Newly diagnosed with glaucoma

Shropshirelass

On Monday I was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes. I am 70, and carer for husband 79 who has mobility problems and is deaf.I already have some permanent damage to both eyes, as well as intermittent problems with blurred vision, floaters etc.

The consultant tested eye pressure, gave diagnosis, informed me about use of eye drops and return visit to clinic in space of 10 minutes. I was given no information about long term prognosis or what I can expect to happen.

I have researched on line for myself. My main question now is: am I considered disabled? How much/soon should I expect deterioration of sight? Is anyone with experience of this condition able to give advice?

melbury

My OH was diagnosed with it about 12 years ago when he was in his early fifties. It does run in his family - his mother and aunt have it - but out of the three children, he is the only one to get glaucoma.

He has to go to the hospital outpatients for checks every year (used to be six monthly but they seem to be cutting back) . He started on Latanoprost drops, but as his condition gradually worsened has been switched to Brinzolamide and Bimatoprost - uses both daily. He far preferred just the Latanoprost, but of course has to go with what the consultant says is best.

As long as it is monitored and you use the drops as recommended, it is controllable and doesn't impact too much on your life.

I don't think you are considered disabled if you suffer from glaucoma, as it is quite common. My husband's eyesight has not deteriorated as much as mine and I don't have it.

[Deleted User]

Its not really permitted to give medical advice on a site like this, after all we may not have a clue what we are talking about. I do know for a fact that a neighbour who is 58 was diagnosed with the condition 2 years ago and with treatment continues to work and drive.
Would the RNIB be of any use?

poppy12345

Shropshirelass wrote: »

On Monday I was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes. I am 70, and carer for husband 79 who has mobility problems and is deaf.I already have some permanent damage to both eyes, as well as intermittent problems with blurred vision, floaters etc.

The consultant tested eye pressure, gave diagnosis, informed me about use of eye drops and return visit to clinic in space of 10 minutes. I was given no information about long term prognosis or what I can expect to happen.

I have researched on line for myself. My main question now is: am I considered disabled? How much/soon should I expect deterioration of sight? Is anyone with experience of this condition able to give advice?

I'm sorry to hear of this, but no one here is medically trained to advice anyone on medical condtions. Therefore i think the best person to answer your questions would be your GP or Consultant. No 2 people are the same therefore what might affect one person may affect someone else in a totally different way. Please see you GP for any advice you need.

teddysmum

It is the way that you are affected that decides whether you get disability payments (AA in your case) and not the name of the condition.


An internet friend has had glaucoma and cataracts for years and carried on as usual. However, after having just one cataract done,she was amazed by how much sight she regained.

GlasweJen

http://www.glaucoma-association.com

We use leaflets from the glaucoma association at work, their information is accurate and they used to have a help line, not sure if they still do though.

Glaucoma can be a disability, if it impacts your day to day living but for most people it's a long term medical condition that they just need to manage. It is important to attend a yearly eye test at the opticians as well as all of your hospital appointments and to take the drops exactly as prescribed making sure your consultant knows of any problems you're having with the drops.

You will need regular visual field testing which will be arranged by the hospital, if you want to keep driving it is essential that you listen to the instructions and do the fields test to the best of your ability.

If your pressures don't come down or if you're experiencing a form of glaucoma that makes the angles close you may need a day surgery procedure, usually done by laser, to create new drainage channels or widen the ones you have. This is usually only done after trying to manage with drops has been unsuccessful.

Shropshirelass

Many thanks to everyone for the helpful answers. I now have an appointment with GP for next Friday to discuss the diagnosis. (I haven't had a copy of the Consultant's letter) I have also looked at the Glaucoma Association website and will read it through carefully.

I don't feel that I am at all 'disabled' so am glad of the distinction you made GlasweJen.

Sncjw

Do you have an eye Liason officer in the dept.

Sncjw

How long ago was the appointment. If it was recent it can take up to a month for th secretary's to write the letter as eyes are a busy dept.

Shropshirelass

Sncjw - I saw the Consultant on Monday at a satellite clinic at a high street optician, though the appointment was arranged through the local general hospital by a booking 'agency' 2 counties away.

I have had to phone around to get my prescription faxed, as the letter to the GP had not arrived, and the local hospital had no record of the Consultant (I first asked to speak to his Secretary), and no record of my recent ophthalmic history, as I have been seen at satellite clinics in different local towns.

I have kept copies of the optician and Consultant's letters so far, so hope the GP will give me a copy of the most recent. It was an optician who originally referred me, due to raised IOP. That was 2 years ago, in one eye, now I have raised IOP in both eyes, and loss of peripheral vision in both.

This is really why I panicked a bit, I have had to phone to ask for follow-up appointments which were ordered by consultants. if I don't know what should happen next, I feel they may just forget about me.

pipkin71

My dad was diagnosed with glaucoma in his 20s and had lost the sight in one eye by the time he was thirty. His other eye is still okay and he continues to drive. It hasn't affected him in the sense of disability.

Reading up on your diagnosis and discussing it with the GP is a positive next step