My father go government's hospital for eye screening , doctor tell him got glaucoma.
I want to bring him to private eye specialist center for another screening.

Government's hospital dint give any report just told my father got glaucoma and very hard to recover.

I don't know how much it cost . anyone suggest any eye specialist doctor in glaucoma ?

May i know ISEC (http://www.isecmalaysia.com/locate_us.htm) good or not ? can someone list out the price range, i know there is few type of glaucoma . my father not good in Malay and English , so he don't know what type it is.
Government doctor just told him glaucoma may be he miss out something .

Normally how much for eye test ?

Appreciate for any suggestion .

This post has been edited by wacrop: Oct 23 2011, 09:37 PM

If you read the wikipedia article on glaucoma, you'll see this.



But you can stop further vision loss with treatment. If it's associated with high intra-occular pressure, the usual treatment is eyedrops. And if that does not help, only then surgery. Most competent specialists should be able to treat it. You don't need any especially "good" doctor, if the treatment is eyedrops.

What you need to do schedule another appointment quickly and this time, go with him, and hear what the doctor says. Haven't heard of ISEC. Normally I go to USMC.

My mother has high intra-occular pressure, and is on eye drops to reduce the pressure. She visits the doctor every few months. The monitoring shows that the pressure is going down with the medication. Unfortunately, one time, the eye drops ran out. Instead of buying more, she waited for the next appointment. Which was over 2 months away. I only found out when we were standing in front of the doctor. The doctor was wondering why the pressure had increased again. We should have bought the eye drops at a pharmacy, instead of going 2 months plus without.

This is sometimes why doctors should give patients written/dictated letters (I've normally seen this done) for easier recall. Anyway, Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital is a better option for a second opinion+comprehensive diagnosis/explanation.

I spent the whole day Today from morning ~ 10pm till 4:30pm to conduct atleast 4 testing at ussein onn Hospital..almost 90% confirmed glaucoma & I was shocked just now when I was told my bill comes to RM345!!

RM60 consultation, RM10 reg fee, RM120 for glaucoma test, RM5 for visual test & RM150 for Cornea test.....walao ehhh and I thought they are semi0govt...furthermore those test are noted as subsidized. If 100% private, even worst. Tomorrow another appointment to reconfirm my galucoma status. and thereafter permanent long term treatment...haizzz....old liao

the medical bill nowadays is increasing so fast. plus they are charging for every single chargeable thing in semi-gov/private hospital.

Hi stimix, sorry to hear that and thank for sharing with us the info. Btw, mind to share what make you to go for the test for glaucoma?

Unfortunately. The mainstay of the treatment isnt just eye drops. Your mum probably has a narrow iridocorneal angle. So whenever her pupils dilate. Eg; in a darkroom. She gets pain in her eyes due to the closure of the angle. Cause if the angle is closed. The aqueos will continue to accumulate in the main chamber of the eye. This causes the rise in the pressure. Wht those eye drops do is. It widens the angle or it increases outflow of the aques through another route to decrease the pressure. So in time, the pressure will always rise. You have to do a laser iridotomy. Its a painless opd procedure. It creates a little door in ur iris to help the aqeuos flow out.

---

Added on December 30, 2011, 11:13 pmsorry fr my reply to a comment over 2 mnths ago. On my cell. Dind't know it was an old thread. All the best with your treatment stimix

This post has been edited by tjinn: Dec 30 2011, 11:13 PM

Well, I'm a diabetic since young and for the past 2 yrs, my eye sight always blur whenever sleepy or even waking up from bed. Furthermore I'm coming to mid 40s already.

It could be diabetic retinopathy as well. And just as an added note for future references. There isnt a link between diabetes and glaucoma.

Thanks again

btw, pls do update us on the treatment for glaucoma, is the purpose of the treatment to slow down, stop (getting worsen) or to cure glaucoma?

btw, hope to hear good news from you...

take care

eye drop(for glocoma) and vitamin B(forgot which number), to delay from getting worse, this cannot cure.

RM450 above and follow up check will cost more(private clinic)

Yes at 1st I was referred to Retinopathy Doc but after few test, he told me mine is not diabetic retinopathy bcos high preesure of >26. according to him normal is from 10 to 22. So i was referred to Glaucoma doc. She almost confirmed me suffering glaucoma dy except 1 test this Morning..Going soon

Well its a good thing then. Glaucoma progress in stages and cn exacerbate at anytime. Its a good thing u detected it early. But do go for regular check ups with the opthalmologist. As a diabetic patient the risk for developing diabetic retinopathy increases with each passing year. In the early stages the only symptom would be narrowing of ur visual field which usually go unnoticed by most people. By the time the floaters set in might be too late. So gotta take good care of the eyes.

---

Added on December 31, 2011, 9:54 amDnt think they give vitamin b fr glaucoma.. However they do prescribe beta blocker eye drops fr tht.

