Mild Glaucoma following Penetrating Keratoplasty

[Pearldiver07]

I know that this is a pretty narrow situation, but I'm about 2 years post surgical, (PKP), with no previous problems with the eye or donor cornea. My doctor had cleared me to return to diving about 5 months after surgery.

Recently my surgeon noted that my intra-occular (sp?) pressure had spiked to 29, and even with a change in medicine to Flotomax (again - sp?) I still have elevated pressure of 24-25.

He is saying that this is not uncommon following the PKP, and that it is easily treatable via prescription and has referred me to an opthomologist to track the situation.

Question: Can anybody out there with medical background tell me if the treatable mild glaucoma (due to surgery, the other eye is fine) is a contraindication to diving? And if so, is this a complete ban, or relative if controlled?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Steve,

Mild glaucoma, in and of itself, generally is not considered a contraindication to diving.

However, if it is being controlled with medication there are considerations. A number of glaucoma drugs, e.g., Alphagan P (brimonidine), can cause serious drowsiness.

I believe the drug cited is "Flomax"(tamsulosin HCl), which typically is tolerated quite well. Of relevance to SCUBA, Flomax causes runny/stuffy nose and dizziness in a substantial number of users, although these side effects tend to be relatively mild and subside with time or if necessary alteration in dose. A small number of users experience some sleepiness and vertigo. As with all medications, the diver on any antiglaucoma agent should have an adequate topside trial on the drug prior to SCUBA to assess for possibly worrisome adverse reactions.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.