Useful info

I am seeking additional information on how much IOP may fluctuate (in
COAG). Some researchers and clinicians feel that IOP is fairly
stable. I have heard it said that IOP (in normal people as well as
COAG) does not fluctuate like blood pressure. Blood pressure is known
to rise significantly in response to various situations.
Most seem to think that IOP fluctuates just a little within a given
range. Any other opinions? There does not seem to be much research on
this.
Does anyone feel IOP may fluctuate more? What is the largest recorded
range of IOP fluctuation within a "normal" 24 hour period anyone here
has knowledge of. How fast (and how much) can IOP rise in normal or
COAG persons in response to daily living situations?
Thanks.
P.S. I'm going to write an article on this subject on my blog
(http://blog.freeradicalfederation.com/). This post is part of my
research.
COAG: chronic open angle glaucoma

David,

Thank you for sharing your info. found on your blog with us. Looks like you've done allot of research and observations on vitamins, minerals, nutrition, etc. Looking forward to more of your info. on supplements for glaucoma.

Thanks in advance

Lorraine

Joan, are you ok? Please let me know! Mary

Pensioner faces glaucoma after buying steroids online

A PENSIONER is in danger of losing her sight after buying medicine over the internet.

The 64-year-old bought steroids from Thailand to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, which she diagnosed herself.

However, she suffered a loss of vision over six months before going to see a doctor who told her she had cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye, and glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve. Both potentially blinding conditions were caused by steroid use, and she now faces a cataract operation and treatment for the rest of her life.

Today, doctors warned against taking medicines purchased over the web.

The case was highlighted in The Lancet medical journal by two specialists from Sunderland Eye Infirmary.

Doctors Philip Severn and Scott Fraser wrote in an article: "It has long been accepted that any physician prescribing steroids should be aware of the potential ocular side effects.

"However, patients are now able to browse the internet and purchase medications freely.

"Practitioners need to be more aware of the problems associated with self-directed internet-purchased medication."

--- Evening News, 11 Aug 2006

Betimol and Timoptic XE are interchangeable, according to my glaucoma specialist. I'm on Betimol right now because he gave me free samples. I'm going back on Timoptic even though I have to buy it because it's much easier to tolerate than Betimol, no burning or irritation. Timoptic is also once a day versus twice a day with Betimol. I thought I should throw that info out there for anyone having trouble with Betimol. It seems rather burning and bothersome to me. It's not worth the trouble. Joan

I'm not planning to fly in the near future, but due to my father's

being pretty ill (he is very slowlly recovering but still in the ICU)

there is a chance I might have to go to California: so

I wrote an email to the TSA (Transportation Safety people) regarding

the rules regarding carrying on liquid medications:

Their response was not personalized (which is understandable given

the extremely high volume of email they must be experiencing!) , but was basically just what I read on the news.

However it states that prescription medications are exempt provided

they contain the passenger's name. I am hoping that the label can be

contained on the box that the medication is in: because the eye drop

bottles themselves never contain a personalized label: it is on the box.

It does sound however as if the gel-filled cooler pack would be banned

from carry on luggage: however I would guess that most airports,

and planes, are cool enough temperature that it would be safe to carry the medication without the cooler for the duration of the flight: and then hope that

the check in luggage is not lost along with the cooler pack: but it's

bette than losing the medication itself. Or another idea might be

to take a dried out cooler pack in carry on luggage and then only soak

it once at the destination: when it is dried out, it contains only

hard crystals but not gel: however I am thinking that a pack full of

hard crystals might seem "suspicious" to the security people too, so it

might be better just to check it in and hope it isn't lost.

Laurie

Just looked at my Vitalux bottle and it seems that if I take 2 capsules of Vitalux /day I get enough of most of the supplements. I also take an extra 400 IU of vitamin E /day With the extra Lutein I get 29 mg. of that supplements along with 1.1mg. Zeaxathin. Anyway with my own research of my supplement bottles I might have answered all of my previous questions but if any of you would like to add or verify that would be great. Because right now I am fighting to maintain my eyesight as I'm sure all of you are doing. Thanks again for all of the help in answering my e-mails. Especially a big thanks to Sherry and Dwight to bringing this to my attention.

Lorraine

Those measures are supposed to be temporary. From what I've heard, it
would be impossible to ban all liquids and gels long-term.
However, if you are traveling soon, I think it would definitely be
best to bring eyedrops in their box which is labeled with your
prescription information. I carry my eyedrops in my purse--I certainly
wouldn't check any prescription medication.
I don't see why you would need your cool-packs in the cabin, since
they are kept plenty cool, as a rule. If it were me I'd put them in
checked luggage or just buy some after arriving at your destination.
British Airways was just not allowing any carry-on luggage at all, but
as I said, I would still keep my eyedrops in my purse and with me at
all times.
These regulations are likely to change and be refined over time, so I
wouldn't worry about it until you are going to fly somewhere, and then
check to see what regulations are in place at that time.
-Deah

This reminds me of something that Bernie Holt was telling me about - he's at
"blind school" and said he was probably going to get one of the new
electronic canes
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/27/ING3TFS91M1.DTL
Here's a paper about the device with diagrams about how it works
http://tinyurl.com/jeubj
Isn't technology grand???
Sherry

Due to the recent terrorist incident, those of us in the US who are
going to be traveling by air need to keep in mind that:
the Transportation and Safety Administration has banned all liquids and gels of any kind in carry-on baggage. Exceptions are being made for:
* Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling.
* Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket.
* Insulin and other essential nonprescription medicines.

I am just learning about this, along with everyone else, but do you think
that this means that: if you are bringing your eye drops on the trip,
and they are being carried on rather than checked in, that you need
to keep with them the prescription or the box containing the prescription
label? I am certainly not going to risk placing them in a check-in bag that could get lost: for one thing, depending on when I fly, I often have to take my drops during the flight.

Does it sound from the description as if the gel-filled cool packs would be banned
to take in carry-on luggage, which would mean that you would need to take
your eye drops (with the prescription) out of the cool-pack, put the cool pack in your checkin luggage (hoping it doesn't get lost) then put the drops back intot he cool
pack on arrival? As most airports and airplanes are pretty cool, that should be
safe (assuming the luggage containing the cool-pack doesn't get lost).

Laurie

------ Forwarded Message
From: Tony Realini <hypotony@...
Reply-To: Tony Realini <hypotony@...
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:29:45 -0700 (PDT)
To: agsocietynet <agsocietynet@...
Subject: Re: Echo location
Interesting, Charles. I missed it, but was able
to find a print version of the story on Google:
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=2283048&page=1

Here is a link about macular degeneration that might help:
http://www.amd.org/site/
As far as I know macular degeneration is unrelated to ocular
hypertension or glaucoma. There are two types of macular degeneration,
dry and wet. There are treatments available for the wet kind, but most
people have the dry.
-Deah

Sherry,

These pictures of Dr. Ritch are wonderful.

What a man! What a doctor! What a friend!

