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My mother was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 44 and was advised by her ophthalmologist to tell her direct relatives because glaucoma is hereditary.
Speaking with relatives in Scotland, Mum discovered that her mother and sister both had glaucoma too.
Knowing that my grandmother, mother and aunt all have glaucoma I am very aware that I'm at risk too and I have regular eye exams. I'm only 35 but I already have high eye pressure and I am a glaucoma suspect. I don't have glaucoma yet, but my ophthalmologist has told me that it will develop at some stage.
I want people to know that glaucoma is not just a disease your grandparents get.
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I want people to know that glaucoma is not just a disease your grandparents get.Sarah
Living in York Peninsula community two hour's drive from Adelaide and with no optometrist in her local community, Debra booked an appointment as soon as she could. That’s when she received her life changing diagnosis.
When Bette Smith’s cousin told her they had glaucoma in the family, she did what all Australians should be doing, she got her eyes checked.
My mother was diagnosed with glaucoma when she was about seventy, so I was closely monitored. When there were indicators that I could be following the same path, I was referred to a glaucoma specialist.