Glaucoma in Special Cases (Pregnancy, Children, Elderly)

Glaucoma needs extra care in some groups. A specialist should guide every treatment decision.

Pregnancy

Some glaucoma drops can pass into the bloodstream and may not be safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Never stop treatment on your own. Tell your eye doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy so the safest plan can be chosen, which may include laser. Press gently at the inner corner of the eye after drops to reduce absorption.

Children

• Congenital glaucoma in babies shows as watery eyes, light sensitivity, cloudy or enlarged corneas and eye rubbing. It needs urgent paediatric eye care and usually surgery.
• Teenagers and children can also have glaucoma after injury, steroid use or eye inflammation
• Do not give herbal or home remedies to children's eyes

Older adults

• Risk rises with age, so regular checks matter
• Drops can be hard to apply because of arthritis or tremor. Ask a family member or use drop aids.
• Beta blocker drops may affect heart rate and breathing
• Some medicines and surgery risks differ with other illnesses, so tell your doctor about all you take

People with diabetes or steroid use

Need more frequent eye checks.

Key point

Whatever your situation, sudden eye pain with halos, red eye or vomiting is an emergency. Go to an eye hospital the same day or call 112 or 102.

Before your eye appointment

Carry your old reports, glasses and a list of all drops, tablets and supplements you use. Note any family history of glaucoma, diabetes or steroid use, and write down when symptoms occur. This helps your eye doctor choose the right tests and plan, and spot changes early.