Pain when moving the eyes. Angle-closure glaucoma - #179
Good afternoon! Mom is 62 years old, she was diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma 2 years ago. This spring, she fell and the pressure in her left eye jumped a lot. They were leveled due to monthly puncturing with photol. Then I went back to taflotan. I've had a cold for a month now. Now there is an exacerbation of chronic sinusitis . On the X-ray, the sinuses are clean, the mucous membrane is edematous. When the eyes move left to right, pain is felt. There is no feeling of pressure in the eyes, nor in the eyebrows. If you press and move your eyes, the pain goes away. Is it worth panicking? Or is it more likely to be related not to pressure, but to a cold? Or is it better to go to measure the pressure? How urgent? We live in the village. Thanks
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Doctors’ responses
It’s understandable to be concerned about your mom’s symptoms, especially considering her history of angle-closure glaucoma and the recent exacerbation of chronic sinusitis. The pain she experiences when moving her eyes could likely be attributed to the inflammation and pressure associated with her sinus condition rather than a direct increase in intraocular pressure, especially if pressing on the eyes alleviates the pain. However, given her history, it would be prudent to monitor her eye pressure, particularly if she has experienced significant fluctuations in the past. In Ayurveda, it’s important to address both her sinus health and eye care. You might consider administering Triphala for overall eye health; it can be taken internally and also used as an eye wash. For sinus relief, steam inhalation with Eucalyptus oil or Ajwain (carom seeds) can help reduce nasal congestion and inflammation. Additionally, Ginger tea with honey can be soothing and help with her cold symptoms. For external application, you can use a warm compress on her eyes to provide comfort. Encourage her to maintain hydration and consider Tulsi (holy basil) for its immune-boosting properties. While there is no immediate need to panic, I recommend scheduling an eye pressure check as a precaution and to ensure her overall well-being, especially considering her medical history.
Hi Talla, your symptoms are slightly confusing. Can you recheck the question?
Hey there, sounds like your mom is going through a rough patch right now. Given her history of angle-closure glaucoma, it’s really important not to take any chances with changes in eye sensations or pain. Even with her sinuses acting up, which could be the culprit here, it’s difficult to separate the two without professional input. Her age and history make it more crucial.
If there’s pain when moving the eyes, despite no pressure feeling or eyebrow pain, the sinuses could certainly be contributing. Sinusitis can sometimes cause similar symptoms, but with glaucoma in the picture, it’s a bit worrisome, right? Pressing and moving seems to relieve it temporarily, which does sound sinus-related, yet I wouldn’t completely rule out her eye pressure.
In Ayurveda, sinus congestion or edematous mucous membranes suggest Kapha imbalance. You might consider using steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil or turmeric (haridra) powder in hot water to help clear out any congestion. Also, a light diet avoiding heavy, dairy-rich items can prevent further Kapha aggravation. Ginger tea might also soothe the sinuses.
But honestly, when it comes to eye health and glaucoma, you’ve gotta be cautious. I advise getting her eye pressure measured ASAP, especially if it’s been a while since the last check. Living in a village can make things trickier, but perhaps calling a local clinic or doctor to talk through the symptoms might be a good start.
If there’s any sudden increase in pain or vision changes, that’s an emergency—get to a specialist as soon as possible. Every detail counts, and early action can prevent more serious issues down the road. Stay safe and all the best with managing her condition.

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