Glaucoma and pregnancy - how worried should I be?

[OverthinkingThis]

Looking for info/reassurance - I recently had a hospital ophthalmology appointment and they want me to come back in 3-6 months time because they aren't happy with the scan they took and think it might be the start of glaucoma. My vision itself was good, just the optic nerve scan that they were interested in.

I didn't ask any sensible questions at the time, and stupidly didn't think to mention that we're currently ttc #2. Stupidly I started googling and from what I've read glaucoma meds aren't great in pregnancy. I'm now shitting it that I'm going to have to choose between risking my eyesight and a having a much- wanted DC2. I'm 35 so don't really want to pause ttc to watch and wait on the eyes situation either.

I've got myself in such a state - please reassure me (or give me a virtual slap and tell me to get a grip)

Sorry no reassurance or slap. Just a strong suggestion that you go back to the doctor and talk about possible risks, meds etc. Good luck.

Thanks - have a GP appt next week. No mechanism to speak to ophthalmology directly apparently

After a long talk with DP, ttc on hold until we can get some more info. Feeling very broody and down atm

Dear OP, Hope this finds tou well, and that you were able to have your much wanted dc2 🩵

I see that your post is from ages ago, but I’m currently in the position that you had originally written about. I have occular hypertension and sadly have some nerve damage (though surprisingly this hasn’t affected my vision .. yet!)

I had a trabculectomy last year and am doing better (I’ve been told). And now have a follow-up appointment with consultant ophthalmologist on May when I want to ask him questions about pregnancy and ocular hypertension + glaucoma.

but until then mu nerves are a wreck and want to hear from people who are/have been in a similar position. I’d absolutely love to know how you got on.

hope your eyes are well
thank you.

Hi @moxthemum , I'd totally forgotten about this thread... With the help of my GP managed to get a letter from my consultant (not the 1st year registrar I saw in my appointment!) saying that I did not in fact have clear evidence of glaucoma yet and didn't need treatment. I had my much wanted DC2 just under a year later! Pregnancy had no effect on my eyes.

What I do have is thin/stretched optic discs (due to high myopia) despite eye pressures being fine, and I will probably get glaucoma in the future, so I am on yearly follow-ups and might have to start the eye drops anyway in a few years.

Best advice I can give is to make a list of questions about pregnancy and glaucoma and take them to your appt. From what I understand it's not common in women of child bearing age so reasonable to want to be fully informed and not fobbed off.

Oh and good luck!

Thanks OP, congratulations on your second! And I appreciate your response. Wishing your eyes the best for the future.

im on a follow-up visit with my Ophthalmologist soon, and hopefully he gives me an all clear. I’d love for my ds to have a sibling, hoping for the best 🤞