Dwight

Hey all! Check out the new pic of Dr. Ritch in our group archives at

If all you have ever used is Xalatan, then there are several other
classes of eyedrops your doctor can try. If you can't tolerate
Alphagan, tell your doctor and he can switch you to something else.
Do you know whether you are on Alphagan or Alphagan P, which is less
irritating than the original Alphagan? If you are not on Alphagan P,
your doctor could try switching you to that. My doctor said there is a
third formulation of Alphagan coming out or out now, which is even
less irritating than Alphagan P. Alphagan actually raised my eye
pressure so there was no point in me trying another formula of it, but
if it is effective for you, you might want to try to less irritating
versions.
-Deah

It's good that you have an appointment coming right up. Definitely,
whenever you're getting a reaction to a medication that you're not
expecting, you certainly should talk with your glauc doc about it!
Are you on the Alphagan-P without preservatives? Quite frequently, people
are allergic to the preservatives and not the medication itself.
Do let him know that you're having a problem with the drops.
Sherry

Hello
I have NTG. Actually using Xalatan drops.
Just a hello to all of you. In fact though I don't
post a lot since I'm not used to the medical terms you
were using and I don't have a lot to say as well.
I'm always reading your posts which always give me
some info. Morever, my Glaucoma is stable.
A Big Thank You to all those who keep posting here.
It's a great support and help.
A special thank to Sherry.
My next appointment with my Doctor will be in Sep.
Mee

There are many types and subtypes of glaucoma the open angle and the
one which is narrowed or blocked angle glaucoma. There are many
drugs used to manage these types of glaucoma. I have found out that
adrenergic agonists(sympathomimetic) /alpha agonists are used to
treat OPEN ANGLE glaucoma. My question is
1. why are these adrenergic agonists like PHENYLEPHRINE used in
glaucoma when in fact they mimic the sympathetic response they cause
pupillary dilation which increases intraocular pressure which is
contraindicated in glaucoma, please explain how it can help in
glaucoma if it causes pupil dilation? (one possible reason would be
the inhibitory effect to norepinephrine by alpha2 receptors)
I have also found out that beta blockers(sympatholytic) suppress the
sympathetic response causing pupil constriction decreasing
intraocular pressure which helps in glaucoma. Cholinergic
drugs/parasympatholytic mimic parasympathe response also helps by
pupil constriction and can be used for open and narrow glaucoma
2. is my understanding correct? which drugs are used for which type
of glaucoma? What is in open angle and closed angle which makes some
drugs contraindicated to one and not the other
3.why are benzodizepines not for narrow angle glaucoma, does
sedation constrict the pupil and decrease intraocular pressure? why
can it be used for open angle glaucoma?

For about 10 years I have been using Xalatan and it was working for me
until just recently. Since my eye pressures were up the last two
visits with my specialist, he added Alphagan twice a day . This is so
irritating to my eyes! Does anyone else have this problem with that eye
drop? I go tomorrow to see if Alphagan is helping to get my pressures
down. Should I try to stick with it if it does the job or ask him to
try something else. Like everyone else I am so afraid of losing my
sight that I convince myself that I should try to tolerate whatever
works. Your thoughts on this please.

Julie,
I don't recall specific goggles mentioned but any kind that fit you well are
ok. Just make sure they're not too tight because the can affect the blegs.
You might want to ask your glauc doc or at a *good* optical shop.
Thanks for using Legacy.
Sherry
Customer Support
Millennia Corporation
Support@...
http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com
We are changing the world of genealogy!
When replying to this message, please include all previous correspondence.
Thanks.

The membership just hit 1000 members to our great group!
And seeing that we have so many members, it causes me to scratch my head
when I see the majority of the posts coming from a very few people. Not
that I don't appreciate those posts - (keep 'em coming!) but it would be
great if we could get more people chiming and asking questions, offering
help or support or even just a plain "howdy, my glaucoma is stable". Maybe
some of you are little hesitant to post - don't worry, we don't bite and no
question is a dumb question and no fear will be scoffed at! Just remember
we're all "being there, done that" with dealing with this monster!
We're blessed to have a world-reknown glaucoma specialist, Dr. Robert Ritch,
being onboard with us to answer some of the tougher questions we have and to
periodically pass on newsletters and other tid-bits of info for us. So we
can also say no question is too tough - if you specifically want Dr. R's
input, please mention that at the very beginning of your post (or in the
suject line). He's incredibly busy, but never too busy for us - just give
him a little time.
Also, please remember that since the list is moderated, your post won't hit
it immediately and I try to check the messages several times a day if I'm
near my computer.
Sherry
List owner, moderator

sometimes ago remember it was posted the name etc. of a goggle which you can use for swimming after trab.

If someone remembers please post it again.

thanks

Julie

In my case, a visual field test would have shown a field defect, even
though my optic nerves looked like normal myopic nerves, and my
pressures were normal.
However, I was seeing an ophthalmologist. I'm not sure I would trust
an optometrist to interpret the results of a visual field test well
enough to rule glaucoma in or out.
-Deah

Hi,

My routine exam always included a Visual Field test. I would question a doctor who did not routinely do one. I always asked for a complete test for Glaucoma and have for the many years due to a report many years ago from a doctor who said he saw elevated pressure. I am also recently diagnosed and just started drops. I guess we all need to shop for a doctor we feel is competent and one that we feel comfortable with.

Good Luck

Michele

On 8/6/06, wynswid <542217seoul@...

This summer, I have been diagnosed w/ glaucoma (intermediate) in my
right eye. My appt. previous to the current one had just been a year
and a half before. Unfortunately, my optometrist from the previous exam
did not do a Visual Field test; my optic nerve looked fine and my
pressures were fine. I don't understand why a field test is not part
of a routine eye exam, since there appear to be many people who have
glaucoma but their optic nerves look fine and their pressures are
normal. Wouldn't a visual field test alert the doctor to these
deceptive glaucomas?
Wynswid

This summer, I have been diagnosed w/ glaucoma (intermediate) in my
right eye. My appt. previous to the current one had just been a year
and a half before. Unfortunately, my optometrist from the previous exam
did not do a Visual Field test; my optic nerve looked fine and my
pressures were fine. I don't understand why a field test is not part
of a routine eye exam, since there appear to be many people who have
glaucoma but their optic nerves look fine and their pressures are
normal. Wouldn't a visual field test alert the doctor to these
deceptive glaucomas?
Wynswid

Can someone tell me if using Flonase for a congested nose problem is okay to use if one has a perspective glaucoma problem (elevated IOP) in right eye? Seems to me I read on this group site that it was not a good thing to be using if one has glaucoma or a tendency to have glaucoma. Any info. on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

------ Forwarded Message
From: Bruce Spivey <bruce@...
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 09:00:48 -0700
Dear Colleagues,
The strategic planning meeting in Zurich earlier this month far exceeded my expectations. We are preparing a report, which I will send to you for comment next week. The group is proposing some exciting new directions for ICO/IFOS, and I look forward to hearing your reaction.
In the meantime, I thought you might be interested in the attached very positive review of the ICO Web site that appeared in the latest issue of Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update. It is wonderful to have not only this recognition of the Web site but also a clear description of ICO and IFOS and our goals.
You can see the other contents of this issue of Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update at: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/smp/cou/2006/00000007/00000002.
Editor Bernie Schwartz, MD, has offered a discount on subscriptions to the journal to members of the ICO and Advisory Committee. If you are interested, go to http://www.compophupdate.com/subinfo.htm to download the subscription form and write "ICO" on the line for approved societies and meetings. The reduced rate is $US 119 for the combined print-and-online subscription.
I will be back in touch with you next week.
Bruce
------ End of Forwarded Message