This post has been edited by tjinn: Dec 31 2011, 09:54 AM

OK. This morning Doc conducted last test i.e Visual Field test..not an easy test..have to press a button and clicking my eye everytime seeing white light.chasing after white lights haha..That test cost me RM60 + another RM50 for consultation. Still not conclusive bcos Doc told me mine case very suspecious but for sure begining stage of Glaucoma. She wanted to conduct another round of visual field test nxt round but i decided to go ahead wth the glaucoma treatment. I was prescribed Travatan eye drop. for RM80/bottle..pheww lucky no need RM450 as qouted earlier ..So total damage for Yesterday & Today test + medication = RM545...Not cheap man.. Dun think can claim co sumore

She ask me to do a CT scan on my brain incase my glaucoma might resulted from tumor...adoiiii

This post has been edited by stimix: Dec 31 2011, 04:14 PM

After a month using Travatan eye drop, My latest eye pressure dropped from 26 to 17. Also no more blur vision when I wake up or during late night but the side effect of the drug is still there i.e my eye still abit red whole day, feeling of dryness and something stuck on the eye..like sand/etc..
So far eyelid not dark yet & eyelashes also not growing longer haha

Travatan is a good drug. Just that it's commonly associated with redness and dry eyes. Same for other prostaglandin analoge. The increase in pigmentation and length of ur lashes will come much later (years later)

If the redness/ conjunctival injection is unbearable, just let the Dr know. She'll change to another prostaglandin analog like xalatan or lumigan. I guess u r seeing Linda since she's the only glaucoma specialist in tun hussein onn?

Yeap Dr Linda haha. but lately the blur vision started again..esp ~ late Evening. dunno why

SInce the last posting last Feb, my Doctor already changed my medication from Travatan to Lumigen in Mar 2012 since I complain about red eye. Thereafter my pressure was ~ 18-19 and by the nxt appointment 6 mth later ~ Sep 2012. Lumigen was like Travatan and most of the time still red eyes and result after 6mths still no good.. still 18-20.

By this time, Doc decided to change again to Xalatan...boy this is one of the most comfortable & well torelated drug for me BUT - the reading getting worse after my Nov appointment. now reading ~ 23-24. So by now, She added Trimotol XE as Morning drop & Xalatan ..I met my Doctor again last week and bad news.. Xalatan failed me - pressure still ~ 20-21 although adding trimotol.

So she now prescribed me to Travatan again since I got the best result using Travatan....see how the result during my Apr appoinment

Another visit to my Doc Yesterday.. Bad result - eyes pressure now stood at 23!! So she stopped me on Trimotol but prescribed me COSOPT twice a day + the usual Travatn....sad day... ...Lucky my OCT & Visual field test showing no further deterioration and maintained the same level as last year..phewww...

BTW, Gen-X , On your other thread and also your blog, interested to know how's your glaucoma now. If I can recall you was also on Travtan +Cosopt and that brought your pressure to 13?

This post has been edited by stimix: Apr 7 2013, 05:21 PM

Wah, so cool man, how come I get shown reply message in this thread when I did not even know this thread exist? Now I know I can call for other member by using nickname

By the way, in my article titled Glaucoma Operation Singapore, I did mention I was prescribed Lumigan + Cosopt by my SG doc after Travatan failed.

I am pleased to inform that my pressure has been hovering around 13-17 for 2 years now.... and the odd thing is, my gorgeous SG Doc said there is an "improvement" to my left eye which I do not really know what she meant and did not bother to ask. Every 6 months in addition to visual field test, the SG doctor also scan both my eye's nerves. Since mid last year I have been visiting my SG doc every 6 months as my pressure has been constant.

And the best thing is I am still go to the KL doctor just to check my eye's pressure in between my trips to SG, and everytime he's surprised that the pressure remains relatively constant He has no idea I am on Lumigan. It is like as if he know my pressure will increase if I stayed with Travatan.

Bro, do you go outside often exposed to the sun? I believe in addition to Lumigan+Cospot, my pressure has remained constant because I no longer spend hours in the sun and change my lifestyle by doing nothing much except eat shit and sleep.

Do you believe in Chinese Medicine? If you do try out "Ho Ti Cho - porcupine stone". Try it once and see if it makes any diff to you BUT do not take it often.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Apr 7 2013, 07:20 PM

Haha. New function started not too long ago. Btw,i was on lumigen b4 but without any combination drug and result not so )good till the doc put me on xalatan. Now bck to travatan and new cosopt. This morning was my 1st wth cosopt and 1 thing i find diff is the crystalclear feeling after applying cosopt. On other drug, for the 1st 1/2 hr, i feel vision blur instead of clear.. Something new here and i hope this will bring better result when i meet my doc nxt mth
Hmnnn p isaw the porcupine ball in one chinese herb store b4 but dunno what for haha. Btw, other than glaucoma are you a diesbetic?

I am not diabetic yet....... possibility high as both my parents are.

As for the porcupine ball, you no need buy the whole ball (which cost a bomb) but you can buy in a small pack for a few hundred Ringgit. It's a miracle medicine But more importantly is that you must be able to trust the person selling it as there are fakes around.

My 2 cents here as one who has glaucoma ....

Diagnosed as a glaucoma suspect some 20 years ago. Was on Xalatan eye drops but I was not a regualr user of this Xalatan (as a suspect only mah! Ha). Told by my doctor that I have glaucoma and not a suspect anymore a few years ago.

My lay-person's view is as below. For glaucoma, they check these 3 things among others,
* field vision (see if there is any area in your vision which you cannot see, excluding the blind spot)
* internal eye ball pressure,
* retina-optic nerve dip

For the 3rd one, mine is a lot deeper than normal. First 2 are within normal levels.

Cannot cure glaucoma, only maintain it. They do have laser treatment but that will not cure glaucoma.

I am now on Xalatan (once at night) and Alphagan (twice during day). Pressure below 15. Just because one's presure level is below the high level, it does not mean glaucoma is within control. Better to keep it as low as possible rather than sitting just below the high level.

Costs are RM70-100 per bottle. Each bottle can last for about a month.

Glaucoma checks 1-3 times per year. Cost = a few hundreds per viist.

