.  Been testing fine for 5+ years. Others who have been on meds for longer may have another perspective.  You may wish to consider that my docs did decide to start medications right away.

Response:

I’m in my mid-forties and I was diagnosed a couple of months ago.  My pressure readings weren’t that high (about 22-23) but further testing showed minor optic nerve damage and some field vision loss in both eyes. My doctor said that nowadays, with meds like xalatan which is easy to administer and have few side effects, he sees no reason to postpone treatment until actual damage occurs. If you are not comfortable with your dr. not commencing treatment, by all means get another opinion–they are, after all, YOUR eyes. Best wishes.

Response:

It is not so much how high the pressure is…it is the level where damage starts to happen…23 is much higher for some people than it is for others…maybe your doctor can see that it is doing no/little damage just a thought.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Marcy wrote in message <3af6d4d7$…@athena.netset.com>… >Anyone out there in their mid-30s? I was diagnosed with High IOP about 1.5 >years ago, and my Dr has not treated me yet (I’m testing at 23-24). Should I >switch Drs? My nerves are not damaged, and my visual fields test is normal. >Marcy

Response:

Anyone out there in their mid-30s? I was diagnosed with High IOP about 1.5 years ago, and my Dr has not treated me yet (I’m testing at 23-24). Should I switch Drs? My nerves are not damaged, and my visual fields test is normal. All the people I "know" with glaucoma are much older and I am worried if it is reasonable to hope that it could be treated for the 50 or so years I hope to have left on this planet so I can keep my sight. Also, has anyone out there been able to keep pressure down with drops for an extended period of time, or do people typically end up having to have surgeries, etc? There’s so much misinformation out there, I’ve gotten myself really panicked more than once. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Marcy

Response:

In alt.support.glaucoma, on 08 May 2001, Marcy announced: I’m in my mid-20’s, I’ve had glaucoma for around 5 years now in my right eye – pressure when first diagnosed was ~36, usually it’s around 16 now with drops (timoptol). If you’re not completely confident in the doctor’s advice (as you’re obviously not), then there is no reason *not* to get a second opinion.  Better to spend time making sure everything’s ok than to go blind in a few years. Good luck! Regards — My BIG Win9x Cursors: http://qjc.cjb.net/cursors.html Blind Cricket: http://qjc.cjb.net/cricket.html Please don’t send me junk leaves! (take them out before replying). No Silicon Heaven?  But where do all the calculators go? – Kryten.

Response:

Thanks for your quick response. I’m starting to wonder if I should seek another opinion, I guess I’m concerned that the Dr. has chosen not to treat me…I appreciate your input. Thanks! "Mbarker7" <mbark…@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20010507133658.03622.00002983@ng-fv1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was diagnosed in my mid-thirties.  Much back and forth.  The pressure > readings were never terribly high.  Visual field and other exams have always > been fine.  However, my doc started me on drops once he finally decided to make > the diagnosis.  I’ve changed scripts once.  Been testing fine for 5+ years. > Others who have been on meds for longer may have another perspective.  You may > wish to consider that my docs did decide to start medications right away.

Response:

Marcy: I was just 40 when they dx me.. I have no idea how or when I acquired it, because it had been about 5 years earlier since my last eye appointment. Now I got medication and I go back every 6 months for rechecks…. Lynn

Response:

Marcy,     If I were in your situation (pressures 23 and 24 and no visual field loss) I probably would heed my doctor’s advice not to begin treatment right away.  All the latest information indicates that pressure is only one of several factors involved in glaucoma anyway, according to what I’ve read, and those readings of yours are not all that high. Mine were much higher when I was diagnosed.  I think if I were in your situation, and I had confidence in my physician, I’d want to put off starting on drops unless and until the doctor recommended it.     Good luck to you.     Don Singleton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Marcy wrote: > Anyone out there in their mid-30s? I was diagnosed with High IOP about 1.5 > years ago, and my Dr has not treated me yet (I’m testing at 23-24). Should I > switch Drs? My nerves are not damaged, and my visual fields test is normal. > All the people I "know" with glaucoma are much older and I am worried if it > is reasonable to hope that it could be treated for the 50 or so years I hope > to have left on this planet so I can keep my sight. > Also, has anyone out there been able to keep pressure down with drops for an > extended period of time, or do people typically end up having to have > surgeries, etc? > There’s so much misinformation out there, I’ve gotten myself really panicked > more than once. Any info would be greatly appreciated! > Marcy

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