Annette's Story

I was diagnosed with Normal Tension Glaucoma a few short years ago. Initially picked up by the Optometrist who during a regular eye test said my right eye looked dodgy. After a visual fields test which was not good I was referred to an Ophthalmologist.

He asked if I was born premature, which I was, and told me my optic nerves were very small and that my right eye had a portion totally missing which he referred to as a pit. He suggested I may have been born like it but being unsure sent me for an MRI which showed a cyst on the Pituitary Gland which apparently can mimic or exacerbate Glaucoma symptoms.

He wants my pressures below 10. I had laser treatment and whilst using drops (Xalatan) the pressures reduced to 9  and 7 but without drops slowly increased to 14 and 15. Back on to Saflutan. Pressures reduced but not enough so I use a combination of Azopt and Saflutan both at night and Azopt in the morning. My pressures remain stubbornly above 10 so he is looking at Stents.

He told me my glaucoma is advanced which really shocked me after such a short time span. My Mother had glaucoma for many years and two of my sisters also have been diagnosed. I have warned my children to be hyper vigilant and let their Optometrists know about the family history. It’s all quite confronting. I have yearly MRIs to check the Pituitary Cyst as this can impact on pressures. The MRI does not show whether the cyst is leaking or not but does check size. It’s relatively stable fortunately. I’m not too sure what the future holds I’m just hoping for the best.