Cheerio.

This post has been edited by plumberly: Apr 8 2013, 03:01 PM

Aha.. This thread getting active with more sufferer coming in. After seeing your result, mine really horrible .. Been spending hundreds on every visit (RM50 for consultation, RM5 registration and diff test diff charges wth the retina optic dip (OCT?) been the most expensive at RM140. I'm getting RM80 for Travatan or Xalatan at THONEH. and for this new drug - COSOPT at RM90..haizz.. Lumigen I think ~ RM85 if I still can recall...

Very expensive disease indeed

Hi guys, just bump up to this thread as i was looking for an alternative/supplement diet to help reducing IOP level.

for your information, i had glaucoma surgery back on Sept 2013, using implant. max med no longer can reduce my IOP.

Mirtogenol (bilberry extract + pycnogenol)
Erigeron breviscapus, 短葶飞蓬, Chinese herb (caffeic acid and scutellarin)
Carotenoids - lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin
Cannabis or marijuana
Vitamin C
Ginkgo
Vinpocetine
Pycnogenol
Dark chocolate
Resveratrol
Pterostilbene
PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone)
Coenzyme Q10
Melatonin
Vitamin E as tocopherol nicotinate (Hijuven)
Magnesium, as taurate
CDP choline, or citicholine
Fish oils
Cod liver oil
Alpha lipoic acid
Taurine
Curcumin
L-carnitine and Acetyl l-carnitine
Lycium barbarum (wolfberry)
Forskolin
Dan shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)


Drugs :

Celecoxib
Hydergine
Nimodipine
Selegiline
Memantine
Rivastigmine
Galantamine (sold as supplement in the States)
Bis(7)-tacrine
Paracetamol





This post has been edited by Tham: Nov 4 2013, 01:12 AM

" .... glaucoma is instead caused by a deficiency of of oxygen and blood flow
..... the result of insufficient blood flow due to agglutination (clumping together)
of the red blood cells and waste buildup in the cells and intercellular fluids. "

" These blood-corpuscle clusters cannot squeeze through the extremely
tiny capillaries in the posterior of the eye, so cannot deliver oxygen to the
mitochondria. This is what the problem has been all along, and if people
continue to eat soy and canola oils, a lot more of them are going to
experience vision irregularities - like retinitis and macula lutea degeneration. "

" Death of the mitochondria in the cells in the posterior of the eye is due
to oxygen starvation, sodium toxicity and waste accumulation. When the
mitochondria die, the cells die and the posterior eye tissues atrophy. In this
respect, glaucoma has much in common with hair loss, Alzheimer's disease,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and hearing problems."


http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/Cons...ert/Canola.aspx

The Life Extension Foundation's protocol for glaucoma.

http://www.lef.org/protocols/eye_ear/glauc...s.htm#AnchorSug


Healthnotes :

http://www.vitaminworld.com/pages/healthno...a%2fsupplements



Vision Health Part 2: Glaucoma.

http://www.optimumhealthvitamins.com/OptiB...84/Default.aspx




Visual field protective effect of Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand. Mazz.
extract on glaucoma with controlled intraocular pressure: a randomized,
double-blind, clinical trial.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/20698715



Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension
in asymptomatic subjects.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18618008

http://www.mirtogenol.com

The synthetic cannabinoid WIN55212-2 decreases the intraocular pressure
in human glaucoma resistant to conventional therapies.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/11168547



Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure:
a pilot study


'' Two hours after sublingual administration of 5 mg Delta-9-THC, the IOP
was significantly lower than after placebo (23.5 mm Hg vs. 27.3 mm Hg. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16988594



Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the treatment of end-stage open-angle glaucoma.

'' There is an impression that this treatment can lower intraocular pressure, but
the development of tolerance and significant systemic toxicity appears to limit
the usefulness of this potential treatment. ''




Cannabinoids in health and disease.

http://www.dialogues-cns.com/publication/c...th-and-disease/



Therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in CNS disease.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12617697/



Endocannabinoids in the retina: from marijuana to neuroprotection.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18725316/






This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 28 2013, 11:36 PM

Idebenone, the synthetic coenzyme Q10 analog, so-called ''Super Co Q10.''

Idebenone prevents human optic nerve head astrocytes from oxidative stress,
apoptosis, and senescence by stabilizing BAX/Bcl-2 ratio.


'' ..... idebenone may help to protect ONHA (optic nerve head astrocytes) in vivo,
and therefore might be helpful in preventing the progression of glaucomatous
degeneration. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23661043/


http://www.iherb.com/Kirkman-Labs-Idebenon...-Capsules/38856





Retinal damage caused by high intraocular pressure-induced
transient ischemia is prevented by coenzyme Q10 in rat.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17678974/



Inhibition of oxidative stress by coenzyme Q10 increases mitochondrial
mass and improves bioenergetic function in optic nerve head astrocytes.

'' CoQ10 may provide new therapeutic potentials and strategies for protecting
ONH astrocytes against oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction
or alteration in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24091663






This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 29 2013, 02:22 AM

Jarrow Formulas, Blackcurrant extract plus lutein and zeaxanthin.

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Black...ggie-Caps/12691



Effects of blackcurrant anthocyanins on intraocular pressure
in healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23046438



Two-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of blackcurrant
anthocyanins on visual field in glaucoma.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22377796/




Antioxidants treatment of ocular diseases.

http://www.oftalmo.com/seo/archivos/maquet...BF/articulo.pdf



Cataract is a self-defence reaction to protect the retina from oxidative damage.

