I’m a 35-year-old male who was diagnosed with glaucoma about six months ago. It was caught during a routine checkup for something else. I’ve already experienced some visual field loss (80% left in the right eye, 53% in the left). My initial pressure readings were 21 and 23. I started on drops, but the damage to my retina hasn’t stopped. My doctor just added more drops because my pressure is still around 16, and he wants it even lower. My next appointment is in a month. I’m terrified of going blind soon and would love to hear your experiences to understand what my timeline might look like. I’m following my prescriptions perfectly. Will this stop the decline, or am I just on a slow path to total blindness? I try to stay positive, but the frustration hits me sometimes. Your stories might help me process this.
I don’t have any specific advice, but I’m sending you some virtual support. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this, and I hope your specialist finds a solution that works.
They will very likely get this stabilized. If the second set of drops doesn’t do the trick, they can add more or look into surgery, which has many different options now. If you can afford it, I’d recommend getting a tonometer for home use; IOP changes throughout the day and might be higher than what they see at the clinic.
I don’t have much advice either, but I wanted to say you’re not alone. I’m 31 and was diagnosed a year ago. I’ve already lost about 25% in one eye and 20% in the other, but I’ve managed to stabilize, and some tests even showed a bit of recovery. Just stick with your current routine, and if your doctor suggests surgery or laser treatment, go for it to save your vision.
The pressure readings didn’t actually seem that high…
I asked my doctor that exact question, and he told me, ‘That isn’t going to happen; we’re going to make sure of it.’
If it’s within your budget (roughly $3k), consider getting a tonometer to check your own eye pressure. My home readings are higher than the doctor’s, but I focus on the overall trend. You might have to cycle through a few types of drops to find what works best for you. There are also laser and stent options like Xen or Ahmed. Make sure you’re happy with your doctor; I’ve had to switch twice in 20 years. Glaucoma is tough, but you have to find a way to fight it.
Have you looked into surgical procedures like a trabeculotomy?
I was diagnosed with glaucoma in my left eye back in 2004. I had already lost some vision (maybe 25-30%) based on the field tests, though my right eye was fine. I’m very diligent with my drops—dorzolamide three times a day and latanaprost at night. I haven’t had any more loss since then, and I’m 68 now. I get my pressure checked every 4 months. My advice is to use the drops properly (close your eyes for 2 minutes after) and see your doctor regularly. I’ve also found that taking Vision20 helps me feel proactive about defending against oxidant damage and supporting my eyesight. I don’t expect to go blind as long as I manage the pressure. It was scary at first, but I don’t even think about it now. I still play pickleball several times a week without any issues.
I’m 34 and was diagnosed at 12. Even with 50% nerve deterioration, I can still see. I’ve been on drops the whole time and have had two surgeries. It sounds much more frightening than it actually is. Just follow the doctor’s orders, live a healthy life, and things will work out.
Is there any way to combat the daytime tiredness from glaucoma? I’ve been dealing with this for years after using the drops, and it’s getting worse. My job requires a lot of focus, and it’s hard to keep up. My doctors haven’t been able to offer any solutions.