Your Stories

Carol was surprised by her 2023 diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma, but learning it can be managed with the right treatment and support inspired her to share her story and reassure others they are not alone.

Cheryl found the real risk of losing her sight frightening, especially at the time of her diagnosis, when she most needed emotional support.

Roddy shares a brief update to ‘My glaucoma diary’ from the summer 2022 edition of Insight magazine. His glaucoma remains stable as he continues to manage it alongside other health challenges.

Kesh has lived with limited vision for most of his life and was diagnosed with glaucoma in his late twenties. Despite further vision loss, he has adapted and found new ways to engage with the world.

Rebecca was diagnosed with glaucoma after a long journey through eye tests and referrals. She’s now sharing her glaucoma story in the hope that it helps others feel informed and less alone.

Louise was diagnosed with glaucoma at 48 and feared losing her vision, but early detection means she can manage it with medication and treatment.

Charlotte was diagnosed with glaucoma as an infant, likely caused by a birth defect rather than family history. Now an NHS optometrist, she works with many people living with the same condition.

Alison was in her early 30s when she was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2016, unaware of her high family risk. Now, she’s determined to raise awareness and urge others to protect their eye health with regular eye tests.

Claire was diagnosed with glaucoma in November 2021, suffering major vision loss due to delays in treatment. Her experience highlights the need for early diagnosis, timely care, and support.

Tarryn was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2022 after a routine eye test became an emergency. Her journey highlights the need for regular eye tests, self-advocacy, and greater glaucoma awareness among younger people.

Paul was diagnosed with glaucoma during a routine eye test, and with treatment and support from Glaucoma UK, he has kept his condition under control while encouraging others to have regular eye tests.

Marine was diagnosed at 24 and often felt out of place in hospital waiting rooms, and though using eye drops three times a day was hard, a Glaucoma UK flyer with easy instructions helped her a lot.

Diagnosed with juvenile open angle glaucoma at 14, Andrea has learned to manage her condition through treatment and support while encouraging others to get regular eye tests and seek reliable information.

Heather postponed her eye test, assuming she’d struggle with the visual field test, but when her vision worsened, a March 2024 eye test revealed an unexpected diagnosis of advanced glaucoma.

Anthony injured his right eye as a child, later developed glaucoma, and now manages it with daily treatment, feeling fortunate his vision remains stable.

Keith’s glaucoma was missed for seven years, but a second opinion led to surgery and proper management.

Hattie faced fear and confusion but found clarity and hope after two glaucoma surgeries.

Diagnosed in 2020, Anthony urges regular eye tests and treatment. Glaucoma UK’s resources give him support and reassurance.

Diagnosed with glaucoma in her fifties, Helga lost vision in one eye but continues writing children’s books. She manages her eye health and urges others to keep pursuing what they love.

Diagnosed with glaucoma in her mid-fifties, Susan recently shared her story with pharmaceutical companies and NHS commissioners to highlight the patient’s perspective and stress the importance of speaking up.

Christine’s glaucoma was caught early and treated with daily eye drops, within a few years, her treatment grew more complex. She also shares her journey with managing dry eye.

At 35, Helen’s routine eye check revealed vision loss. She was diagnosed with “low pressure glaucoma” in her left eye and prescribed eye drops.

David Spencer’s daughter Maisy was diagnosed with glaucoma at four. Despite setbacks, she stayed strong with support from Alder Hey and Manchester teams.

Lynne was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2011 after a garden accident. With a family history, she regularly informed the opticians, but didn’t fully understand its impact, despite her father’s eventual sight loss to diabetes.

Rachel was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2022 and feared losing her sight. With hospital delays and little guidance, she turned to Glaucoma UK. Glaucoma UK’s resources and support eased her anxiety by helping her understand the condition.

Alan had vision only in his right eye, as his left was removed when he was a baby. At 53, he was surprised to be diagnosed with glaucoma. He joined Glaucoma UK after finding a leaflet at the hospital and stays informed through Insight magazine.

Diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma in 2021, Matthew faced vision loss, giving up his job, hobbies, and driving. After various treatments, he started a YouTube channel called the ‘Glaucoma Pirates’ to raise awareness for others.

Sonia shares how her garden became a source of strength as she navigated glaucoma and Sjogren’s Syndrome. After her condition worsened in 2021, Sonia found comfort in her garden.

Louise was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at the age of six months. She was devastated when she found out her son has now inherited the disease from her.

Bramwell, a member for 50 years, was diagnosed with the disease in his 40s, but, having undergone various treatment to manage it, he still maintained vision in both eyes at the age of 92.

At 21, driven by dreams of high-speed flight, Martin joined the Royal Air Force, unaware that glaucoma would soon shape his journey.

Chukwudike Ukeje’s father’s glaucoma diagnosis reshaped his life, teaching him patience, empathy, and the importance of early detection.

Diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma in his 30s, David Scott underwent multiple surgeries, allowing him to reach retirement with minimal impact.

