Darkening around eyes from Glaucoma drops

[Namechange341]

Please help! I am getting increasingly dark circles around my eyes from the drops I have to take for glaucoma. I am rubbish at makeup and concealers, foundations etc and they tend to sit badly or pill on my skin (dry, papery and very fine).

I look increasingly like Nosferatu - what can I use that will help? I have the InkeyList caffine eye cream, anything heavier causes puffiness, but I think I need something to lighten the area. It's not (just) aging - I look increasingly grim.

I've been told that about 75% never need drops and over 90% are fine for the rest of their lives with drops after a deep sclerotomy. I'd be happy with either.

I've told them I want my eye pressure monitored more often because I get no symptoms at all of my eye trying to pop itself. I've got agreement for that after quite a struggle.

I've bought a second hand Pulsair from ebay but at the moment my DH can't figure out how to use it. I'm not convinced it's working properly.

Thanks for updating, I wondered how you were getting on. Sorry to hear the drops didn’t work, I hope the procedure is effective (and soon!) and then you can forget about all of this.

Good luck with the surgery. I hope it goes smoothly

I'm on the waiting list for laser trabeculoplasty. Has anyone on here had that? How did it go?

Have you considered a diabetic travel pack? They are suitable for eyedrops that need refrigerating whilst on the move as well.

Sorry I can't help with a laser one. I met a woman recently who had a surgical trabeculectomy and she said it was easy and had been trouble free.

Thank you for this, I never knew there was such a thing. I’ll go investigate!

I had the SLT yesterday (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) in both eyes ( @DownyBirch). It was more uncomfortable than I expected and the light sensitivity afterwards was really bad - but it is very hot and bright here. I have three days of drops for pain, but only used them once so far. Eyes are sore and itchy atm and I am wearing sunglasses inside!

It was a bit more than I expected - and I have previously been fine with laser for capsule cleaning, two cataract/lens replcement surgeries and a retinal detatchment op! I was tired yesterday though which may affect tolerance.

As I have normal tension glaucoma they are not sure either how long the SLT benefits will last (6 months to six years was the range suggested) or if there will be any definite benefits at all. However, the reading from the puff test went from 10 before, to 7 after so I guess that is an improvement.

Follow up in July. Moorfields were, as always, wonderful and kind. I just want them to stop finding things wrong!

PS. Turns I wasn't on a waiting list btw - I was just v confused by discrepency between appointment dates and NHS app which seemed to suggest appointment had been cancelled and I was back on the list instead, but when I called to check again they confirmed that I was having the procedure!

Follow up in July. Moorfields were, as always, wonderful and kind. I just want them to stop finding things wrong!

@Namechange341 sorry, that's never going to happen!

I was under their care for years due to strong family history with glaucoma. I was prescribed so many different types of drops - none of them reduced my pressure to their satisfaction. I eventually had trabeculectomy in both eyes, 6 months apart - that was 8 years ago, and the pressure in both my eyes have been low and stable since then. I'm eternally grateful to them.

Good luck with your appointment in July.

@RubyTrees Oh that is good to hear!

i have decided they just really like me and want me to keep coming back!

@Namechange341 yes they do really really like you which is why they want to preserve your sight!

Thanks, @Namechange341, that's helpful - even if laser trabulectomy does turn out to be tough, I like to know what to expect. I will only be having it in one eye, which will help. My glaucoma seems to have been triggered by shingles in that eye. I've been told the treatment may not make any difference, but I think it's worth trying.

@DownyBirch I got the impression that they were surprised by my discomfort, so I suspect it's usually not as bad as I found it. Absolutely fine today - no sensitivity and just the usual hayfever itches.

Hope it works out for you.