What Is Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma
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June 2026

Cameron was just 29 when his life changed unexpectedly.

It began with sudden, severe pain in both eyes. “I woke up one day with a lot of pain in both eyes so I drove myself to the hospital,” he recalls.

At first, the situation was not taken as seriously as he expected. “I couldn’t really see but once I got there I was admitted to emergency where they thought I had pink eye so I got sent home.”

But his symptoms didn’t improve. “It didn’t get better so I went back next day still in lots of pain then they took it seriously and did a lot of tests and realised my pressure was high.”

He was given medication, which helped ease the immediate pain, but this was only the beginning of a much longer journey. Over the following days and years, Cameron was diagnosed with glaucoma and began ongoing specialist care.

“I didn’t pay much attention to it and life went on,” he says. However, his condition progressed over time, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment to manage eye pressure.

Man walking at beach

At age 35, he underwent surgery in his left eye to relieve pressure. Later, further complications required additional surgical intervention. By age 39, his vision and symptoms changed again, leading to another urgent review and surgery in his right eye.

Despite the challenges, Cameron speaks highly of his care team. “She did an awesome job and I highly recommend her.”

Today, Cameron lives with significant vision loss. “I am left with 40% vision in right eye and fully blind in left eye.” 

The impact on his daily life has been profound: “Completely changed in every way I can’t do a lot of things I used to do. I walk differently, the way I see things are different. A lot of my confidence has been affected which I am working on.”

Simple everyday tasks now take more time and effort, and his independence has been affected in ways he never anticipated. “My ability to do daily chores takes a lot longer.”

One of the biggest life changes has been his ability to drive and work in his previous field. “The acceptance that I won’t be able to drive or work in the field that I was working in.”

Despite these challenges, Cameron is open about the support systems that have helped him adjust and rebuild. “My specialist Dr Tan… my NDIS support workers… my church community… my friends and family also.”

He reflects on his journey with a strong sense of perspective and gratitude. “My faith has gotten stronger through this whole process.”

Looking forward, Cameron is focused on rebuilding his independence and finding suitable work aligned with his abilities. His advice to others newly diagnosed with glaucoma is grounded in hard-won experience.

“It is not a death sentence… you will have your ups and downs but it makes you grateful for what you do have.”

“Life will change but it’s how we perceive it, we can think of it as a curse or a blessing.”

Cameron’s story is a powerful reminder that while glaucoma can change life dramatically, support, perspective and resilience can help shape a meaningful way forward.

Have a glaucoma story to share? We'd love to hear from you: https://glaucomaaustralia.typeform.com/ShareYourStory 

Support for People Living with Glaucoma 

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you are not alone. 

Glaucoma Australia’s SiGHTWiSE program provides free education and support to help people understand their diagnosis and manage their eye health. 

Support includes: 

  • Qualified orthoptist educators and health counsellors 

  • Free phone support and guidance 

  • Educational resources and webinars 

  • Access to peer support communities 

📞 Call: 1800 500 880 
🌐 Learn more: glaucoma.org.au/sightwise

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