Glaucoma Suspect

[Aviator4922]

Current 3rd class medical holder. Early 20s. Went to a eye doctor to get a new prescription for glasses but ended up with a "glaucoma suspect" diagnosis. Doctor preformed retina imaging because of the high prescription (-7 both eyes). Got diagnosed because of an eye pressure of 18/19 and cup ratio of 0.60/0.65. No family history for Glaucoma. Got a referral to an ophthalmologist to get a baseline and start monitoring.

The CACI glaucoma worksheet requires an age at diagnosis of "40 or older" so it looks like this requires a SI? What type of documentations (I believe 8500-14?) do I need to bring to my AME after my ophthalmologist visit to get this process started? How much time am I looking to be grounded? Is BasicMed possible?

 

[bbchien]

If this is happening in your early 20s, this is an SI.

So long as your Humphrey 24-2 visual fields or your Octopus 300 Visual fields are COMPLETELY NORMAL, however it is an "easy" SI.
You need the above, and an 8500-14 all done within 90 days prior to application.

If you already have a medical, ask your AME of record to upload them (or you FAX them int 405-954-4040) and about 14 days later they will be in your file. Then, a Good AME can call and get approval so that you alk out of the office with a medical.

If you have deficits or worse, overlapping deficits, it gest more complicated.

 

[lsaway]

For sure, follow Dr. B's advice, but don't panic just yet until you have seen your ophthalmologist. Typically it is a visit to ophthalmologist first, and if they still suspect glaucoma, it will be a referral to a glaucoma specialist. I have been diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma. I have seen way more ophthalmologist and specialists than I can count. They have all told me that cup ratios vary widely in the general healthy population. It is possible that 0.60-0.65 is just normal for you. Optic pressure of 18/19 is also normal for many with healthy eyes. The specialist should run more evaluation tests to see the entire picture.

 

[Eldorado]

Agree that the c/d ratio could be normal, especially since you have “high myopia”. On the other hand, a pressure 18-19 in a high myope could be on the high side. Definitely should be followed by an ophthalmologist, but for now I think you should be fine.

 

[Jim_R]

The specialist should run more evaluation tests to see the entire picture.

I see what you did there...

 

[Aviator4922]

Thanks Dr. B and others!! They are very helpful.

Saw my ophthalmologist and humphrey 24-2 came back as "full." The official diagnosis is "Borderline glaucoma of [left and right] eye with ocular hypertension." I have a follow-up end of the month where I will get a copy of the 24-2 test results and have him fill out the 8500-14. Is that all I need to start the SI process?

He specifically mentioned that this is a case of "early pigment dispersion syndrome" which he "strongly considers laser peripheral iridotomy (PI) to lessen risk of progress" How would this affect the SI process? What kind of documentation would I need to submit after this procedure?