Ocular Hypertension treatment

[LadyPit]

Why do doctors choose not to put patients who have Ocular Hypertension on medication? I would think that this owuld be a stronger preventive measure of one to not develop POAG, or?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Dr. Feldman does not answer questions on this eye forum. Please post on the other. Link on this page on the right under related expert forums "eye care"

JCH MD

[MARIO4879]

Dr. Feldman,
I visited my eye specialist and initially my pressure was 26. My Dr. said I had no nerve damage and all visual field tests were normal. He did say I was suspect and started me on Xalaton drops nightly. I returned 4 weeks later for a check up and my pressure dropped to 17.
I am nervous and a worrier, my Dr. says I will be fine and has me rechecked every 4 months for now.
Can this stay stabilized and my vision continue to be fine? I am 61.
Many thanks for your time.
Mario

[Flavius G Pernoud III, MD]

Patients with ocular hypertension may never develop glaucoma. They merely have slightly elevated pressures. Treating early does not prevent glaucoma and it "dooms" the patient to lifelong treatment with drugs which do them no good. You do have to watch the O.H.carefully--it is sometimes difficult to distinguish from POAG in the early stages.