Those of you who have tried to look at the link probably got a Page not
Found error. To be able to view the page, you need to remove the period
after the URL
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/smp/cou/2006/00000007/00000002
Sherry
----- Forwarded Message
From: Bruce Spivey <bruce@...
Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 09:00:48 -0700
Dear Colleagues,
The strategic planning meeting in Zurich earlier this month far exceeded my
expectations. We are preparing a report, which I will send to you for
comment next week. The group is proposing some exciting new directions for
ICO/IFOS, and I look forward to hearing your reaction.
In the meantime, I thought you might be interested in the attached very
positive review of the ICO Web site that appeared in the latest issue of
Comprehensive Ophthalmology Update. It is wonderful to have not only this
recognition of the Web site but also a clear description of ICO and IFOS and
our goals.
You can see the other contents of this issue of Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Update at:
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/smp/cou/2006/00000007/00000002
Editor Bernie Schwartz, MD, has offered a discount on subscriptions to the
journal to members of the ICO and Advisory Committee. If you are interested,
go to http://www.compophupdate.com/subinfo.htm to download the subscription
form and write "ICO" on the line for approved societies and meetings. The
reduced rate is $US 119 for the combined print-and-online subscription.
I will be back in touch with you next week.
Bruce
------ End of Forwarded Message

Can alphagan have the samae side effect?
Joyce

Hi, my name is Jennifer in San Diego, CA. I have been having problems with my eyes, and none of the opthalmologists know anything....they do know that I have swollen optic nerves, and I don't have any type of eye disease, all I know is that my eyes are killing me and I keep getting excruciating migraines, nothing works.

Please, if you know any answers that will help me, write back.

Thank You,

Jennifer

dolphin_dispirited_ocean@...

------ Forwarded Message
From: American Academy of Ophthalmology <aaoblastsiteadmin@...
Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:25:59 -0700
To: <ritchmd@...
Subject: Patients Still Not Getting the Message on Flomax and Cataract Surgery - Academy Member Alert

This member alert is a service offered to you by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Aug. 1, 2006 A Joint Alert from the Academy and ASCRS
Patients Still Not Getting the Message on Flomax and Cataract Surgery

Member-Only "Ask the Experts" Conference Call Scheduled for Aug. 17 Preliminary data from a prospective follow-up study underscores the importance of anticipating and managing intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), ensuring tamsulosin (Flomax®, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals) patients have successful cataract surgery. However, it appears many patients and some physicians are unaware that Flomax use, past or present, can complicate cataract surgery. Other alpha-blockers used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as Hytrin, Cardura and Uroxatral, have also been associated with IFIS. Because advance knowledge of alpha-blocker use is essential in reducing complications, patients considering cataract surgery should be screened for these medications, particularly if their pupil dilates poorly. Any history of Flomax or other alpha-blocker use is important to know because IFIS can still occur in patients who stopped using these drugs several years before
cataract surgery. Interestingly, Flomax also is being used off-label to treat women with urinary retention. In 2005, David F. Chang, MD, and John R. Campbell, MD, identified a link between Flomax, the most commonly used medication to treat BPH, and a new small pupil syndrome they named intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. IFIS characteristics include a billowing and floppy iris, a strong propensity for the iris to prolapse and progressive intraoperative miosis. They documented increased vitreous loss with IFIS, which has since been reported in patients taking other systemic medications with alpha-1 blocking effects, as well as saw palmetto, an over-the-counter herbal supplement for prostate health. At the ASCRS Annual Meeting in March, Dr. Chang reported preliminary results of a 10-center study to assess the surgical success and complication rate in patients taking tamsulosin. The study enrolled 167 consecutive eyes presenting for cataract surgery in patients taking Flomax.
Unlike prior retrospective studies, the ophthalmologists knew of tamsulosin use before surgery and used one of four methods to manage the iris:
* Iris retractors
* Pupil expansion rings
* Healon 5 with lowered aspiration parameters
* Preoperative Atropine drops

Surgeons avoided pupil stretching techniques that are ineffective and may exacerbate IFIS, and in the majority of cases, tamsulosin was not discontinued preoperatively. In Dr. Chang's study, managing IFIS as described above reduced the posterior capsular tear rate to less than 1 percent. "IFIS increases the risk of complications when it is not anticipated," Dr. Chang said. "However, surgeons who are forewarned by a history of alpha-blocker use can achieve excellent surgical outcomes by using alternative pupil management techniques. Patients need not avoid these drugs, but must inform their eye surgeons about their use." Patient education materials and clinical resources are available on the Academy Web site <http://aaoblasts.aao.org/t/58452/7944622/21138/0/
surgery. To learn even more about the issue and how to avoid surgery complications, join the Academy and ASCRS for a member-only "Ask the Experts" conference call featuring IFIS study author Dr. David Chang. Dr. Chang will be joined by a panel of experts who will be available to answer your questions. The call is scheduled for Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT. Space is limited. To R.S.V.P. for the call, send an e-mail to teleconference@... with your name and Academy member ID number. Call-in details will be e-mailed to you.

American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach Street | San Francisco, CA 94109-1336
Tel. 866.561.8558 | Fax 415.561.8533 | www.aao.org

------ End of Forwarded Message

They definitely are related. I'm not sure that the migraine meds such as
Imitrex are that good for the optic nerve either!
If you go to the Wills Glaucoma website and search on Migraines, you'll find
a lot of hits there. http://www.WillsGlaucoma.org.
NSAIDS reportedly work quite well for people with migraines - and if they're
the kind that make you sick to your stomach, you can get compazine
suppositories to settle the stomach down so you can take oral meds.
Thanks for using Legacy.
Sherry
Customer Support
Millennia Corporation
Support@...
http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com
We are changing the world of genealogy!
When replying to this message, please include all previous correspondence.
Thanks.

It does seem to be common for NTG patients to have migraines. I don't
think I have them myself, but I talked to my internist about the
possibility that what I assume are normal headaches could be
migraines. She said all of the migraine medications have unpleasant
side effects and I'd be better off using ibuprofen if that helps,
which it does.
I actually found that once I started taking ginkgo biloba my headaches
mostly went away, so possibly they were related to contriction of the
blood vessels. I don't know whether migraine medications work to ease
constriction of the blood vessels.
-Deah

Dora,
CALL YOUR GLAUC DOC IMMEDIATELY! Those drops are associated with fatal
asthma attacks! Certainly you should *not* put up with the wheezing!
"COSOPT*(Dorzolamide/Timolol Maleate) contains dorzolamide, a sulfonamide,
and timolol maleate, a beta-adrenergic blocking agent; and although
administered topically, is absorbed systemically. Therefore, the same types
of adverse reactions that are attributable to sulfonamides and/or systemic
administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical
administration. For example, severe respiratory reactions and cardiac
reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma, and
rarely death in association with cardiac failure, have been reported
following systemic or ophthalmic administration of timolol maleate"
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/dorzol_wcp.htm
"COSOPT* is contraindicated in patients with (1) bronchial asthma; (2) a
history of bronchial asthma; (3) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (see WARNINGS); (4) sinus bradycardia; (5) second or third degree
atrioventricular block; (6) overt cardiac failure (see WARNINGS); (7)
cardiogenic shock; or (8) hypersensitivity to any component of this
product." http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/dorzol_od.htm#CI
Sherry

No connection except possibly as a result of toxic effects from the preservatives in the eye drops. It is associated more with extremely dry eyes.
R
On 7/27/06 6:15 PM, "MairCH@..." <MairCH@...

