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In 1995 when I went for a routine eye test to an optician to upgrade my reading glasses, she found raised pressure in my left eye.
I was then referred to an ophthalmologist who confirmed I had glaucoma in my left eye only. Thinking back, I do recall noticing flashes in my left eye at the time, strangely enough in 1993 before leaving South Africa (to come to Australia) I had my eyes checked both by an optician and ophthalmologist but nothing was picked up or evident at the time.
Through the years I went on a regime of eye drops as one lot lost their effectiveness and had to be replaced by another. I also had a number of laser procedures to insert holes to improve drainage, these proved of temporary benefit only.
At the end of 2008 (November) I had a trabeculectomy but this did not prove to be successful. Ultimately, probably as a result of all the procedures and trauma, my cornea ceased functioning and I have virtually no vision in my left eye.
Fortunately my right eye is healthy and has compensated for the lack of vision in the left eye. I am able to function without much problem, but have to be aware of my limitations. I go for regular check-ups to ensure my good eye remains so.
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Fortunately my right eye is healthy and has compensated for the lack of vision in the left eye. I am able to function without much problem, but have to be aware of my limitations. I go for regular check-ups to ensure my good eye remains so...Vivian
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.