'' Extracting the opaque lens elevates the retinal oxidative stress and
increases the rate of age-related macular degeneration. ''


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21354712







This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 30 2013, 12:28 AM

Curcumin, lutein, zeaxanthin, saffron, EGCG, ginkgo,
ginseng, resveratrol, danshen, quercetin.


Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases.


'' ...... all these diseases are associated with aging, and their etiology or
pathophysiologies share some common mechanistic pathways. These pathways
include oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic factors, which provide insight
for potentially targetable areas. Indeed, in many cases of eye diseases,
oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen or nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation
lead to ocular cell death.In addition, many pathogenic pathways include
inflammatory factors such as the tumor necrosis α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B
(NF-κB). Interestingly, these pathways often intersect with the mechanism
of action of many botanical compounds.''


'' Although IOP is one of the main factors in glaucoma, many cases progress
despite the lowering of eye pressure to standard levels. In those cases, it is
necessary to find new and innovative ways to prevent or limit the damages other
than lowering the IOP. Since apoptosis plays a significant role in glaucoma,
investigations of compounds described as neuroprotectants may lead to promising
results. Numerous botanical compounds possess such neuroprotective properties,
which may be effective in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. ''

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/549174/



Neuroprotection with carotenoids in glaucoma.

'' Lutein and zeaxanthin, with its strong antioxidative effects, can
represent a viable solution in the complex treatment of glaucoma. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/15083692/



The association of consumption of fruits/vegetables with decreased risk of glaucoma
among older African-American women in the study of osteoporotic fractures.

'' There was a protective trend against glaucoma in those consuming more fruit/fruit juices,
fresh oranges, fresh peaches, and collard greens/kale. Higher consumption of carrots and
spinach also showed some associations. Individual nutrient intake from food sources found
protective trends with higher intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and α-carotene , and close to
statistically significant trends with β-carotene, folate, and lutein/zeaxanthin. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3448787/







This post has been edited by Tham: Oct 30 2013, 12:37 AM

Astaxanthin.



Suppressive effect of astaxanthin on retinal injury
induced by elevated intraocular pressure.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=20457203


Astaxanthin, a dietary carotenoid, protects retinal cells
against oxidative stress in-vitro and in mice in-vivo.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18812030/



The medical research of astaxanthin on eye health.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18812030/



Potential health-promoting effects of astaxanthin.

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/21528364/1622...iew%2Bpaper.pdf



'' Astaxanthin one of the most neuroprotective supplements yet discovered; fat-soluble carotenoids protect the nervous system, brain and eyes. ''

http://www.naturalnews.com/035989_astaxant...protection.html



'' Beyond Eye Health : How Astaxanthin Combats Degenerative Disease ''

http://www.lefeurope.com/fr/magazines/118459

Intraocular pressure decreases in the Japanese with age.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194306

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18039350



Primary open-angle glaucoma patients have reduced levels
of blood docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16410047



Dietary omega 3 fatty acids decrease intraocular pressure
with age by increasing aqueous outflow.

http://www.iovs.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=17251475



Cod liver oil: a potential protective supplement for human glaucoma.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3340802/

Just to update my latest condition. Since my last posting in Early Apr 2013, and thereafter prescribed with another new drop i.e Alphagen as an additional to COSOPT & the night drop of Lumigen, my IOP now stabilised at 17 both eyes for the past 2 visits.

On the 1st visit ~ Jul/Aug, wth pressure reading at 17, I started taking Lutein (2 caps/day) + omega 3 fish oil (2 caps/day) supplements just to check the effectiveness eventhough my Doctor told me Lutein will not helps in reducing my IOP.

On the 2nd visit last mth, my eyes pressure maintained at 17. confirming that Lutein + omega 3 actually not really effective. Anyway, I'm still taking Lutein & Omega 3 and waiting for my nxt visit in Jan'14. I will update my pressure after that visit.. to further confirm the effectiveness of supplements.

The drops - PGF2 alpha analogs, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors,
cholnergics, sympathomimetics - are all just treating your symptoms.


The key is to treat or ameliorate the cause, and while the causes of glaucoma
are quite complex, one of them has to be a poor circulation system.

The arterioles to your eyes are tiny, so it doesn't take much to clog them up.


" .... glaucoma is instead caused by a deficiency of of oxygen and blood flow
..... the result of insufficient blood flow due to agglutination (clumping together)
of the red blood cells and waste buildup in the cells and intercellular fluids. "

" These blood-corpuscle clusters cannot squeeze through the extremely tiny
capillaries in the posterior of the eye, so cannot deliver oxygen to the mitochondria.
This is what the problem has been all along, and if people continue to eat soy and
canola oils, a lot more of them are going to experience vision irregularities - like
retinitis and macula lutea degeneration. "

" Death of the mitochondria in the cells in the posterior of the eye is due to oxygen
starvation, sodium toxicity and waste accumulation. When the mitochondria die, the
cells die and the posterior eye tissues atrophy. In this respect, glaucoma has much
in common with hair loss, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
and hearing problems. "

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/canola.htm



The key would then be to improve microcirculation to the eye.

There are two nutrients I can think of which can help with this :

Vinpocetine
Tocopherol nicotinate (HIjuven)


Vinpocetine is marketed as a drug in Europe (Cavinton), but sold in
the States as a supplement, because it is extracted from the periwinkle.

http://www.iherb.com/vinpocetine


Effect of vasoactive drugs on visual functions and ocular
hemodynamics in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

'' Increased blood flow velocity in the ocular arteries after a course of
therapy with cavinton forte suggests a better retinal blood supply,
which is a favorable marker for the prediction of the disease. ''

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/19062562



Tocopherol nicotinate is an ester compound of vitamin E and niacin (B3),
developed by Eisai and marketed here as ''Hijuven''. Eisai's products
are distributed here by Diethelm, now DKSH.

