Glaucoma

[johnthebom]

Hi all, to say im shell shocked would be an understatement,just been told by the eye hospital i have glaucoma in both eyes, worse in the right. Have been given the drops (Xalatan--Latanoprost) to put in every night. I have many questions, so dont be shy.
1.How the bloody hell do you put the eyedrops in?And at what time should i use them, just b4 bed or an hour or two b4?
2.Are there any sports that cannot or recommended not be done?(this includes jumping on a trampaline)(its the kids, yes i know,but we are all kids a heart)
3.Plane travel,long haull, short haull, if at all?
4.Can i use any other medication, ie asprin, hayfever, tabs,beer(budd)!!
5.computer use, is it ok to carry on useing it,(i use one at work 8hrs a day on and off) and which screen is the best option, lcd or crt?
6.I enjoy a hot bath, not good for the blood pressure i hear, what about eye pressure?
7.Are there any foods, natural remadies that may help the condition?
8. And to end for now,do the drops make the eyes more sesitive to light?

Many thanks for reading, any feedback would be helpfull,

Oh and by the waY ,im a 37 year old male with no family history at all of the above condition so any views on what may have contributed would also help.

johnthebom

[HELLASRULES]

Johnthbom, Sorry you've gotten the news on glaucoma. Just want you to know you can live your life just as you did before. You will just need the be diligent with the eye drops, and don't skip dr. visits. Those are both important.

1. Putting drops in: Tilt head back. Get bottle in position, and then look(with the eyes) as far left, right, up and let the drop go. Easier if you don't look straight at it.
2.Sports: Go for the Gold!
3.Travel: See the world, any way you can. Hand-carry your meds!
4. Read all medicine labels!!...some increase eye pressure, especially decongestants (cold, allergy meds)
5.I use computer all day at work, too. Then come home & spend another few hours on it at home.
6. I don't know of any problems with baths.
7. Foods/Natural remedies: Haven't found any miracles yet, but lots of vitamins are good for the eyes.
8. Light sensitivity: I would think that the eye could become light sensitive from the drops if you were allergic to them or they dialated your eye, which I doubt Xalantan does.
There may be many causes of IOP. Heredity, or in my case zillions of eye surgeries. I'm not sure they really know why on eperson gets it and someone else doesn't.

Find out all you can, write down questions for the dr. adn take the best care of your eyes you can.
Hope this helps.
P.S. I drink beer...it doesn't seem to affect the IOP adversely, but good question for the dr.
Lots of people here probably know more about it than me...hopefuly they will put in their 2 cents.

[johnthebom]

Thanks Hellarules,can i ask how long you have had the condition and has it got worse over time while useing the medication or stayed the same?
my main concern is the future,and the effect it may have on my life?
does anyone out there know of anyone who,s had like glaucoma for 20-30+ years and still going strong? i know every person is different but it would be nice to know all the same.
cheers, JTB

[HELLASRULES]

Hey JTB, I developed high IOP about 18 yrs ago after retina surgery. It only affects one eye, but pressure has stayed same with drops for that long. Of course there are different causes of High IOP, and everyone is different. There are newer drops out there, and there are surgeries also, if the glaucoma becomes acute (as opposed to chronic).
As far as the future...make your plans and live your life. No one has anything promised to them for tomorrow. Keep a positive attitude, make your dreams come true, & try not to dwell on "what if's". Learn all you can about glaucoma & always keep you eye check-ups.
Wishing you smooth-sailing into the future...
H.

[johnthebom]

My clinical findings now point to normal tension glaucoma which i am led to think is not the best condition to have.
Any advice anyone?