Yesterday I had an emergency procedure done following a diagnosis of painful filamentary keratitis. When I googled the condition one of the possible causes listed was extensive use of eye medications. Does anyone know if this could have been caused by my glaucoma medication? Perhaps Dr. Ritch can comment here. My ophth said there is no relationship between my low tension glaucoma and this condition that she is aware of. The article I read last night mentioned several possible causes and the medication usage left me wondering.
Thanks for any information anyone can offer.
Mary in Colorado

Hi,

I'm wondering: those of you with normal tension glaucoma, who gets migraines? I know there is some thinking that these two conditions are related. Do you take migraine meds? The reason I ask is that I used to take migraine meds, but my migraines had tapered off a lot in the last couple years. I'm a new NTG diagnosis. Am I better off just popping an ibuprofen when I start to get headachy, or do I need migraine meds? I don't have a current prescription, and don't really know how migraine meds work. I don't want to mess up my betimol regimen.

Thanks for any insight. I'll ask my doc when I'm next in, too, but that's another month or so.

Michele Bernstein
MicheleLB@...

I've recently started using Cosopt drops butI don't like the side
effects. They sting initially when put in the eye and they're making me
wheeze. I've been on Xalatan and Timolol for a while now and they were
working but my pressures have started rising so I needed something
stronger. Should I ask to be put on something else or should I put up
with the side effects? Another side effect of Cosopt could also be
cardiac arrest and cornial erosion!! That's what the information
pamphlet says.
Dora

Is there a canine low-vision group?
That's good info on the collar - I never thought of that. I do know that
IOP goes up when men wear their ties too tight. Good thing I don't like
tight necklines on my blouses - I'm not even comfortable wearng turtlenecks!
Sherry

This is a very good thing. It is important to remember, though, that the lack of blood circulation that is implicated in normal pressure glaucoma is episodic. Episodic illness rarely acts up when the doctor is testing for it.

Yours,
Dora Smith
Austin, TX
tiggernut24@...

Forwarded message below

Camera may hold key to blindness

GLOUCESTER, England, July 28 (UPI)

A new camera invented by British Dr. Andy McNaughts could help adults who suffer from glaucoma or diabetes save their vision, it was reported.

The camera invented by the Gloucestershire doctor can measure the back of the retina's oxygen levels and therefore give doctors advance warning of the onset of the potentially blinding diseases, the BBC reported.

"There isn't anything like it at the moment worldwide," the Cheltenham General Hospital surgeon said. "It will be a welcome piece of equipment for ophthalmologists across the country."

The camera is a non-invasive procedure to test the eye's circulation and could offer patients a better alternative than the previous technique of injecting a fluorescent dye into the eyes.

More than 171 million people worldwide have diabetes and glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world.

The camera is being tested at the Cheltenham General Hospital, which has begun using a prototype of McNaughts' invention, the BBC said.

Yesterday I had an emergency procedure done following a diagnosis of painful filamentary keratitis. When I googled the condition one of the possible causes listed was extensive use of eye medications. Does anyone know if this could have been caused by my glaucoma medication? Perhaps Dr. Ritch can comment here. My ophth said there is no relationship between my low tension glaucoma and this condition that she is aware of. The article I read last night mentioned several possible causes and the medication usage left me wondering.
Thanks for any information anyone can offer.
Mary in Colorado

Hazel,

Thanks for the response. I asked about the cornea underneath because I'm not sure that my daughter will be able to comfortably wear it all the time. I'm just not sure. If she does only wear it when she goes out, then she would be without it about half the time. I was worried that the cornea underneath might get even worse and then we'd be in a real pickle. Her cornea is discolored and the eye is smaller, but at least the eye is still in. There's nothing like a mom with something new to worry about! She is very responsible, but will be moving away from home to go to college this fall, so I won't be right there to monitor.

Sabra

Hazel <hazel.courtney@...

Hello Sabra,
A lot depends on the fit of the prosthesis, i.e. the skills of the
ocularist. This is my second one and it fits much better than the first one
I had. It does not move around like the first one did. This one fits very
well and stays in place but also it allows enough oxygen around the
prosthesis so no infections or other problems can develop. As far as
degrading the cornea, I'm not sure why you would be concerned about that. I
have no vision in that eye at all so my concern is only to make the eye look
normal cosmetically which it accomplishes very well. My eyelid has shrunk
somewhat around the eye and it is a little noticeable but not a big concern
for me. My own eye underneath looks much the same as always which is not
pretty.I hope that helps.
Hazel

Hello Sabra,
A lot depends on the fit of the prosthesis, i.e. the skills of the
ocularist. This is my second one and it fits much better than the first one
I had. It does not move around like the first one did. This one fits very
well and stays in place but also it allows enough oxygen around the
prosthesis so no infections or other problems can develop. As far as
degrading the cornea, I'm not sure why you would be concerned about that. I
have no vision in that eye at all so my concern is only to make the eye look
normal cosmetically which it accomplishes very well. My eyelid has shrunk
somewhat around the eye and it is a little noticeable but not a big concern
for me. My own eye underneath looks much the same as always which is not
pretty.I hope that helps.
Hazel

Hazel,
We're considering getting a scleral shell for my 18 year old daughter's
left eye. I'd like to ask you another question. Has the scleral shell degraded
the eye that it covers? We went yesterday to the ocularist to discuss the shell
and getting one. Some of the shells were fairly thin and others were quite
thick. Since it seems that the eye would definately not be getting lots of
oxygen with the shell in, I was concerned that it would further degrade the
cornea and cause even more problems. Can you help with this question?
Thanks,
Sabra
Hazel <hazel.courtney@...
Yes, my prostheses is a scleral shell which is just like a big contact lens.
In fact the very same cleansers are used to clean it. It just fits around
my own eye and is quite easy to remove when necessary. I talked to the
children in my grandson's grade four class recently about what it means to
be blind and they were fascinated with my false eye. They wanted me to show
them how I take it out.
I have fooled many nurses and doctors when in hospital who went to put drops
in that eye too. It looks very real and friends have told me they would
have never known if I hadn't told them.
It has not affected my pressures in my right eye at all which is also
glaucomatos. The pressure in my right eye has been around 10 for the last
five years since my last trab surgery and I am off drops and drugs
completely.
Hazel C.

Why not call the manufacturer and ask them - that way you would know if your concerns are valid or not. Carol

Add me to your address book...

Want a signature like this?

