I read a question from a newly diagnosed glaucoma patient, and began typing out a response. I wanted to be friendly and in fellowship. But the person had said, 'Just diagnosed and scared'. How then could I write any of the things I wanted to say, when my story has brought me to my knees in despair a thousand times?
Dear Friend, I was diagnosed with glaucoma when I was 19. And it has been pretty awful for me because I was already so myopic as a child. I'm 42 now, like you, and my eyes are extremely embattled soldiers... two trabeculectomies, a Molteno implant, a Baerveldt shunt, scarred, with optic nerve damage and swathes of visual loss. I wish I could say hopeful and encouraging things to you, but even as I write this, I am in the shadowlands. I had a vitreous detachment seven weeks ago and my right eye, my only functioning eye, is now a plethora of black floating seaweed. Migraines and scintillating scotomas take the stage often, and uveitis paints my cornea red from time to time.
My father is blind and so I live with the knowledge that blindness is a thing that can be lived with, even as I keep my sword and shield up to protect my sight and light to the last.
So you see, Friend, beyond being grateful that I can still see, however compromised my vision is, I can only wish you luck and faith! If you aren't myopic, and if the cards aren't stacked the way they were for me, I'm sure you will do just fine with a good ophthalmic team looking after you. Keep the faith... keep it for me.
Can secondary glaucoma worsen even though the eye pressure remains at a normal level?
Glaucoma suspect
Terrified of surgery
gsensicle
Never give up .
