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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Glaucoma / October 2003Long time treatment with drops only
As I read this forum I get a little fearful. I have recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, and use drops. How long might that work? Does everyone eventually have to have operations? How long have any of you used drops only? Dr. Cohn, I'd also appreciate knowing if you have many patients who have been on drops a long time. > As I read this forum I get a little fearful. I have recently been > diagnosed with glaucoma, and use drops. How long might that work? Does [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Dr. Cohn, I'd also appreciate knowing if you have many patients who have > been on drops a long time. Kathy, In my right eye I've had eye drops of different kinds and combinations for over 30 years. In my left eye I've had drops, trabs, revisions and now a tube. The operations became required when drops could no longer control the problem - but I also have Uveitis which the Glaucoma is secondary to. I always get a list of questions and take it with me to the doctor - I always forget otherwise! Kathy, I've been on drops for about 30 years, augmented by two rounds of argon laser treatments (no big deal, believe me, plus you get a great chartreuse light show!). Most drops I've used seem to lose their effectiveness after a few years, it's true -- but there always seems to be another medication or treatment out there when you need it. I've lost a bit of field in each eye, but the left fills in for the right's weaknesses and vice-versa -- thank God! I guess what I'm trying to say is don't sweat it, and thank God regularly! Best wishes to you, Don Singleton > > As I read this forum I get a little fearful. I have recently been > > diagnosed with glaucoma, and use drops. How long might that work? Does [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > I always get a list of questions and take it with me to the doctor - I > always forget otherwise! Have used drops several times. For a month or for Years. Many different kinds. Currently stopped to many side problems with my eyes and other medical problems I have. Doctor insists I keep on. But my pressure is low, am 89 years old and doubt I will ever go blind in my remaining Years. For You, I pray you will find a good answer to Your problems. I never have. al@fogshouse.com > As I read this forum I get a little fearful. I have recently been > diagnosed with glaucoma, and use drops. How long might that work? Does [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Dr. Cohn, I'd also appreciate knowing if you have many patients who have > been on drops a long time. Al, I figure when you're 89 years old you are the boss! I respect your decision, and wish you the best. And if I ever reach 89 (in 22 years, that would be) I hope my attitude is as positive and healthy as yours. Best wishes for another 10 years or so! Don Singleton > Have used drops several times. For a month or for Years. Many different > kinds. Currently stopped to many side problems with my eyes and other [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Dr. Cohn, I'd also appreciate knowing if you have many patients who have > > been on drops a long time. > Have used drops several times. For a month or for Years. Many different > kinds. Currently stopped to many side problems with my eyes and other [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Dr. Cohn, I'd also appreciate knowing if you have many patients who have > > been on drops a long time. Hi Kathy, Not sure what happened to my 1st response...I don't see it here. Anyway, my general feeling is that for every patient who ends up having glaucoma surgery in their lifetime, there are 10 who only use one or two drops and never need anything more than that. So don't worry. It is not terribly likely that you will need glaucoma surgery in your lifetime. It is likely that if you need only one drop now to control your IOP, that you will need two or three over the next 25 years (that is fairly common). May be a pain in the rear end, but it's worth it if it keeps you seeing. Rick Cohn, MD Glaucoma Specialist Winter Park, FL |
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