Hello All,
I recently reordered my medication, Xaltan and Cosopt, from a mail
pharmacy. Usually, the Xaltan and Cosopt are shipped over night in a
small styrofoam cooler. Last week, with high temperatures hitting the
nation the Cosopt was not packed in the cooler with the Xaltan. The
shipment originate from Clearwater, FL. I spoke to a representative
from the mail-order pharmacy and the manufacturer guarantees the
stability of the medication at 100 degrees for 6 months. I find this
hard to believe because the recommend storage temperature is between
59 and 86 degrees fahrenheit. Do I have valid concern?
Thanks in advance,
Hank

-Thanks Sherry,
So you had a trab before any optic nerve damage? I'm so happy it went
well for you but is that always wise since there are risks involved
with a trab, and no-one ever really knows if it was absolutely
necessary. I am a high myopes and rely on soft disposable contact
lenses, I would hate to never be able to wear them again after a trab.
Dora

Its understandable that from time to time we get frustrated and scared, I mean our sight is so precious. Last week when my pressures were 32 I didn't sleep for three days and was having anxiety attacks. I calmed down when I had another pressure reading and they were much lower.

Dora
joan <djjwillyhome@...

No offense meant, but I can understand Chris's frustration right now. I haven't been posting here for weeks and now just because I have I've been told I've only got hypertension and also that I'm over-reacting. I'm beginning to feel hurt myself. Sorry to be totally honest. It's one of my faults. Joan

Dear Dr. Ritch,

Hi, this is Jennifer in San Diego, CA again. You haven't written back, so here I am.

I need a couple of questions answered....I have had two or three hemorrhages in both of my eyes, my optic nerves are swollen, and I have been experiencing migraines and pain in both of my eyes.

I have seen ophthalmologists, (regular and neural) they have taken photos, tests, and even had my regular doctor have a MRI of my brain to see where the pressure is coming from.

Next week I have a spinal tap scheduled, and what if they don't find anything there?

Is there any more tests they can do to find out an answer for all of this?!

Please write back,

Jennifer

No offense meant, but I can understand Chris's frustration right now. I haven't been posting here for weeks and now just because I have I've been told I've only got hypertension and also that I'm over-reacting. I'm beginning to feel hurt myself. Sorry to be totally honest. It's one of my faults. Joan

You asked for people with glaucoma and meniere. I have glaucoma
(pigment dispersion) and last december i had a vertigo attack. Since
the attack i've been unable to read the computer or print with my
left eye other than one letter at a time (i can see the letters if i
move my head). I think i have what is called a scotomas.
I live in england rather than USA so probably no good for your study
but maybe count as a number.
Before i had the vertigo attack i was just being watched for
glaucoma. I had raised eye pressure 22 and dispersion but they were
not too worried. After the attack i had some nerve damage and put on
drops. I'm 36. I've had a brain scan and yellow dye injected and
photos taken(sorry don't know the medical names for these
procedures) which have all come back clear so they have associated
the scotomas with maybe a small blood vessel bursting.
cheers

Chris,

You say your optical nerve is "very healthy". Glaucoma is a disease that slowly destroys the optical nerve. If your nerve is very healthy, as you say, then I would ask if you really have glaucoma and I would ask why are you worried about your pressure. A high percentage of people with above "normal" pressure never develop glaucoma. On the other hand, a significant number of people with so-called "normal" pressure do have glaucoma and concomitant optical nerve damage. It seems to be related to the sensitivity of the nerve to pressure. Some peoples' nerves can stand high pressure and some peoples' nerves can not. If you have a pressure of 25+ and you have no nerve damage and no visual loss, as shown on your Visual Field examinations, then I would seriously question why you are worried about this condition.

I strongly believe you should seek a second opinion from an experienced ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma.

Dwight

Dear Joan, Thanks for your input!!! Grace

---------[ Received Mail Content ]

Hello All

My name is Chris, and I am seeking your advice and wisdom concerning my long time nemesis Glaucoma. I am 58 years old and have congenital glaucoma.

One year ago I had combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, with mixed results. The cataract part of the operation worked out better than I could have hoped for but the glaucoma procedure (cyclodialisis) was fine for the first few months.

However, I am now maxing out on 3 different drops, plus Diamox tablets. My pressure is still high at 25+.

Surprisingly my optic nerve is very healthy and I want to keep it that way. The meds are not doing the job and I am seeking info on the various operations that are available with the highest success rate.

Filter and valve operations have been suggested by one of my docs. I will make my own choices as to what procedure I will go with but I seek your input so that I can make the best decision possible.

I am seeing the surgeon Aug 4^th. A decision will be made at that time.

I want to thank each and everyone of you in advance.

Chris

Hi All
I just would like to know if there is any relation
between Glaucoma and Meniere's disease.
I have Glaucoma and had meniere 2 times.
Thanks for your posts.
Mee

Mee,
Unfortunately, Dr. Ritch is on his way to some wild region of the world and
I don't know how soon he'll see this message - maybe he'll have internet
access where he is and can respond!
But in the mean time, I did do a little searching around.
Probably not much help, but in Pub Med, I found an article listed "A rare
case of simultaneous development of Meniere's disease and glaucoma" only
it's in Russian!
There was another item shown "Meniere's disease associated with traumatic
hyphema and glaucoma", which was unfortuanately quite old and not showing
abstracted on the PubMed site.
So I would say there's probably not a strong connection <rbg
Sherry

Some people do wear contact lenses after trab surgery. Depends in part
on the doctor's opinion on the subject, and how important it is to the
patient to wear contact lenses, as it's a bit controversial. Often
people who do wear contact lenses after a trab wear gas permeables as
they are smaller and less likely to rub against the bleb.
I suppose some kinds of lenses can get "dirty" if the patient doesn't
practice good contact lens hygiene but I wear daily disposables so I
doubt they can get very dirty in just one day of wear.
-Deah

I know glauc docs who have successfully prescribed contacts for their trab
patients. I thought about it because I saw so much better with the trial
contacts, even with them not being near my prescription! than I did with
just glasses, but I decided along with my glauc doc that the risk wasn't
worth it.
If you have an overhanging bleb, contacts should definitely be avoided.
You *don't* want to develop a bleb leak or an eye infection!
Sherry

I had Trab surgery in my right eye a few months ago. The pressure in my eye is now at 5 and the Doc is quite happy. He told yesterday that I won't be able to wear a contact lense in that eye - ever. The two main reasons being that contacts can get "dirty" and the lense may rub against the bleb. I am thrilled that we have the pressure under control and maintaining vision is definitely the priority. I am curious though if anyone in the group is wearing contact lenses after this type of surgery? Thanks

I wouldn't change if I were satified with my current doctor. A good doctor is hard to find, and a specialist is not necessarily a good choice.

I'm currently seeing a glaucoma specialist who doesn't treat normal tension glaucoma in people who aren't going blind, and my mother saw such a doctor as well. That is a common approach to the disease.

A different extreme that is common among glaucoma specialists is to very aggressively treat everyone with possible normal tension glaucoma but no progressive nerve deterioration with medications to reduce eye pressure. One problem with that is that high eye pressure is only one cause of glaucoma, and does not contribute to every case of normal tension glaucoma. Sometimes spastic blood vessels caused by migraines or other problems, episodic low blood pressure, and problems with blood circulation is the cause.

