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I was diagnosed with glaucoma about 5 years ago, when I was 65 years old. I was recently retired from being a teacher of the deaf, for thirty-two years. A job I had loved. I had worn glasses since I was 40 years old.
I look on the calendar. Oh! I had an appointment with my optometrist, to get my spectacles updated. As I got older, I needed to get new spectacles, to maintain clear eyesight.
After the eye test, I was given a date for the appointment to pick up my new spectacles. I was also asked to see the optometrist again. He told me that he thought I had glaucoma and gave me a referral letter to the Lions Eye Clinic.
I was concerned, so when I got home, after telling my husband, I rang and made an appointment, to be assessed at the Lions Eye Clinic, Subiaco. That first appointment, I saw an eye specialist who explained what glaucoma was.
He suggested I ask if anyone else in my family might have it. I later found out my sister also had glaucoma, so we started comparing treatments.
I have now been attending with Dr Guibliato about 5 years, using treatments to control glaucoma, and prevent further eye damage occurring.
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.
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.