What is Narrow Angle Glaucoma? | Driving with Dr. David Richardson Ep 08

[@deborahatkins9727]

Hi from the UK. I had laser surgery two days ago for narrow angle glaucoma. All good so far. 😊

[@lesley1848]

Thank you.

[@claudiacables945]

Thank you for your video Dr. Richardson. I went to my regular annual eye exam and I was told that I had Narrow angle glaucoma and that I should see the Ophthalmologist. 8 months later today, I was able to see the ophthalmologist and schedule my Laser Peripheral Iridotomy. I did not realize how serious this NAG can be. I am a 67 years old woman.

[@tedtedness184]

I had the laser surgery. Anyone seeing this video, do not worry at all getting it, I freaked myself out waiting the 3 weeks for the date. No pain what so ever. It is a laser that zaps a hole between 5 to 15 zaps depending on eye color and laser setting first eye took about 12 zaps and the next week the other eye took 7. Nothing to worry about, a very easy procedure.

[@ambrid5837]

curious about the # of zaps..what color are your eyes?

[@tedtedness184]

@@ambrid5837 Brown, the Dr said the second eye he used more power since he knew the zap count on the first eye and I was not freaked out on the procedure as I was the first eye. 6-7 months an no more eye headaches. I would of had about 15 of them by now if they did not figure this was the cause.

[@ambrid5837]

@@tedtedness184 do you have any glare, visual side effects.and do you know where the holes are placed?

[@tedtedness184]

@@ambrid5837 No glare, nothing different other then free of eye pressure headaches. They put the hole at 12 o'clock and my holes are 1.5 mm and 1.0 mm. They grow back so, it is a yearly to by yearly check.

[@ambrid5837]

@@tedtedness184 That is great news!! I have my first eye scheduled on the 11th of June I'm seeing a glaucoma specialist and I know she puts the holes up top somewhere between 11:00 and 1:00 p.. my pressures have been between 22 and 26.. I've put the procedure off for 9 months.. I had a few opinions and basically was told the same thing that my angles were very narrow.. but I do also have thick corneas so I was not put on drops and nobody I saw seems to be too worried about the pressure. I know that those of us with darker eyes.. it takes more power.. and of course that elevates the risk of damaging some other part of the eye but I'm crossing my fingers that everything goes as smooth as yours went!!!!

[@helenaroman1543]

I went to the eye dr recently because a bit of blurred vision. I’d always had 20/20. They said “it’s your age, it’s normal.” But my dr was thorough, checked... I have narrow angles so they scheduled me for the procedure in 2 weeks. Had my mother told me she too had this, then I’d have seen the dr sooner. It’s important to see an eye dr regularly. I’d been on allergy meds my whole life too (no more!) thank you for these videos!

[@nickwithnoc]

I’m going to be an Optometrist in about 5 years & your content is great man, thank you!

[@kathyc7171]

I had no idea this could be so serious! I was advised to see an ophthalmologist regarding laser treatment for my narrow angle, being told that my tears weren't draining well. That didn't seem to warrant laser surgery. I thought, why mess around with surgery when the moisturizing eye drops are fine? Now I will call for an appointment! Thank you Doctor

[@grahamedwards6824]

Excellent information. I have just had both cataracts removed and previously had peripheral laser iridotomies. My pressures are normal but I am still using Latanoprost drops at night. I need to have the pressures checked at least annually, indefinitely.... Coincidentally I also have marked physiogical cupping of both optic disks, which alerted my optometrist in the first instance to refer me for further investigations. I am grateful for his thorough examination of my retinae using an ophthalmoscope, which is something that not all optometrists do routinely, and which in my opinion they should. The other 'eye' condition that I have had for years, is Blepharitis, and I am convinced that it is caused by the Arachnid, Demodex folliculorum..... But that is another story.... I enjoyed the talk which is both informative and succinct. Something which many Americans have difficulty with..!! I'm a retired GP and live on the South Coast in England.

[@daniellegnerre6180]

Thank you for this informative video. Some of these suggestions I am hearing for the first time. Thank you for your expertise!

[@ruthyulymurillo2812]

Thanks Dr. Richardson, it's very informative since l had my LPI due to angle closure glaucoma 3weeks ago. God bless and stay safe on the road..