I ran into the same problem with my meniere's disease, which is an inner ear disorder. Some ENT's always treat it as an allergic or autoimmune problem, with long term courses of megadoses of prednisone, despite the side effects of prednisone. Prednisone does nothing for me, and I've seen other people suffer drastic side effects from this treatment and get no benefit from it. Other doctors insist on treating it as endolymph hydrops, a problem with the drainage system. That is actually my problem; but some people simply do not have that problem. Some of them respond well to prednsione. For awhile, there was a notion since debunked but still accepted in some circles that multiple long daily treatments with a high percentage of oxygen would help. I was actually using my oxygen tank at work, to everyone's complete constternation. It didn't work at all.

I've found with medical care generally that USUALLY I get better care from a good internist than from a specialist, if the internist is caring, intelligent, and with it. The expert isn't always teh best choice. A good generalist is likely to be more knowledgeable and more on the ball.

What you should do, though, is learn as much as you can about your form of glaucoma. Knowledge is changing so fast you could learn something even a good doctor does not know, and you will soon know if the doctor you have is able to treat you the way you want. Research it on the web, wehre the best sites are actually the ones that come up first in google, and visit the library. I have a book, by Josef Flammer, Glaucoma, which is very up to date and very clearly written; it would be a good place to start. I tripped over it in a bookstore a month or two ago.

How are you doing on the treatment your doctor has chosen? Are you improving satisfactorily, or has the nerve damage been halted? Are you otherwise satisfied with the treatment you are getting? There is no way to reverse nerve damage that has already occurred; the best doctor in the world will not be able to manage that.

There are new treatments that I would call experimental, that many on this list have had done, with varying results, that probably only a glaucoma specialist would do. There are certain problems that nearly everyone on the list who has had it done seems to have developed. The procedure has not been proven to work often, well, nor permanently. I'm thinking specifically of the equivalent for eyes. of the endolymph shunt for meniere's disease, which works at all half the time and usually needs to be surgically changed or removed within three years, adn at that time you might or might not have any medical insurance coverage, and if you don't, you're screwed. That procedure is all the rage, and large numbers of people with Menieres have it done. I said, nada. Alot of other people with menieres said nada as well.

Like any internet mailing list, this list is generally strongly biased in favor of very aggressive treatment of the health problem that brought you to this list. Sometimes that is appropriate and sometimes it is not, and your decision has to be what is best for you. I myself am going to worry about my suspect glaucoma if I see that nerve deteriorating - not at that stage yet. ;)

Look out, now. Half the list will immediately start screaming. Grin! And I'm not even planning to argue!

Yours,
Dora Smith
Austin, TX
tiggernut24@...

Hi. I am sure you will get many replies to your question but I'll share my experience.
I was treated by a capable opthamologist for a year while the situation deteriorated at an unprecedented rate. I was seeing him every month at least and more often when requested. I lost a lot of vision that year, always being told that it won't happen quickly and that we can try other drops etc.
He sounded intelligent and was kind and compassionate. He just wasn't knowledgeable enough to refer me which is what he should have done.
Glaucoma should only be treated by a glaucoma specialist. I would go along with a team effort of seeing a GS and an opthamologist but never just an opthamologist.
Today I am a firm believer that there are simple cases of glaucoma but why take the chance?
I hope you will be one of the lucky ones that uses drops and never loses vision but I wouldn't risk it. I would let a glaucoma specialist monitor me if I could do things over.
This disease is nowhere near cured. There is still a lot they don't know. We need to be compliant with the treatment plan proposed and knowledgeable about our options.
This group does an amazing job at educating, supporting and cheering up.
Welcome.
Sari

I was recently diagnosed by an Opthalmologist who my wife
has been going to for about one year. Prior to my recent
visits I have never regularly gone to an eye doctor, so
I really don't know much about choosing one.
This doctor does not specialize in Glaucoma, but speaks
very intelligently as far as I can tell about the disease
and the treatment options.
Should I be looking to find a doctor that specializes
in the treatment of Glaucoma?
Or is any good Opthalmologist capable of treating the
disease?
thanks, jon.

You will be interested to know that the Xalatan (latanoprost) patent
will expire on 7-28-06.
That should mean that we'll see the generic available soon.
earle
*

Great news for those on Xalatan! Now if my blood pressure med, which isn't
on my ins. company's "formulary" would only go generic!
Sherry

Thank you for the update, Sherry, this has brightened my day to hear of someone coping with such a positive attitude and setting goals. Mary

On July 28th at 9 A. M. EDT, I will be publishing pieces every thirty minutes for twenty-four hours in this year's Blogathon. The Blogathon is aimed to promote bloggers raising money for a charity or non-profit organization. I'm blogging for the Schepens Eye Research Institute. They are researching ways to regenerate optic nerve cells (and they've had success), a vaccine for glaucoma, in addition to fighting other causes of blindness. I've raised over $130 USD so far, and I'd like to raise more.
LINKS
Sponsor me - This link takes you to a page where you can pledge an hourly amount, or lump sum to The Schepens via my blogging.
My Blogathon WebSite - where all of my Blogathon posts will be held and updated.
Thanks,
Thomas

Hi all,
Please forgive the cross-post but I felt this was the easiest way to get the
message to all of you!
Bernie (BigDogBernie) called me last night from "Blind School". He's been
there for awhile now and will be there until Sept 1. He's really enjoying
all the new stuff he's learning. Can you imagine, he was hitting *golf
balls* the other day? Today they were going deep-sea fishing!
He said the goal of the school is to help a blind person live as
independently as possible. They go out in public every day, learning how to
get around and take care of normal every-day business.
His wife will be joining him for a week in August to learn how to help him
cope with his blindness.
He will get emails to the lists but it's hard for him to respond to any
postings until he gets back with his great new assistive tools!
This guy is amazing! He admits that it's hard at times, but he really has a
"can-do" attitude! He plans on teaching Braille to high school students
when he gets back!
Sherry

gracepapp <gracepapp@...

There is a strong possiblility I may need trab surgery. I live over
an hour from Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and see a local
glaucoma specialist in my area for convenience sake. The local doctor
has performed numerous of these operations. My question is: would I
be okay having it done locally as I understand follow up is really
important. It is very difficult for me to go into Philadelphia as I
care for my adult disabled son. I know Dr. Spaeth at Wills Eye is the
best in my area.
Thank you, Grace

Grace, I just had trab surgeries with complications. If I were you, I'd go to
Doctor Spaeth. It wouldn't be as convenient, but he's one of the best. So much
can go wrong. I wouldn't risk it. My blebs are scarred over now and I'm back on
three kinds of drops. Joan W

I know this is aggravating and obtrusive but I am raising money for
The Schepens Eye Research Institute via the Blogathon. The Schepens is
a research organization devoting time to fight blindness whether it be
caused by nerve damage, macular degeneration, retinal
detachment/damage, etc. The Blogathon is a twentyfour hour marathon
where writers publish posts/blogs every thirty minutes. Their sponsors
pay per hour or a lump sum. PLEASE Sponsor me. I have glaucoma and
suffer optic nerve damage so I am not totally new to the pain - far
from it. Click on the links below to: Sponsor me and visit my website
where my Blogathon Posts will be posted.
<a href="http://www.blogathon.org/sponsor.php?blog_id=271"
target="new"
<a href="http://www.kozmicblueskid.wordpress.com"
target="new"
(cross posted like crazy...)
(If deleted I will not repost)

There is a strong possiblility I may need trab surgery. I live over
an hour from Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, and see a local
glaucoma specialist in my area for convenience sake. The local doctor
has performed numerous of these operations. My question is: would I
be okay having it done locally as I understand follow up is really
important. It is very difficult for me to go into Philadelphia as I
care for my adult disabled son. I know Dr. Spaeth at Wills Eye is the
best in my area.
Thank you, Grace

Thanks Dr. Ritch,

I just wrote in support of this bill

to the two senators from my state.

