treatment for normal-tension glaucoma

[melinda68]

What is the treatment for normal-tension glaucoma? I am a glaucoma suspect due to high cup-disk ratio and asymmetrical optic nerves. my pressure is 17 each eye (normal corneal thickness), stable for two years. are there are lifestyle measures i can take to avoid progression>? my visual fields are ok.
thank you

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes there is a relationship between migraine, glaucoma and visual field defects but it is not well understood. Discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist. If you still aren't comfortable then see a glaucoma Eye MD for a second opinion.

JCH MD

[melinda68]

i'm on no drops as yet, and my next visit will include a drurnal check of pressures. my opthalmologist also mentioned that there was a correlation between migraine with aura and glaucoma, which i wasn't aware of. he made it sound as though there was no treatment, but the damage would simply be monitored ... it really scares me, as i'm only 41 with no other health problems.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Some "low tension glaucoma" is really due to poor complicance by the patient (people take drops only the day or two before their exams) OR the IOP is high at night when it can't be checked.

For true LTG the RX is keep the IOL as low as possible.

JCH MD