[@Boricactuz]

Did u loose vision?

[@Brookside975]

Thank you for these videos. I really appreciate them. I have open angle glaucoma after being suspect for a number of years. I have a good local optometrist and also go to the head of glaucoma department at Ohio State, once a year. I am 70 year sold but still feel like I am about 30 otherwise. For open angle, should it normally be okay to occasionally use those over the counter cold meds with open angle. Pressures are at 11/13 (left and right eye) after adding Brimonidine Tartrate 0.2% twice a day to my Latanaprost at bedtime. In an effort to get off drops, I had SLT done at OSU, but it did not last more than 6 months. The drops are not bad to use. Side effect free other than now having to use reading glasses more and I am very good about doing so . Thanks again. Cheers, Steve from Ohio

[@lisajag25]

Great information and presentation! Thank you so much

[@gregtrent807]

I got narrow angle glaucoma since 1993, had Laser surgery right away never had to use drops since or before surgery, now I need cataract surgery, pressure is high, but on drops.

[@Jan96106]

I don't know if you are still looking at the comments on these videos, but could placement of an IOL in the anterior chamber of the eye (due to weak zonules) eventually result in chronic narrow angle closure? I read about antihistamines a bit late, after my eye pressure went up too high in one eye when my eyes were dilated. I also just learned about water. I drank a lot of water fast right before my eyes were dilated. These videos are helpful to avoid such problems.

[@guitarsz]

thanks for the info about the cold medicines. I just had the laser surgery today because of my narrow angles. I’m 48 and they did one eye. I have an apt for the other eye in a month but I think i’ll call back on monday and move that apt to ASAP as i didn’t realize how scary these can be. i don’t want to waste any more time

[@thetattooedguy1413]

Hey I’m in the EXACT same boat! So I just was diagnosed with Narrow Angle glaucoma. They said my closures are at a 0 and need to be done ASAP! My problem is finding someone who can/will do it immediately. This has me so scared! I don’t even want to move.

[@RitZalicious]

Thank you Dr. Richardson! You thoroughly have explained "narrow angle glaucoma "NAG"" in such a way that it is understood... I've been googling and also utubing for info, but your video has been the most effective in explaining properly. I saw my optometrist late Sept and diagnosed me with NAG, I then saw my husband's optometrist that he has been seeing for past 30 years and he said my chambers were open and I have wide angles and my eye pressure was 18... Can you explain if this is possible from 1 dr to the other?

[@nfrida2139]

Many thanks ❤

[@March808]

I was diagnosed with narrow angle glaucoma I had laser treatment today and my massive headache went away but I still have blurred vision. Is this actually glaucoma? Will the laser hole ever close up? Is there optic nerve damage when this occurs? Does this bring cataracts? Sorry lots of questions I’m just nervous…

[@victoriaday2681]

I was diagnosed today with narrow but I suppose to start Lexapro antidepressants will this affect the eye I read it could what are your thoughts

[@FeziObedi]

Hullo Dr.Richardson my father was diagnosed with glucoma he sees at night with just low vision can he be helped

[@bonniegierach5027]

I have to take Meclizine for Meneries disease. Could this have contributed to narrow angle glaucoma? Also I was advised to have cataract surgery in the near future. Can you give any thoughts on this?

[@thetattooedguy1413]

I am 42 years old and was just diagnosed with Narrow Angle Glaucoma. They said my closure is at a 0 and need to have surgery. I am so scared. I wish I could just get the surgery over with. The wait is scaring me more

[@dessiecoder2116]

I have an appt next week. My sister has the laser, my mom did 40 years ago ran into a friend last night she had it 20 years ago. All said painless and easy. Also the optician had it too….said don’t worry. I hope that helps.

[@goshi132]

Keep your eyes on the road.

[@ralex3697]

Could not make a hole in my Iris, was much too thick Now getting drops to lower pressure

[@mbhusman3056]

Thank you! Graphics help visualize this. After 10 years of going to a GS, I changed doctors. Didn't believe new doctor about narrow angles, but he showed me on a huge computer screen in real life how my angles closed in dark. Cool science demo made a true believer of me. LPI were done. Is glare and contrast sensitivity a part of LPI's? I do appreciate that I have protection from an acute attack, nevertheless. Does fluid flow through LPI on a routine basis when IOP's are in teens, or only in extremely high IOP? I had it explained as an emergency pressure release valve. Yes, early cataract surgery (one eye only to date) was effective in dropping pressures, but thank you for hint to ask my doctor if IOL changed the anatomy. I appreciate your teaching sessions. Thank you immensely.

