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"To make glaucoma more manageable,
make yourself more knowledgeable."
Beyond the Basics - What you might not learn at a typical doctor appointment

Your eyecare professional has a lot to do during your visits to manage your condition. There are measurements to be taken, decisions to be made, questions to be answered, presciptions to be written, and instructions to be given. So there may be topics your doctor won't have time to cover. That's why we've included them here.


TOPIC: What if eyedrops aren't enough?

There are plenty of ways to treat high eye pressure. If eyedrops don't do the trick by themselves, pills may be added to the regimen. If medications don't achieve the results the doctor is looking for, there are a number of surgical options, both traditional and laser.
Beyond the Basics

TOPIC: The biggest threat to vision may be noncompliance

It's a big word that simply means not following a medication regimen. When you stop to think about how effective medicines like eyedrops can be – and how risky not taking them can be – it's easy to see why eyecare professionals become frustrated when their patients don't use them. Being aware of the reasons this can happen may help you to avoid this pitfall.

Forgetfulness.

Eyedrops that you take at night aren't like a vitamin you pop in your mouth in the morning, so they may not fit seamlessly into your established routine. Consider keeping your eyedrops on your nightstand, setting an alarm clock, having a friend or relative call you, or putting a note on your bathroom mirror.

Skepticism.

Glaucoma has no symptoms – until permanent vision loss has occurred. Treating a condition that you don't even notice can be hard. Combined with the lack of a dramatic result to encourage you, sticking with your medicine day in and day out can be challenging. But just think: if you wait until you notice a visible reason to use your eyedrops, it will be too late.

Psychology.

Studies have shown that depression is associated with noncompliance. Other research indicates that feeling like you're not in control can also cause you to skip your medicine. People experiencing these situations may not even be aware of it. So if you find that you're not taking your medicine – and you don't really understand why – try to focus on the emotions you may be feeling.

Physical difficulties.

Arthritis, shaking hands, and other conditions can make it hard to grasp your glaucoma eye drop bottle, aim it properly, and squeeze it with the right amount of pressure. If you experience difficulty using your drops, tell your doctor! Here are some techniques that may help you overcome these challenges.
  • Shaky hands – approach your eye from the side so you can rest your hand on your face, or try light wrist weights (one or two pounds) to lessen the shaking.
  • Too small to grip – wrap something around the bottle to make it easier to grasp.
  • Can't tell if drops went in – store your drops in the fridge. Your eye will feel the cold drop better than one at room temperature.

Financial issues.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease that often requires many years of treatment. That means you'll have a fixed cost every month. There are many ways to get help paying for your medicine. You may be eligible for a savings card or other sources of financial assistance. Go to openingsprogram.com/signup.

Side effects.

Getting discouraged by unpleasant side effects is understandable, but before you stop taking your medicine, tell your doctor. There are many alternatives available.
Beyond the Basics

HELPFUL TOOL: A list of questions to bring to your next appointment.

Being organized can make your doctor visit more productive, so jot down questions as they occur to you and bring your list with you the next time you see your doctor. Include any concerns, confusion, or problems that occur to you, or print out our list and use it as a guide.
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