Glaucoma Support Group

Jasmine,
I use xalatan but I'm not pregnant. If you are trying to concieve, you should see an ophthmalagist specializing in glaucoma and tell him your issue with pregnancy and get him to help you figure out what med you can take or even if would be better for you to do laser surgery. I took Alphagan but I had to stop because it caused my heart to slow down so much, I was napping at weird times and I could not do my daily work-out. I really feel for you but there must be some solution. I also take asopt which does not lower pressure as much but the side effects are mild to non-existant. Oh, one other thing. When I had cataract surgery in my right eye, my pressure went down to normal and now I don't need any drops for that eye.
Good luck with the drops and baby-making!

Thanks so much for your reply!

I'm afraid I can't find any glaucoma specialist here....I did see a few eye doctors and have gotten mixed opinions on using the eye drops. The one I've just seen yesterday was worst (I mean his attitude :P). But he did stress that using Xalatan isn't a good idea. He did suggest Alphagan also, but before he gives me the eye drop, I'd have to sign an agreement for taking any risks for using it during pregnancy. That didn't make me feel any better....!

Anyway, I did read about the heart problem Alphagan might cause. I basically have a low heartbeat rate and I'd be concerned about using Alphagan too.

What is "asopt"? And can you tell me your side effects on using Xalatan?

I'm searching a bit on laser surgery too. But I'm not sure if it's suitable for me; if my IOP is about 20, 20, would laser surgery be effective? And about how much would it cost?

When I first started using xalatan it caused an irritated feeling. It is a strong med though with other side effects that, thank god I have'nt got such as angina (chest pain). I would'nt use it if pregnant or ttc (trying to concieve). Azopt is very mild and maybe good for you if your pressure is only 20. Also you may take a wait and see stance and have field vision tests every 3 months to make sure there is no damage to the optic nerve. Have you taken a field vision test yet? Thats the first thing my doc did when my pressures went up. You should try to investigate further for an ophthamalogist even if you have to travel a bit. I live in NW NJ and I travel about 1/2 hour to my doc and I go into NYC for a retina specialist I see (which you don't need). I would not take alphagan p if I were you with your slow heart beat. It has a beta blocker which slows heart. I don't know if you're a candidate for laser but if you are insurance should cover most of it.
You can join MDC a sit for mothering and pregnance and ttc. Mothering Dot Commune. It is a wonderful site that can answer so many of the questions you probably have at this time. My daughter is on it and she loves it.

Thanks again for your advice!

I didn't think Xalatan has strong side effects because I usually hear that it's almost free of side effects.

Actually, because I wanted to avoid the side effects of eye drops and for the TTC reason, I tried acupuncture but somehow I don't think it works for me because I've been getting these strange migraines like poking needles and I've even experienced aura which I've never had before. It was also supposed to lower my IOP but it didn't.

I've never heard of Asopt. The recent doctor said basically I have 2 choices: Alphagan and Timolol. I did read about Timolol normally being given to hypertensive women who're pregnant, but only in one website. Need further investigation on this eye drop.

My heartbeat rate is from 5x to 6x, so I guess it's quite low?

Yes, I did take a few visual field tests (have one coming up). I seem to be losing vision from the center. Speaking of these tests, I really hate them...one reason is because I get nervous of the results (you know, the result can only get worse, not better) and they're really hard to do. I'd start to wonder if it's my imagination or if they're real lights....

Thanks for your advice on the pregnancy site. Actually I did ask once somewhere else but didn't get an answer. I was wondering "Am I the only one who has glaucoma and want a baby?!" It seems that I could either pick "baby" or "eye sight", not both. It's so frustrating. :<

Why not try what God intended. Carrots.

I wouldn't use any drops for your eyes until the doctor recommends it, if you are trying to have a baby. There are side effects from all meds.You need to talk to your eye specialist and check it out online. Hope all works out.