[@eyemdla]

Glad to hear that you found this informative. I also have a large touchscreen in my office with which I can show videos and draw on the screen. Honestly I don’t use it as much as I should. Your comments have encouraged me to use it more frequently. As for glare after LPIs, it is an unfortunate risk of the surgery. Depending on how bothersome it is, it may be treated with corneal tattooing but will often improve after cataract surgery. Fluid does flow through the LPI with every blink but it really should be thought of as a safety valve as you described.

[@jaykilborn2508]

I have narrow angle glaucoma. I have had laser surgery to decrease eye pressure and put drops of Monopost in my eyes before I go to bed.

[@desireemedlock4999]

Would having a head injury cause narrow angles?

[@sandrabowers2933]

Dr Richardson, hello. I’m scheduled for an iridotomy in a week. Are there any down sides to having this done? Is it absolutely necessary? Do narrow angles ever open up on their own or with natural treatment? I have put it off for four years but now feeling like it is the responsible thing to do. Of course I would love to avoid surgery if possible. Thank you

[@eyemdla]

Hello Sandra, Sorry I was unable to reply earlier. If you’ve had your laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) I hope it went well for you (it usually works as planned). As with any surgery, however, there are risks which include IOP elevation, inflammation, glare, double vision, etc. In the setting of dangerously narrows angles (which do not usually improve, but rather get worse with time) these are generally risks worth taking.

[@sandrabowers2933]

Hi Dr Richardson. Thank you for your reply. I went for my 1 week checkup today and all looked good. My pressures were the same as they were pre op, 22/22. I’m glad to have it behind me. Once again, thank you.

[@Jeffreykum]

Very scary . I see someone June 10

[@dessiecoder2116]

They keep saying this is rare? Mom , sister, boyfriend, friend all narrow. Me appt sub spec tomorrow. Likely narrow ….. pretty common around here.

[@treelore5100]

is it possible that use of diphenhydramine could cause this?

[@shellyhill7266]

Goi morning Dr Richardson. i am struggling with open angle glaucoma. They say its better thN closed angle but im loosing my visuon just the samr. i cannot get in front of it. i have tried everything but nothing seems to control my vision loss. i had surgery and drainage rubes were inserted i juice i watch my diet i use holistic approach i have even rinsed my eye in pee! yes im desperatr. i am here in GA where competent Or innovative doctors in this field are none. i would like all or any advice you can provide.

[@vibeslump5201]

How are you doing now?

[@farooqkhan2998]

Is it legal to drive and record a video????

[@jamesc5363]

Thank you so much for this episode, Dr Richardson. There's a lot of information to process here but so good to know that some racial groups are at higher risks than others of narrow or closed angled glaucoma. I am Asian Australian and I have no knowledge if I have the narrow or open angle glaucoma - hope not! But it would be great if Dr Richardson can explain a little bit more about what is involved in OCT procedure? Is it a simple, straight-forward examination? Thank you!

[@eyemdla]

I’m planning on doing just that with a video series on OCT. However, I first have to get my visual field testing series uploaded. So much to discuss! For now you should know that the test is available in most glaucoma surgeons’ offices. It’s quick, painless, and the results are available almost immediately for review.

[@emmag879]

Dear Doctor, Is it ok to get 2 eyes at once?

[@tcfbrp8807]

Dr. Richardson, what can be said about light sensitivity, glare, and lack of contrast sensitivity in open angle glaucoma? Do these symptoms typically alleviate if IOP can be returned to an acceptable range?

[@eyemdla]

Reduced contrast sensitivity is an early symptom of glaucoma. Glare is more likely related to cataract, not glaucoma. Light sensitivity is often experienced with dry eye disease (which is often made worse by the medical treatment of glaucoma with prescription eye drops).

[@andrealieser2134]

How many holes are usually put in each eye?