Share
I was hit in the left eye with a fully extended octopus strap. It destroyed the canals of Schlemm and at the time (1980) no alternative canals had been developed.
Dr Fred Hollows tried many treatments but none successfully. Eventually Fred had to go to hospital for the first of his cancer operations. During this time Dr Ivan Goldberg took over and performed a Trabeculectomy followed by injections of 5-fluorouracil into the eyeball to prevent growth of scar cells over the Trabeculectomy. A week or so afterwards my left eye pressures were 4 – 8 and the right 12-14 which is about the same as before the accident.
I have seen Dr Goldberg each 6 months since 1980 until he retired late last year (2022).
Since then, I have been seeing Dr Colin Clement who was apparently trained by Ivan in this glaucoma work.
I take no pills, no drops and the pressures remain in the range of 4-8 and 12-14.
Today rather than a Trabeculectomy the new procedure of inserting tiny tubes to carry the fluid away would probably be done.
PS. I had no reaction to the 5-fluorouracil…but it worked.
Robert discovered he has glaucoma by changing ophthalmologists. All his life he has been a financial advisor who relies heavily on his eyesight. He now encourages his children to get regular glaucoma checkups.
Basil was diagnosed with glaucoma over 20 years ago, faced worsening vision despite stable eye pressure and received two differing treatment plans. Seeking clarity, he turned to Val from Glaucoma Australia, whose guidance and support helped him confidently choose the step-by-step plan while feeling reassured throughout the process.
Abbie was diagnosed with glaucoma as a newborn and had surgeries to control her eye pressure. Despite being short-sighted with nystagmus, she lives independently and runs a dance company called Blindful.