Not many pharmacies stock it. One is Fairchem Pharmacy in Jln SS 2/67,
a few doors from Eu Yan Sang.

It now costs $100 a box of 100, but you could ask them for some discount.

Otherwise you could try buying it direct from Diethelm.

It improves peripheral and microcirculation throughout your body,
as well as improves your cholestrol profile, espeically lipoprotein (a).

This is an old Hijuven brochure.

Glad to find you here! I just read your blog about glaucoma before I bumped into this thread. What a coincident.

My dad has glaucoma for a few years and since he was government servant so he goes to government hospital for treatment, USM in Kelantan.

He has had operation done, putting a tube in the eye, but the eye pressure still fluctuates. If i'm not mistaken his eye sights are only 15%/20% now.

A relative intro him to ISEC and that's how i found your blog. I would like to know how much it costs for your treatment in Singapore. Mind to share?

Bro (if sis, please excuse me), ISEC is in KL, SNEC in in Singapore.

As for the cost, just say treatment is Ringgit for Dollars.

Examples:

Consultation is SGD80.

Vision test about RM100 at ISEC (cannot remember the exact amount). In SNEC is about SGD100.

And my Singapore doctor does more tests than ISEC, example, often does another test to see the "nerves" which cost about another SGD100.

Also need to add air fare to the cost. For me, got to add hotel and shopping cost when my wife follow me to SG, haha.

By the way, what is the pressure in your dad's eyes? Fluctuates by how much? Mine also can fluctuate. Reading also depends how good is the doctor is, no kidding. No two doctor will give you the same reading. And my doctor said it also depends on the time of the day.

And she knows I am not keen for operation, and few months back my pressure increased and she recommended laser treatment which I agreed. If you want to know exactly how much then PM me when your dad needs it. And guess what, after the laser,I felt my vision improved slightly and it was reconfirmed that this is indeed the case a month later when I took the vision test - it's a miracle, haha. But, I don't think it will last. BUT, laser is not for everyone as it only last for 6 months to 2 years max. And the doctor told me some people don't even response to laser treatment.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Dec 12 2013, 11:10 PM

Previous checkup the pressure is ok. But sometimes increase to 17-20.

His left eye vision is only 10%. First valve failed to function after some time and second valve was implant. I remember one of the ops was done by an expert lady professor in UKM.

He is currently on timolol, trusopt and xalatan eye drops.

I'm thinking maybe he should get a second opinion from other doctor.

U said laser can last 6-24 months. After that need to do again?

Even the valves don't last forever, like you mentioned. All current glaucoma treatments don't last.... that is why they keep adding tubes and I am sure you have read that some even have more than 10 valves!

If you had read my articles, you will note that I said when it comes to operation, get second and even third opinion. But with your dad vision only 10%, I guess he will be fed up going to see too many doctors as they can't improve his vision much.

Click below to read my article where I told of a story where a guy was told he need to go for brain operation and....

http://ringgitwisefool.blogspot.com/2011/0...prosperity.html

Coming back to your dad, when it increase to 17 to 20, does it drop back??? And very important, did the same person took the pressure reading? Like I said , no two persons will give you the same reading. Actually, the same doctor can even have different pressure reading if he/she take it again in 2 minutes. And those machines that shoots air into the eye to get pressure readings are really useless and inaccurate.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Dec 13 2013, 05:37 PM

Latest update: Last check-up Both eyes still ~ 17. No changes even taking supplements - Lutein/Bilberries & even Fish Oil. I have stopped Lutein/bilberries supplement since early this month after realising that it will improve the eyes preasure as what I Doc told me.

My Nxt Appointment will be nxt Mth just b4 CNY. At this moment of time, I have started doing eye masaging using my palm & circulating softly to both eyes atleat 20times just beofre each drop.

Well, I find this way much better and my eye sights actually improving by days sine I started this in Nov. Will update my actual preasure reading after my nxt mth visit.

Here's the eye massage techniques that I found.. Almost similar to the palm technique that I currently practised.

http://anglnwu.hubpages.com/hub/Eye-Exercises-for-Glaucoma

Dear all,

My dad is having glaucoma. In the past he did his checkup in Singapore and this time he would like to do it in KL. Could you recommend the best glaucoma specialist here in KL? My friend recommended Prof Dr. Tajunisah Iqbal from University Malaysia, not sure whether she is real glaucoma specialist.

Many thanks in advance for your help!!

Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. If it left untreated (around 25years) or poorly controlled it may leads to permanent vision loss.

First choice for drug treatment is either beta blocker or protaglandin analogue, they both come in the form of eyedrops. They normally initiate treatment on one eye and compare the outcome to the other eye. Obviously the specialist will set the IOP target for individual patient.

Alternatively, there is more invasive approach like trabeculoplasty.

Just sharing my little knowledge on the topic.

Hi, just wandering if Diabetic retinopathy & glaucoma are the same? After doing laser, can the patient take lutein which helps vision? Thanks...
Another ques is Tun hussein onn hospital & UKM still reliable for treating diabetic retinopathy?

This post has been edited by jnls: Oct 8 2014, 02:19 PM

Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are very different. U can google for more info.

