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I had suffered migraines for years on and off but then started feeling like my eyes were wanting to explode, like there was a heaviness to them and a lot of pressure.
My optometrist did a scan and my pressures were above 20 in each eye so referred me to an Ophthalmologist. In August 2021, at the age of just 43, I was diagnosed with Chronic Open Angled Glaucoma. I had lost some peripheral vision in my right eye and the corneal damage was worse in that eye too but since then, remained steady with consistent use of Xalatan every day. I see my specialist approximately three times a year for regular field tests and check-ups.
My glaucoma is the first in my family. It hasn't been traced back anywhere, so I am very proactive in having my relatives check their eyes yearly.
My Glaucoma is the first in my family. It hasn't been traced back anywhere, so I am very proactive in having my relatives check their eyes yearly.Lei
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.
To accommodate an ageing population, glaucoma management is transitioning from reactive treatment regimens to proactive ones. Three key experts detail what this mindset shift entails and how they employ it in practise.