possible glaucoma?

[mandy38]

I Went to see an eye doctor because I have had pink eye for an age, but whilst there I asked about my high iop (had for years) and whether it is anything to worry about. She did all the tests and said my eye is red due to underproductive oil gland in eye, very common and not a problem. Then I said what about my iop, she said yes it is high and my optic nerve looks suspicious... I died on the spot!! To top it all off, I don't go back for 3 months, then I will have a visual field test to see if it is glaucoma. I asked is this anything to worry about, she said if she was worried she would have put me on lowering drops now!!

Well, how can I have glaucoma at 38 with no family history of it and I'm white... none of the contributing factors!! I am so scared I will go blind! And I don't think it is safe to wait three months, do you?

Help, support, guidance appreciated!

mandy

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I you are concerned, please call the doctor and let her know and have then schedule the visual field and optic nerve analysis and pachymetry and repeat pressure reading.  I don't think losing vision is a major issue here.  The only question is whether you need to be on treatment or not.  If you don't end up needing drops treatment you will do great.  If you do need drop treatment you will do great.  The key is to find out how you are doing and keep follow up.  The only way you could get into trouble is if you never went back for follow up.  Remember, glaucoma is very, very treatable if indeed you ever really are found to have it.

MJK MD

[mandy38]

Thank you so much, I only wish the opthamologists I see had such a reassuring response as you do!  Only wished I lived in the States!!

You have calmed my fears!

Mandy