I would rather go to any other eye specialist center than tun hussien onn hospital. Its not cheap but still need to wait a long time. Some doctors there scold patients and dont explain much. Go PPUM or UH if you want good but much cheaper.

If u can afford then pm me for private good doctors.

I am just curious, how much does it cost to specifically do test at the specialist for Diabetic retinopathy & glaucoma currently? Has the price gone up since 2 yrs ago?

This post has been edited by Ngto: Oct 12 2014, 09:26 AM

hey my in laws using xalant as well .. support by government hospital but take it monthly basis
however due to they lost the medic once so kind short of the medic..

you guys know where to buy it in penang? kindly PM me.. thanks

This post has been edited by yahiko: Oct 13 2014, 02:16 PM

hi, may i know how's your dad? as my mom is having the same condition as well. only left 10% for her left eye. plus she has cataract. all the while having check ups in sg buloh hospital. then last month the doc there found out the iop was high n did not decrease n referred her to specialist in selayang. the doc there said only 10% of the good nerve is left. so said need operation for the glaucoma n cataract but said its a 50:50 chance n the risk will be vision lost. even with operation, it will not improve vision just to maintain the 10% of the nerve left but she said there r chances that the remaining 10% will be damaged during operation too n lead to loss of vision.

so im trying to get a second or maybe third opinion from other specialists but having difficulties finding one here in klang valley. have u found an experienced specialist yet?

Sorry for late reply. Has your mom go for the operation?

My dad actually came for a check up at ISEC mid valley, just to get an opinion but was told that nothing could be done to improve, which sadly, is true. I can't remember what else was said but my dad was given an eye drop. Weeks later he went back for scheduled check up at USM Kelantan and was told that the eye is swollen due to infection, which gets worse until now. He can't read even the biggest letter now.

Actually I dont like the service of ISEC, or maybe it's just that particular doctor. He didnt say much, we have to keep telling him the situation and asked him questions, then he would just reply with a sentence or two. Such consultation attidute with such exp fee, and that doctor is even from our hometown and used to stay in the same neighbourhood! (I found out this after the consultation session).

Perhaps you can go get a second opinion.

Hi all,

My mom just diagnosed that she has glaucoma. Would like to get your advise & experience where can I bring her to for treatment. Tun Hussein Onn, ISEC, KPJ pusat pakar mata....
Your reply & advise is much more meaning & useful.

Thanks for advance.
Mui Mui

You mentioned about red eye on applying the drops. I am about 2 yrs late in sharing here. Ha.

I used to get red eyes quite frequently. Later realised the wrong things I was doing which I have shared some where in LY.

Avoid hair shampoo or face cleanser from getting into the eyes. My trick now is to rinse away the hair shampoo after cleaning instead of leaving it there till I have used my body shampoo.

Also, dry the eye areas before applying face cleanser.

Rinse the eyes well before applying the eye drops. I guess the reaction between the eye drop solution and hair/face cleanser will give the eye a stinking feel and then the red eye.

This has helped in reducing my red eye frequency.

Cheerio.

P/S And my eye pressures are in 10-16 range. Got to 22 once, many years ago.

Tnx for sharing .. Since my last posting in Dec 2013, & after eye massaging techniques + another drug change in early 2014 by my doctor, I'm now on Cosopt & Alphagen 2 times daily (Morning & Evening and Lumige before slee. My reading had stabilised to ~17 and once dropped to 13 in Jul 2014. Anyway, that result was on newer air machine rather than common eye touching old technique. If using old machine my reading was 17.. well the results were on same day and different of 1hr.. haha.. duno which machine is accurate.

Latest visit, my pressure still ~17... well the latest trial & error combi drugs did wonders..

Good to hear on the drop in your pressures.

Mind elaborating on your eye massage technique you have perfected over the years?

Though I have lower pressure, my previous eye specialist told me that glaucoma can still deteriorate even with low pressure (I think there is a name for this which I have forgotten). So need to be aware of this.

My retina layer is thinner than most. Thus a worry. My previous eye specialist has a special machine that can take a thickness analysis of the layer. My current GH specialist told me that my retina layer is rather pale, indicating less blood there. So, a concern.

Need to step up my eye care in addition to my eye drops! Ha.

Are you suffering from diabetes? Because the thining of retina is common for those ppl wth diabetes like me. Well although my retina is very thin but it has been maintained like that since the last 2 years and no longer thining anymore.

The massage is by way of circular palming by eye 20 times before I start applying the drops.

Just private message me if anyone wants a private practice glaucoma specialist referral. definitely better than ISEC doctor that refused to talk to patients, more caring and ethical.

i came across a good doctor that specialise as Consultant Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist, Dr LEE Ming-Yueh. Her website can be found on http://glaucomaspecialist.my

Yes, I heard she is good, according to my optometrist friend in usj, subang jaya.

Where can i check for glaucoma in penang ?

Any good spcialist here ?

your family has history of glaucoma?

if no, i can ask my optom friends to do the free fundus check for u to see the optic nerve head 1st.

Has anyone heard of Top Vision Eye speciliast in Setia alam ? Practiced by Dr. Leslie Wong Tat Way..

general ophthalmologist, not glaucoma specialist. you have glaucoma?

I was getting a bit of eye irritation and itchiness at the inner
bottom corner of my right eye.


So when I was in Sri Hartamas Shopping Center last night, I dropped
by at Optique Eyeworks optometrist on the ground floor, where they
had one of these ''puffer'' machines.

The reading on the right eye came out to ..... 20 !

The two optometrists there, however, said this was normal, and
they usually referred their customers to eye specialists only above 25.

