Newly diagnosed with glaucoma

50Twuncle

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?

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

SamMoneySaver

I am 28 and I have been diagnosed with glaucoma. I have to use eye drops for the rest of my life as some of you may know its hard to put eye drops in yourself.

So i bought this eye dispenser glaucoma-association.com/shop/opticare-eye-drop-dispenser.htm

It can be bought or if you have a medical excempt certificate you get get it free.

Now i dnt need to rely on anyone to assist me, as I can use it myself.

GlasweJen

SamMoneySaver wrote: »

I am 28 and I have been diagnosed with glaucoma. I have to use eye drops for the rest of my life as some of you may know its hard to put eye drops in yourself.

So i bought this eye dispenser glaucoma-association.com/shop/opticare-eye-drop-dispenser.htm

It can be bought or if you have a medical excempt certificate you get get it free.

Now i dnt need to rely on anyone to assist me, as I can use it myself.

If you'd mentioned having problems with putting in your drops the hospital would have given you one for free. Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and 50% of patients aren't taking their drops as prescribed after 5 months so we will bend over backwards to get those drops in your eyes. We even have patients who have the district nurses going in just to put in the eye drops.

teddysmum

GlasweJen wrote: »

We even have patients who have the district nurses going in just to put in the eye drops.

Is this the case after cataract operations and is it only for house bound people ?


I ask as though my cataracts are slow growing, there will probably come a time.


The problem is that eye drops terrify me. I even dread clean water splashing in my eyes and had to give up on contacts because I couldn't bring myself to put them in. I am really on edge when my annual retinopathy test is due, because the drops sting but at least someone else is 'inflicting' the drops on me, so I can let them go ahead.

GlasweJen

teddysmum wrote: »

Is this the case after cataract operations and is it only for house bound people ?


I ask as though my cataracts are slow growing, there will probably come a time.


The problem is that eye drops terrify me. I even dread clean water splashing in my eyes and had to give up on contacts because I couldn't bring myself to put them in. I am really on edge when my annual retinopathy test is due, because the drops sting but at least someone else is 'inflicting' the drops on me, so I can let them go ahead.

Yes it's available after cataract surgery but would need to be put in place before the surgery date. It's not just for house bound it's for people who are at risk of losing their sight due to poor compliance with drops for whatever reason. District nurses have very heavy case loads so you will be asked if anyone in the family can help with your drops before the DNs step in.

SamMoneySaver

GlasweJen wrote: »

If you'd mentioned having problems with putting in your drops the hospital would have given you one for free. Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and 50% of patients aren't taking their drops as prescribed after 5 months so we will bend over backwards to get those drops in your eyes. We even have patients who have the district nurses going in just to put in the eye drops.

Oh I didnt know that. I told my consultant that I was having trouble. He didnt say I could get it free?

Hmmm

Rodders53

I hated the idea of instilling eye drops until I was diagnosed with Glaucoma and had to do it. Some years later, it is no problem at all! But I only did it because my eyesight is so precious to me!

OP with loss of sight in both eyes you must inform DVLA (though I'd suggest getting copy of the Hospital letter first to confirm the damage is in both eyes). DVLA will probably arrange a (easier) fields test at a localism Opticians to decide if you are safe to drive. https://www.gov.uk/glaucoma-and-driving

As others have said although damage already done cannot be reversed the condition is manageable and controllable in most cases, and has minimal impact on daily life.

In my case, having moved home in the last year my new Moorfields' Consultant here informed me I don't have Glaucoma, just raised Intraocular Pressures (pre-Glaucoma) and an irregular-shaped optic nerve disc my original Consultant took for damage. Still on the drops though!

You'll likely be seen quite often in the first year or so, while they get your pressures controlled, then less often (annually is normal I believe) as time goes on. Being diagnosed gives you the best chance of keeping your eyesight, which - untreated - would be lost!

GlasweJen

SamMoneySaver wrote: »

Oh I didnt know that. I told my consultant that I was having trouble. He didnt say I could get it free?

Hmmm

You're better talking to the nurses if you want anything non-medical.

Shropshirelass

I have now seen the GP. He said I don't have to inform anyone (DVLA, insurance) unless and until I have significant visual impairment which would make it dangerous to drive. The test being, can I read a number plate as ' so many' feet. I could read the vision test on his wall, he was happy with that.
As long as I am compliant with using the daily eye drops, and attending hospital appointments, I can hope for no deterioration in present vision. So this is what I will hope and plan for at present.

50Twuncle

Shropshirelass wrote: »

I have now seen the GP. He said I don't have to inform anyone (DVLA, insurance) unless and until I have significant visual impairment which would make it dangerous to drive. The test being, can I read a number plate as ' so many' feet. I could read the vision test on his wall, he was happy with that.
As long as I am compliant with using the daily eye drops, and attending hospital appointments, I can hope for no deterioration in present vision. So this is what I will hope and plan for at present.

They leave it up to you to decide at what point your vision has deteriorated enough to subtantially affect your driving - which is totally the wrong way to do it - how can you tell ?
Remember that if you did have an accident and kill someone, due to poor vision - you are just as guilty as someone with 100% vision - I recommend that you go for at least annual eyesight tests and state in the test - that the test is to determine your eyesight for driving and when the time comes - you will have to face-up and accept your responsibility and hand in your licence !!