Diagnosed with glaucoma in 2013, John Ross joined vital research, sharing his reasons and experience.

For 25 years, photographer Roddy Simpson kept a diary, sharing a selection of extracts from his diary on his experience living with glaucoma.

At 41, teacher and mother of two, Rachel, was diagnosed with glaucoma after a 10 month delay caused by COVID-19.

At 82, Tom Lewis was severely sighted with one artificial eye and limited vision from glaucoma, he remained active in birdkeeping and committee work.

Diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma before retiring, Biddy adapted her art, shifting from landscapes to objects, exploring decay while finding joy in creativity despite vision loss.

After her mum’s 2015 glaucoma diagnosis, Tanika ran the Robin Hood half marathon to raise awareness of the disease.

Emily was shocked when her new born daughter, Evelyn, was diagnosed with glaucoma. Seeking help and learning about the disease has helped ease the uncertainty.

David Hughes was diagnosed with ocular hypertension following a routine eye test. He was prescribed daily eye drops to prevent glaucoma.

Diagnosed with glaucoma in 2022, Choon Young Tan, uncertain about his future sight, now manages the condition and raises awareness among younger people and the East Asian community.

Tessa didn’t think she would develop glaucoma because she had normal eye pressures. By the time she was diagnosed, she had already lost a quarter of the sight in one eye.

Roger Harris was diagnosed with ocular hypertension after a routine eye test. Early treatment has successfully prevented glaucoma.

Diagnosed with glaucoma at 35, Christine’s experience has encouraged her daughter to have regular eye tests.

Jane Sibley was shocked when she was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2014. Finding out as much as she can about the disease has helped her to continue leading a normal life.

Alison Davis was at higher risk of developing glaucoma due to her brother having the disease. However, the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant she had to wait a year before being diagnosed.

Kate has received glaucoma treatment since 1995 and believes in speaking out about care concerns, while praising positive aspects..

At almost 89 years old, Verno is living with deafness, post-polio syndrome and advanced glaucoma. Here, he shares his story with us.

Chris was unprepared for how glaucoma treatment would alter her appearance and feels doctors should be more understanding of its impact.

Diagnosed with glaucoma in 2015, Liz French used the buddy scheme for support before surgery and later became a buddy herself.

Margaret Davison was in her thirties when she was diagnosed with glaucoma. Specialists at the time believed she was too young to develop the disease.

Jo-Ann Knight was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma following a routine eye test. Her diagnosis started a journey that would change her life.

Anthony was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 40 during a routine eye test. He later found out his grandfather had gone blind from the disease.

Joan inherited glaucoma from her father, who went blind at 80. Given her strong family history, she always knew she was at risk of developing the disease.

Jessica is 27 and was born with congenital glaucoma. She would like a family of her own one day and knows that it’s possible her children may inherit the disease.

Diagnosed with advanced glaucoma, Rosie Cheer has shared tips for managing the psychological impact of the disease.

Roy Hathaway, unaware glaucoma was hereditary, shares his experiences of inheriting the disease and its impact on his life.

Chris Johnson has lived with glaucoma for 40 years, retaining good sight through adherence to prescribed treatment despite extensive procedures.

Liz Hammond was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1998 and had severe reactions to many eye drops before eventually having surgery.

Amba was 12 weeks old when she was diagnosed with glaucoma in her right eye, which was caused by a Sturge Weber Syndrome birthmark. Here, she tells us her story.

Frances Baillie was diagnosed with glaucoma following a routine eye check-up. Prior to her diagnosis, she had no idea that there was anything wrong.

Dry eye disease is a common eye disorder where the eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Here, Elizabeth Balsom tells us her story of living with dry eye disease.

Matt Treweek was told he might have glaucoma. The delays in treatment due to COVID-19 mean that he is still awaiting a diagnosis. He has shared his concerns about the impact these delays could have on his vision.

Robina Williams is a Glaucoma UK buddy, had a trabeculectomy and two laser treatments. She is determined not to let her glaucoma stop her from doing the things she loves.

Jan was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2015. She has shared her story with us, including the impact that COVID-19 has had on her treatment.

Helen Brazier and Jill Aldred were both diagnosed with glaucoma in their forties and have personal experience of various treatments. They have shared their stories with us.

Six-year-old Scarlett has raised an incredible £610 for Glaucoma UK in aid of her sister Eleira, who was diagnosed with glaucoma at six months old.

Diagnosed with glaucoma at 44, artist Michael Ellwood shares his story to emphasise the importance of early eye health.

It’s hard to imagine the range of emotions that you might go through when you’re told your baby or child has glaucoma. We’re grateful to Kelly Seres for sharing her experience with us.

Diagnosed with glaucoma at 32, Peter’s condition was detected early during an eye test, and he has not let it impact his life.

Comedian Georgie Wyatt was diagnosed with glaucoma when she was just three years old. Read her story, in her own words, here.