I HAVE GLAUCOMA

One of the most important contributions you can make to protect your vision is to take your medication as prescribed and monitor your glaucoma by attending scheduled review appointments.

I have just been diagnosed with glaucoma, what now?

If you or your loved one is diagnosed with glaucoma you might be feeling overwhelmed and concerned for their future. Nelivigi Eye Hospital is here to provide you with the care and information that is required to manage this disease and take back control.

If glaucoma has been diagnosed, it is important for you to have your intraocular pressure, eye health and visual fields periodically assessed. Your ophthalmologist and optometrist will formulate treatment plan for the glaucoma treatment.

As glaucoma assessment often involves computerized tests, a cumulative history of results on a specific machine where progression can be readily detected in a timely fashion.

It is important to stick to the shared care treatment plan prepared for you. If there are difficulties following this then you need to speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist so that the treatment plan can be planned accordingly. If the glaucoma treatment needs to be changed your ophthalmologist may ask visit them earlier.

Help save your family’s sight

Glaucoma runs in families it is necessary to have conversation

The following points may be useful in advising your family members about the increased risk.

  • As you are my direct relative you have a 1 in 4 chance of developing glaucoma as I have glaucoma

  • Regular eye checks are highly important for those people who have relatives with glaucoma.

  • It is important to visit an eye-care professional to get a comprehensive eye examination including an optic nerve check and ask them when you should return for the next appointment.

Things to tell your doctor

  • What are the other medications that you have been taking
  • If you are suffering from other health conditions e.g. asthma, breathing problems;

  • If you are experience any side effects with your glaucoma medication;

  • Early on or on your first visit keep your eye practitioner informed if you are aware of a family member

  • Who is having or had glaucoma

Things you should know

  • It is important to know which type of glaucoma you have. There are different types of glaucoma’s. Once you are aware it is important to record the information in a safe place. Ask your doctor to document it down for you.

  • Have you lost any vision?

  • Has there been any further damage occurred since your last visit or imaging test?

  • How and when the glaucoma drops has to be taken?

  • What should you look for when undergoing glaucoma medications – what are the side effects?

  • Does it matter if you missed taking a drop?

  • Are there instances that may stop taking your glaucoma medication?

  • Will your other medicines interfere with your eye drops? It is recommend that you always take a list of your other medications and/or herbal products that you are taking to both your GP and eye health professional

If you believe you are have difficulty instilling your drops due shaky hands, stiff neck, poor eyesight or any other condition that may affect proper instillation, contact Nelivigi Eye Hospital to discuss if an eye drop instillation applicator may help. Please note that not all drops have an applicator