It was one of those newer improved models, Reichert 7CR, which
accounted for the cornea's curvature in its computations :

http://www.reichert.com/product_details.cf...kuTk=1035455555



This was the reading :

IOP cc -
Right 20.0, Left 13.8

IOP g -
Right 18.6, Left 15.5


'' IOP cc '' compensates for the corneal curvature.

'' IOP g '' is the Goldman standard with the older machines, such as
their Reichert 7, or the readings usually done by an opthalmologist.

http://www.reichert.com/product_details.cf...kuTk=1035259555


Now I'm wondering if I should get this checked out at an opthalmologist.

You should. As puff can be quite inaccurate. Glaucoma symptoms can be silent until it is too late. With opthalmologist check, they can check the the retina, something the shop cannot check.

Bro, you stated the one that you tested with is the never model. So, I guess it should be more "accurate" than the older models that I was tested with.

And what qualification the so called 2 optometrists have? Only recommend to go see specialist if reading is 25 and above!!!

FYI, my daughter at age 14, while in Melbourne went to an optometrist (who obtained a Doctor of Optometry from Uni of Melbourne) and had her eyes' pressure tested with the puff machine ( Ramjade - you taught me an easier way to described the machines, haha) and got readings of 24 and the Optometrist was so worried that she insisted that my wife takes my daughter to a specialist and was willing to refer my daughter to one! And when my daughter revisited the optometrist to get another pair of specs a few months later, she reminded my wife to make sure that my daughter go seek an specialist's opinion in respect to her high eyes pressure readings. Of course, my daughter have since then visited a specialist.

Bro, if any family member (auntie or uncle included) of yours have Glaucoma, I strongly recommend that you go a specialist to have your eyes pressure test taken. And if you feel your vision has deteriorated, even slightly, I suggest to go take a vision test too for your records so that in the future you have some reference to check if you vision deteriorates any future.

Seeing a specialist and taking the vision test here in Malaysia is cheap compared to what I pay in SG (afer conversion). But, if you are ever told you need to go for an operation, best you get a second opinion from SG. I have been seeing my SG specialist for 5 years (after being told here by a so called top Glaucoma specialist in KL that I need to go for an operation) and my pressure has maintained and I'm still using the same medication she prescribed to me when I first met her.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Jan 6 2016, 04:04 PM

If you want to save money, just get the generic name of the drug (they have generic glaucoma eyedrop). Generic and branded are the same. Difference is one got brand and marketing behind it and cost min 100% more

Take panadol (brand). It contains paracetamol. Both generic and panadol contains the same amount of paracetamol in one tablet.

Air puff non contact tonometry and anterior chamber angle are not accurate, its best to check the optic cup disc ratio and compare between the 2 eyes.

normotensive open angle glaucoma will give false negative on tonometry and angle.

If CDR is abnormal or asymmetrical, then do visual field test to check how much vision is preserved.

if you live in subang area, you can go to my optometrist friends shop (usj optometrist in taipan) for screening, they do non mydriatic fundus photography and check angle for free. they can help you check all eye disease and monitor it yearly.

Yes, I am aware that those puffer machines in optical shops
are not very precise. However, the one in this particular shop
was an advanced model which took into account the corneal
curvature.

True, raised intraocular pressure is just a risk factor, and glaucoma
can occur in people with normal pressures, even children.

Conversely, there are also people who have higher than normal IOP
but who do not have glaucoma or other problems.

The optometrists there did mention that I could do a visual field
test to confirm at an opthalmologist, or other optometrists who
have the machine.

Thanks. I will get it checked out at Dr Harris Loo in Sentosa Medical
Center next week.

I was examined by him a few years ago. If I remember correctly,
I believe he actually measured the IOP in the same eye at about
19 or 20 at that time, but found no problems with my fundus or
retina, or any visual problems, so he said I did not need treatment.

Regarding your daughter who tested 24 on the puffer, what did
the eye specialist find out when she saw him ?

On calling the optometrists at that place today to enquire whether
a reading of 20 was common and normal with their other customers,
they replied correct - many in fact, and they did not have glaucoma !

The surgery which the glaucoma specialist advised you to do -
trabeculotomy - does not last very long, typically 5 years.

My late mum had glaucoma. She had a trabeculotomy done by
Hardeep Singh in Ipoh Road in the early 80s. Results were not
very good and did not last anyway.

Hardeep and Shukri Eye Center was one of the more well-known
eye specialists in Ipoh Road in those days, if you check around.

While waiting for the surgery in his ward, Hardeep gave her
indomethacin, knowing very well she was a gastric ulce patient.
Needless to say, she went into severe gastric pain and complications,
and we nearly had to transfer her to a better equipped hospital
for treatment.

Hardeep's place was just a small ward on the upper floors for
eye surgery.

Common sense would tell anyone, even a layman like me, that
indomethacin would be the last drug you give to a gastric ulcer patient.

Indomethacin must have been the strongest NSAID at that time.
They didn't have COX-2 selective drugs like Celebrex or even
meloxicam in those days.

It's like giving strong steroid eye drops to a glaucoma patient.

(That is why you read so often of iatrogenic deaths being causd
by doctors.)

They didn't have the newer prostaglandin drops which you are likely
on now, nor the newer carbonic anydrase inhibitors like dorzolamide
- all she has was Timoptol and Propine (dipivefrin), a prodrug
of adrenalin.

Before that, one hopeless elderly Singh opthalmologist in Campbell
Road placed her on antique pilocarpine eye drops, which caused spasms
in her eyes.




