Normal course for glaucoma surgery

Hi,

I am writing on behalf of my father-in-law, who is about 70. He
recently (3 days ago) had his intraolcular pressure checked and it was
quite high- high enough that his opthamologist reccomended emergency
surgery (he said it was over 70, sorry but I don't know the units used
in this measurement....I doubt it's mm Hg!) In any case, the pressure
in his other eye tested normal, but his doc has suggested prophylactic
surgery for that eye.

I know this is no substitute for a second opinion by an MD who is
examining the guy- trust me, that will be happening. And this morning
I have found out that there's more than one type of glucoma, and
different techniques are used on the various manifestations.
Unfortunately I cannot reach anyone right now to find out which popped
up in my dad-in-law...and I realize that can also muddy the situation.

That being understood, is it routine to do both eyes, even if one
tests normal?

Thanks for the help, and have a great Thanksgiving!

Chris Thompson
PS: The email address is a spam trap and I never check it.

 

Yes, the units are mmHg, his pressure is very high and likely he has
chronic angle closure glaucoma which is treated by surgery.

In any case, the pressure

Not "routine", but if the other eye has a narrow or closable angle
which can be determined during examination, then that eye is at risk
of having the same thing happen. It is common for the other eye to
have a closable angle if one eye has already closed. The surgery is
prophylactic and will prevent a similar problem.

With acute angle closure the patient has pain and blurred vision which
drives them to the eye doctor and to treatment. With a slowly
developing chronic angle closure, there is little pain and often
little blur so the optic nerve may suffer considerable irreversible
damage resulting in permanent vision loss. The prophylactic treatment
carries little risk.

http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic122.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_closure_glaucoma

Dr Judy

 

Thanks so much for a clear, concise explanation. It helps
tremendously, as did the refs you provided.

Have a great Thanksgiving if you're in the US, and a great weekend in
any case!

Chris