Raising Awareness During Glaucoma Awareness Week
During Glaucoma Awareness Week, I want to highlight the importance of annual eye tests for early detection of eye conditions by sharing my experience of living with Glaucoma. My particular case is rare, but it underscores why looking after your eyes is so important.
My Diagnosis: A Childhood with Glaucoma
When I was seven years old, I was diagnosed with Glaucoma. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what it meant—or the impact it would have on my life. By the time doctors identified my condition, I had already lost most of the vision in my left eye. Because the brain adapts to gradual changes, I hadn’t even realized I was losing sight.
Despite medical intervention to slow the progression, by the age of 12, I had lost my vision completely in both eyes. I have now lived without sight for over 20 years, and it has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined as a child.
Losing my sight at such a young age meant learning to navigate a world primarily designed for sighted people. I had to find independence through alternative methods and adapt to challenges that others might not even consider. I often wonder if an earlier diagnosis could have changed the course of my vision loss—could it have been slowed or even stalled?
One of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t just the physical aspect of blindness but how society views it. The world is structured for those who can see, which meant I had to learn to advocate for myself in education, work, and daily life.
Thankfully, technology has played a huge role in my independence. Assistive tools such as screen readers, GPS navigation aids, and image recognition software have transformed my ability to engage with the world. However, beyond practical adjustments, there’s also the emotional aspect of sight loss. Losing a sense that most people rely on so heavily isn’t easy, and it takes time to accept and adapt to this new reality.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve before any noticeable symptoms arise. Many assume it only affects older adults, but that isn’t always the case. While Glaucoma primarily develops later in life, it can begin at any age.
For many people, Glaucoma goes unnoticed for years. Unlike other eye conditions that might cause immediate blurriness or discomfort, Glaucoma develops gradually. Many people assume that as long as they can see clearly, their eyes must be healthy—but an eye test can detect signs of Glaucoma long before you notice any changes in your vision.
The Importance of Regular Eye Tests
If there is one message I want people to take from my experience, it is the importance of getting regular eye tests. Glaucoma often has no early symptoms, which is why routine eye exams are essential.
Some people are at a higher risk, including:
- Those with a family history of Glaucoma
- People over 40
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
However, even if you don’t fall into these categories, it’s still worth getting checked. I didn’t fit into any of the usual risk factors, yet I still developed the condition. If you haven’t had an eye test in a while, consider booking one—and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
If you or someone you know is living with Glaucoma, there is fantastic support available from organizations like Vision Support and Glaucoma UK
Living with Glaucoma: More Than a Diagnosis
Glaucoma is part of my life, but it does not define me. I have learned to adapt, to find new ways of doing things, and to appreciate the skills and independence I have developed over the years.
Losing my sight at a young age meant growing up in a world that wasn’t always designed for me, but it also gave me resilience, problem-solving skills, and a unique way of experiencing life. It is not always easy, and there are still moments of frustration, but I have learned that with the right support, adaptation, and mindset, you can live a full and independent life with sight loss.
A Call to Action: Prioritize Your Eye Health 
Glaucoma Awareness Week is the perfect time to start conversations about eye health. My story is just one of many, but the message remains the same: early detection can save sight.
Sight is precious. While Glaucoma may not always be preventable, it can be managed. The key is awareness, early detection, and making eye health a priority.
So, if you’ve been putting off that eye test—book it today. It could make all the difference.