This post has been edited by Tham: Jan 7 2016, 09:15 AM

Nope, my f&f do not have glaucoma, it's just recently that my eyesight dropping significantly so thought of getting some test.

Is the testing performed by your friend accurate?

Thanks

This post has been edited by busyman: Jan 7 2016, 10:25 AM

Yes, will get it checked out at Dr Harris Loo, ophalmologist in
Sentosa a bit later.

I called my GP schoolmate yesterday, told him about this, and he
asked if I saw rainbow halos, had headaches, visual disturbances.

I replied no, and he said it was unlikely I had glaucoma.

Yes they are trained in hospitals like HKL, hosp sg buloh and one of them was trained in india hosp. Fundus camera is to look at the optic nerve head for cup disc ratio and also checking retinal health. They dont dilate your eyes so that is good, you wont see blur or glare after the test. They will examine with slit lamps to check cataract and etc. all that tests are free! They will refer to the correct specialist for specific disease if they found any abnormality.

Basically my daughter is still young and we just have to monitor. I was actually warned that I will have Glaucoma more than 25 years ago by an Optometrist while I was doing my undergraduate in USA. I then returned to KL and went to Husein Onn Eye Center and the doctor told me not too worry... fast forward 20 years, one of my eyes 70% damaged.

Actually my eldest son also has high eyes pressure readings and took him to see my specialist in SG. She said that some people are more tolerant that others, and having reading of 20 and above does not necessarily means one will have Glaucoma. So for the last few years my son have been performing vision tests to monitor.

Yeah, like I said, always get a second opinion. The so called top specialist in Glaucoma here said I needed to go for an operation where as the specialist in SG just changed on of the eye drops (I use 2 types daily) that was prescribed by the KL doctor. With the new eye drop ( that can be bought from any Pharmacy in Malaysia) prescribed by the SG specialist, the pressure in my eyes drop and has been maintaining for the last 5 years. However, FYI, I did do a Laser Treatment by the SG specialist about 2 years ago on my right eye and it only took 5 minutes and within 1/2 hour I can walk to the train station to be on the way to the airport to go catch my flight back to KL. And since my pressure has been stabilizing within 14 to 17 in the last 5 years, and no further deterioration to my vision since the first day I saw her, the SG doctor told me to only visit her every 6 to 8 months!!

The first eye doctor I went to here in Malaysia, worst still, the eye drop he prescribed caused my eyes to turn red and damn freaking sensitive to light. He said it was normal and I will get use to it. And he did not even ask me to go for a vision test... so I had no idea how bad my eyes were damaged!!!

Had to suffer for about 1 year before I finally switch to the so called top Glaucoma Specialist in KL where he changed the eye drop and the suffering stopped; but after about a year he said I got to go for an operation (the pressure in my eyes less than 20)!! I asked him about Laser Treatment and he gave me some excuse that we Asians are not suitable for it!!! I was not going to do any operation and therefore seek another opinion... in SG.

Anyway Bro, since your mum has Glaucoma, just check your eyes every other year and your children's (if you have any) too. Better to be safe than sorry.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Jan 7 2016, 01:40 PM

sounds good, can hook me up with your friend?
pm me his/her contact no./shop, will make an appointment with them

Thanks alot

just go straight to the shop, usj optometrist. they are doing for the public, u can add them in fb to make appointment.

Haha no
Chance liao
I live in penang

Any place where i can get my eye tested for glaucoma in Penang ?

This post has been edited by busyman: Jan 7 2016, 06:50 PM

I am very sure you can get referral letter to see opthalmologist at government hospital.

Dont worry, penang i also got friend to help you check for free. Look for vantage optometry in tanjung tokong. Tell them you want to check for eye disease. Its all free too!

Pm me your name then i arrange for u.

Obviously one can't expect miracles, and your optic nerve damage
is already quite old, but have you ever considered homeopathy ?

I do not know If he can treat adult vision loss, but Dr Zuhairni,
well-known and experienced homeopathic doctor in Jalan Gurney,
related to me years ago that he attempted to treat a case of
congenital blindness, one of many he had treated in his practice.

http://zuhairnihomeopathy.com/


Obviously both the physician and the infant's mother did not
exactly have high hopes in such a difficult condition.

I do not know how long the treatment went, but apparently one day,
the mother was stunned out of her daylights when she realized that
her child could actually SEE.

The overjoyed mother quickly took her baby to show Dr Zuhairni,
probably the happiest woman in the world.

When I met him a few months ago at his daughter's wedding and
asked him again about this case, Dr Zuhairni said that the vision recovery
was not perfect, but the infant managed to regain about 70 to 80 percent
of his sight.



Role of homoeopathy in ophthalmological conditions.

Optic Atrophy

'' From the usual stand point, this should be an irreversible change.
Please do not ask what is the mechanism of the reversal, but I have
seen considerable clinical improvement in a number of such patients.
The remedies most used are Phosphorus and Tabacum. ''


http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-47...48;aulast=Chand

Bro, if you really free and got nothing to do - click here and read my freaking long article titled - The Secret To Eternal Happiness where I mentioned I do not want to be cured, hahaha.

I haven't read that and it is immaterial anyway - but do I understand
that you do not want to recover your eyesight ?

Hi, is there any place where i can get my eye tested for glaucoma/eye pressure in KL/Cheras? What are the charges like? Is it expensive?

Tun Hussein Onn hospital?

Do you know what are the consultation fees like? Is it expensive?

Government hospital should be cheaper than private.