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I was diagnosed glaucoma 24 years ago, when I was 2 days old.
The midwife in hospital noticed something unusual about my eyes (they were large and cloudy) so specialists were called in straight away. I had trabeculectomies done on both eyes at approx. 2 weeks of age. This has kept the pressure in my eyes stable, without the need for daily drops.
I am significantly short sighted and have to cope with a nystagmus which reduces my visual activity. Thanks to early detection and being included in early intervention programs through Townsend House I have a high level of independence.
I now live interstate in Melbourne but have travelled overseas, living in Belfast for 2 years. I worked as a dancer/ performer and have my own dance company called Blindful, which explores the connections between dance and vision. I am also part of a female circus company called Yuck Circus and we spent 2019 travelling to the UK to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Suzanne learned she had glaucoma during an eye check-up when she was 65. Now, for the past five years, she has been receiving treatment to protect her eyes from further damage.
Patricia discovered she inherited glaucoma from her father after developing cataracts. She underwent a successful surgery and is now taking eye drops regularly. She now advises others to get tested early.
Annette was diagnosed with Normal Tension Glaucoma a few years ago, and despite the challenges of managing eye pressure and a pituitary cyst, her proactive approach with treatments and family awareness gives her hope for a stable future.