-- Jim

Angelika,
But if the manufacturer stops making 5 ml bottles, then the 10 ml is what
you'll be getting!
I was trying to get some info from the Merck website but there must be
server problems as I'm not getting in.
Sherry

I clicked on the link below, but the page did not download.

Dwight

Every glaucoma patient in the US should do this also
------ Forwarded Message
From: Richard Wilson <rpwilson@...
Reply-To: Richard Wilson <rpwilson@...
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 06:52:37 -0400
To: agsocietynet <agsocietynet@...
Conversation: ARVO notice
Subject: ARVO notice

Dear AGSers,
In response to the ARVO notice below, I sent this e-mail to all my glaucoma patient/family contacts: Please consider doing something similar. This is a big issue for us and all of the US medical community.
Rick
Dear Glaucoma Sufferer or Supporter:
Stem cell research is the main, if not only hope, for improving vision I can offer my advanced glaucoma patients. The bigger applications of potential stem cell therapies are diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease to name a few. We could be saving the lives of thousands within 15 years and making life better for millions. Please take the time to click on the link below, courtesy of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and let your senators know how you feel.
Thank you,
Richard P. Wilson, M.D.

------ Forwarded Message

------ End of Forwarded Message
---
You are currently subscribed to agsocietynet as: ritchmd@....
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-agsocietynet-2435796O@...
------ End of Forwarded Message

I visited my glaucoma specialist yesterday, Dr. Leon Partamian, and
mentioned how good it felt to be able to go online and read the
messages of this group, and sometimes have you respond with information.
Dr. P seemed very pleased that this group is available to Glaucoma
patients and said he knows you.

Cosopt contains two kinds of glaucoma medications combined in one
eyedrop, Trusopt (dorzolamide) and timolol. Azopt (brinzolamide) is
equivalent to Trusopt but it doesn't contain timolol. If Azopt works
just as well as Cosopt for you, then the timolol wasn't doing anything
for you anyway. However, some people may need the combination of
timolol and dorzolamide to control pressures.
-Deah

My ophthalmologist recently switched me from Cosopt to Azopt which is (in my case) equally effective, and stings less.
On 07/10/06 6:44 PM, "James Griffin" <JamesGriffin@...

"Unfortunately, COSOPT OPHTH SOLN 5ML 2-0.5PC
has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
By law, Express Scripts Pharmacy [a mail-order pharmacy in Pennsylvania]
can no longer fill prescriptions for this medication."
Looks like I will have to switch to a different medicine
when my present supply of Cosopt runs out.

--- Jim

I would prefer the smaller bottles and glad my doctor gives me samples. Having been through 5 other drops that didn't work for me I ended up losing a lot of money.

Brenda

This is interesting. In Germany (where I always stocked up on meds
because they are a lot cheaper) they only sell the 5ml Cosopt,
because, they say, larger amounts and longer use may make
contamination of the bottle tip more likely and could cause
infections.
Angelika

That's a problem with a lot of the drops - many of them need to be protected
from light so they're in an opaque bottle.
Some drops have bottles that are designed so that not all the drops in the
bottle can be used. Dumb, if you ask me! So even when it sounds like you
have drops, you can't get them all out!
Xalatan is the only drops I used for any length of time - never had a
problem and yes, it was nice to be able to see how much is in there!
Sherry

I never knew it came in a smaller bottle. I have to say of all the drops I have taken I think the 10ml cosopt bottle is the worst. I can never tell when its running low - it leaks if the top isn't completely on - the drops don't come out as nicely as with other bottles. I love the Xelatan bottle!

James,
As soon as I saw your message, I went to the Cosopt web site. You're
correct in that the 5 ml bottle is being discontinued - it will be available
in only the 10 ml bottle.
http://www.cosopt.com/cosopt/hcp/documents/product_packaging_update.pdf
(This link is a 20-page PDF document which may take some time to load if
you're on dial-up and includes the package insert information)
Trusopt will also be available in only the 10 ml bottle.
Sherry

Thanks Sherry,

you are a great resource to us all.

--- Jim

On re-reading this notice from Express Script Pharmacy

perhaps Cosopt itself is not being discontinued.

Perhaps only the 5ML-size bottle is being discontinued.

--- Jim

"Unfortunately, COSOPT OPHTH SOLN 5ML 2-0.5PC

has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

By law, Express Scripts Pharmacy [a mail-order pharmacy in Pennsylvania]

can no longer fill prescriptions for this medication."

Looks like I will have to switch to a different medicine

when my present supply of Cosopt runs out.

--- Jim

The first thing to keep in mind is that SLT (laser surgery) doesn't
work for everyone; the success rate is about 80 percent. And success
is usually considered to be when the procedure lowers the eye pressure
at least three points for at least a year. So it's quite possible that
even if the SLT is successful, it won't have lowered your pressures
enough to mean that you won't have to use eye drops.
As Sherry pointed out, if you have no optic nerve damage, you don't
have glaucoma and most people who have only high eye pressures but no
optic nerve damage never go on to develop glaucoma. Given that you
probably won't ever have vision loss, what's the rush to have SLT? It
might lower your pressures, or it might not.
Yes, it's a fairly simple procedure. I had SLT a year ago and it was
quick and easy, with no side effects. However, it only lowered my
pressure 3-4 points and I was never able to stop taking the two
eyedrops I was already using, which don't do much either. It does seem
to be more effective the older you are, so I have hopes that when my
mother, age 88, has her first SLT in a couple weeks that it will be
effective enough that she can reduce the number of eyedrops she has to
take (now four). When SLT works, and lasts a few years, it can be a
great alternative to eyedrops but it doesn't always do that. I agree
that it's generally worth trying, however, since it is relatively risk
free.
-Deah

Glaucoma surgery has great risks that drops don't. It's grueling to go
through, esp if it's a trabeculectomy.
Laser surgery doesn't work for everyone and most people still need to use
drops.
Effectiveness for either depend on your type of glaucoma, your age, the
skill of the glaucoma specialist....
Sounds like you have an allergic reaction to the drops. Have you called
your glaucoma specialist about this?
If you don't have any optic nerve damage, why bother with the surgery at
this point? If you're ocular hypertensive, the chances of you developing
glaucoma are slim. If your doc is insisting on laser surgery when you don't
have any damage, get a second opinion from another glaucoma specialist - you
*are* seeing a glaucoma *specialist*, right???? You said "physician" (which
generally makes me think of someone other than an ophthalmologist or
glaucoma specialist)
You can learn a lot about types of glaucoma and glaucoma treatments on the
Wills Glaucoma site http://www.WillsGlaucoma.org. Click on the "Glaucoma
Education" link.
Sherry

