David A
During a summer session in college I lost my eye glasses and came home for an eye exam and prescription for new glasses. The optometrist checked my eye pressure and said it was too high. He waited a few minutes, but did not say what was wrong. Then, he checked it again and it was "Still high." At that moment, he said that I had glaucoma. He was upset that I did not come for a check up earlier. I told him that I had felt fine and just came in for new glasses. He continued to harass me and I was still in shock over it. He gave me a referral to see an Ophthalmologist. After going through denial, I went back to college for my last semester and postponed my referral to the Ophthalmologist until after graduation. I kept checking if my eyesight had changed by looking straight ahead and trying to look at objects on my left and right side. I scheduled an appointment and went to see a doctor I found in the phone directory. After eye pressure and field vision tests, the doctor said that I had open-angle glaucoma. Field vision test was good along with a Ophthalmoscopy check. He stated that eye drops should lower the pressure and live a normal life. He was more compassionate than the optometrist and reassured me that with proper care my sight will be saved. I learned to live with daily eye drops and fluctuating eye pressure readings (IOP) from 17 to 28. One important advice is to accept your illness and make appropriate changes in your lifestyle. Live your life to the fullest. I have learned a lot about Glaucoma, its treatment, and new medications. Ask your doctor about new treatment options. I just went through my first surgical procedure called trabeculoplasty. It was painless and lasted just 15 minutes. A few eye drops to numb the eye and just sit on a chair while flashes of laser light enter your eye to allow more drainage of fluid. It feels like a needle tapping your finger without force in the back of your eye. I went in at 9AM and left by 10:30AM. I went to work in the afternoon. My pressure dropped from 24 to 16. I continue to live a normal life and every day is a new day and someday there will be a cure.
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