What are the important questions I need to ask my optometrist Re: Glaucoma; when I see her on Tuesday?

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I was diagnosed 6 months ago with Glaucoma and I am still in shock; denial.
Yes, I use my drops religiously and I've read everything I can get my hands on---and I'm not finding much to read.
Please list as many questions as you can think of that are relevant to my diagnosis.
I have open angle Glaucoma and I have had 3 field vision tests.
Ask if you have any damage.

Glaucoma is often characterized by damage to the optic nerve, causing a reproducible defect to appear in a visual field test.

Ophthalmologists may tell a patient they have glaucoma and start them on treatment even if they just have ocular hypertension.

Ocular hypertension is a characteristic of glaucoma, but not necessarily indicative of the condition. If you don't have any damage or visual loss, then you do not have glaucoma. You may have ocular hypertension and you are being treated with drops to prevent glaucoma and optic nerve damage.

Do not be afraid. Stay informed. Don't ever stop using your medication. You don't go blind from a few days of ocular hypertension, but years without seeing a doctor and your vision can drop off without you noticing... until one day you realize you can't see as well as you used to. It's gradual.  (+ info)

Can a person with Glaucoma have Lasik for vision correction?

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I have open angle, pigmentary glaucoma does this rule me out of having any sort of vision correction.

My wife recently had it done and is now better that 20/20. My vision is not horrible (I don't wear coke bottle glasses) and I would really love to live with out glasses.
I think it depends on the surgeon, but the ones I've worked with won't perform it on you.  (+ info)

What is 'closed angle glaucoma' and what causes it?

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What can be done to avoid this from happening?
thats a good answer by nick...except i want to add the following:

angle closure glaucoma is usually a physiologic and ANATOMICAL/MORPHOLOGICAL problem. in other words the people who get it have a certain specific anatomy inside their eye that they were born with that makes them more susceptible to the condition. some anatomical features that would cause/contribute to angle closure are "narrow angles" and "plateau iris".

and there is at least one preventative measure: laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)...basically a surgeon takes a laser and burns a hole in the iris to make another "drain hole" and prevent pressure buildup. it works in the vast majority of cases...  (+ info)

Is there such a diagnosis as "closed angle" that is not, I repeat, not glaucoma?

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My mother-in-law came back from her eye specialist the other day and says he diagnosed her with "closed angle" and yet claims that the specialist said that she does not have glaucoma. Is that diagnosis possible or did she hear wrong? Based on what I've found on the internet so far, "closed angle" is a form of glaucoma. But hey, what do I know?! I told her to get a second opinion.
There may be a very small window period between; when one develops narrow angle and when the intraocular tension rises. If a patient is diagnosed during this period, he/ she may be having a normal tension hence no glaucoma.
But it is theoretical. Chances are, she misunderstood the doc.
You are right about the second opinion anyway.
Good luck with your mother-in-law.  (+ info)

why is diphenhydramine contraindicated in Narrow angle glaucoma, acute asthma and pregnancy?

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i am looking for a reference in why they are contraindicated other than they just are...thanks for any help
In addition to its antihistamine properties, diphenhydramine has anticholinergic properties (that is, it blocks the action of acetylcholine, which is used primarily by the parasympathetic nervous system).

According to the website I'm linking to below:

1) Diphenhydramine is relatively contraindicated in patients with asthma and COPD, especially during acute attacks, because anticholinergic actions may thicken secretions and reduce expectoration.

2) Diphenhydramine is classified as pregnancy category C. Antihistamines generally are not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, because there is a risk of seizures in the fetus. Risks-benefits should be considered during pregnancy and in women expecting to become pregnant. Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in women who are breast-feeding because they can induce hyperexcitability in the infant, seizures in premature infants, and inhibited lactation. Alternative methods of feeding are recommended if diphenhydramine therapy is deemed necessary.

3) Diphenhydramine should be used with extreme caution in patients predisposed to or with closed-angle glaucoma. Due to its anticholinergic actions, it can increase intraocular pressure, precipitating an acute attack of glaucoma. Diphenhydramine must also be used cautiously in patients with open-angle glaucoma; glaucoma therapy may need to be adjusted.

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By the way, on this last point, one way it leads to increased intraocular pressure is by causing the pupil to dilate, which blocks the normal flow of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eyeball) out of the eyeball.  (+ info)

what is the difference between narrow-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma?

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what my instructor gave me to work with doesn't specify a difference :(
  (+ info)

Can people affected by Narrow angle glaucoma use contact lenses?

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There should be no problem wearing contact lenses. Typically if you need to have drops to control your pressure you will either use them first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed.  (+ info)

why is glycopyrrolate contraindicated in narrow angle glaucoma?

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  (+ info)

which antidepressant can someone take that has acute narrow angle glaucoma?

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  (+ info)

Acute narrow angle glaucoma?

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My wife has to go to the doctor for acute narrow angle glaucoma. The appointment is not until tomorrow . Her eyes are burning and hurting. Does anyone have any advice on how she can relieve the pain until her appointment. Thank you.
tell her to take 800mg of ibuprofen, put a cool wash cloth over her eyes, and try to take a nap.  (+ info)

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