My physician has put me through about six different drops now since
April and none have lowered eye pressure to any extent, a few points
lower is all. Now, I am putting CoSopt in my eyes twice a day and do
this until see dr. again August 3. At that time, he says if the drops
have lowered my pressure into the mid-teens, at least, (pressures are
now 22 and 24, down from 25 and 35), we will discuss further plans. If
the pressure is NOT lowered into mid-teens or thereabout, I then must
have the operation. Lasar.
Two friends tell me their doctors did the operation saying, "let's cut
to the chase. You won't have to use drops and do all that stuff. And
while the operation usually doesn't fix glaucoma problem for all time,
it will last you for awhile and then we'll see." And one friend, age
80, had one eye operated on with lasar prior to a lengthy trip to
Europe on the Queen Mary! Her doctor said he would "fix that eye up so
she could go on her cruise!" Her pressure in one eye was high.
So what's the deal? My eyes did not have any optic nerve damage in
early April when I had photos done etc. Now? Who knows. And I have red
eyes, eyes ringed in red and I look a fright, sometimes itching, I'm so
tired of the drop thing...and so perplexed. Why can't I just go
straight to having that lasar operation and not have to use drops?
Your input sincerely appreciated. ONE MORE THING: I really don't know
much about the lasar operation except my two friends told me they did
not have any side effects much at all and it was fine. Comments?
btzol

Hello,

I don't take my drops at the same time every day. Sometimes I get up at 3am and take them when I get up then and on the weekends I sleep in of course. I am using Azopt 3x a day and Lumigan 1x a day at night.

Is this a problem? I try to take Azopt at 8 hour intervals but cannot always. Sometimes I sleep over 10 hours and don't get up to use the drops. Lumigan I just take in the evening before bed.

Also, I'm on the fence about filing a complaint against my HMO dr. Turns out the new dr. has said he doesn't want any more patients even though he's agreed to see me. He will try to have an opthamologist track me.

With my severe eye nerve cupping and ongoing condition I feel this is unfair. If the HMO can't hire enough specialists that's THEIR problem not mine. I will have the outside consultant specialist that I'm seeing soon write a letter of assessment and recommendation for my treatment. I hope HE will state I NEED to see a GLAUCOMA specialist not an opthamologist. With all these BOOMERS you'd think they'd stay on top of it right?!

Plus the old dr/specialist has requested to see me to follow up the procedure he did however I do not want to see him again and have called and canceled and told them for the 10th time that I"VE SWITCHED SPECIALISTS AND LOCATIONS. They just DON'T get the message. Plus I Have not received the complaint form I requested over a month ago and had to request one again.

On top of it my eyes might get so bad that I can't drive and I'll need to switch back to my old dr.s location as it is closer to where I live right now. That's another reason I'm afraid to complain about him. (Not only did he NOT tell me one eye was worse when he knew it, he lasered it 360 degrees not 180 as he led me to believe and he also has this bad habit of holding my eye open instead of letting me do it when he checks my pressure. I hate that and have told him so but he keeps doing it.)

I don't know what will happen here. I'm trying not to worry about it.

Thanks,

Lynn

Astra,

I also had no one to relate to about glaucoma. No one I know has it so was glad to find this group. So if you have any questions ask away! This is a great group and while I may not have the answers to some of your questions I'm sure someone will.

Brenda

hi group...I am shortsighted and have glaucoma in both my eyes.At the
bottom and inner of my right eye I can't see anything...My left eye is
not as bad, but have dark shadows on outer edge of my eye...I have had
pessure in my right eye which was (16) and was getting sharp needle
pains,sometimes unbearable and was treated with Lumigan eye drops to
bring down the pressure which is now (11) also my right eye seemed to
be enlarged and felt like it had been blown up, but is now back to
normal.I am still useing Lumigan in both eyes as I am now getting pain
in my left eye too! I am also useing Celluvisc eye drops, because the
Lumigan has caused me to have dry eye, I was told the drops are making
the eye water... I was diagnosed with glaucoma four years ago and have
had no one to relate too at all about this disease and would like to
learn more about this subject from people who have it!
Astra!

Hi Sherry. I think my trab is 3 to 4 years old. I just had a checkup
last week. Trab is functioning perfectly, pressures are where he wants
them, no changes in the optic nerves and they still appear to be holding
up. No leaks at all. At first I was being followed up by the closer opth
until my "problem" arose, so now I only see my specialist opth (in New
Orleans!). He will occasionally send me to the retina doc if he sees the
need. Sunlight and glare bother me, too, as well as fluorescent lights!
Also, each eye sees the same color in different shades. That kind of
wreaks havoc when I'm setting stage lighting or mixing paint for stage
sets! :) Makes for interesting colors! Thanks for the URL. I'll go and
take a look at it now. Thanks for the reply! -- Mike (mrcoog)

I wonder how many patients are like me--I started to respond to this
part of the study but since I have no problems with compliance, I
really couldn't think of anything. It is probably more tempting for
those who have no perceptible loss of vision to start to forget to
take their eyedrops, or to decide the meds are too expensive, but I
see a perpetual shadow in the upper part of my vision whicn constantly
reminds me. I can't think of any impetus that would have more impact.
-Deah

Thank you Sherry, I'll check out the link and bookmark it.
Jean

Could whoever sent the email about retina wrinkle please resend it. I
accidentally erased it. I may have to have the eye trab surgery in
the future and am quite worried about it. I would like to reread the
message about the wrinkle in the retina problem. Thanks!!!!
Grace

Can someone please post the link to the online visual field test. I had a problem with my OE and lost alot of e-mail. Thanks!

Yours,
Dora Smith
Austin, TX
tiggernut24@...

Jean,
Glaucoma is diagnosed by the presence of optic nerve damage, which may or
may not be caused by elevated IOP. Normal Tension Glaucoma means that there
is the presence of optic nerve damage in the absence of elevated pressures.
Conversely, someone can have elevated pressures and never develop glaucoma -
those patients are known as ocular hypertensives or glaucoma suspect.
Take a look at the Wills Glaucoma website, which has some excellent
information on glaucoma, including the types of glaucoma. You can read
about the types at http://willsglaucoma.org/types.htm
Sherry

Hi everyone, I have seen a few messages meantioning normal tension
glaucoma and I'm not sure what it means.
Does it mean someone with normal tension are at risk of getting glaucoma?
I'm still very new to glaucoma and all I know is that my eyes are at
20 and that I'm taking Betagan once a day.
Thanks
Jean

I don't see why a study is needed for this. How about just plain not being
responsible for yourself???????

------ Forwarded Message
From: ags <ags@...
Reply-To: ags <ags@...
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:35:55 -0700
To: agsocietynet <agsocietynet@...
Conversation: AGS Pat