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Carol’s story

Carol was surprised to be diagnosed with normal tension glaucoma in 2023, having always enjoyed good health and never expecting to face such a condition. She soon learned that with the right treatment and support it can be managed, which inspired her to share her story and reassure others they are not alone.

What helped me almost as much as the medical treatment was the support I found.

At my first eye clinic appointment, a treatment regimen was started, using eye drops in both eyes at bedtime, and the pressures were controlled for about 12 months. Then, at a review, an additional eye drop was prescribed twice a day. However, three months later, as the glaucoma showed further progression, surgery was required on the left eye. This proved successful in reducing the eye pressure. A second operation was performed on the right eye 12 weeks later.

I have had regular eye clinic appointments to review the pressures in my eyes, and to adjust the drop regimen. The treatment was intensive during the post operative periods, but the frequency of appointments has decreased over the past few months. I have felt reassured by the excellent care I have received.

What helped me almost as much as the medical treatment was the support I found. I joined Glaucoma UK as soon as I was diagnosed, and it has been invaluable. The helpline, the leaflets, the magazine, the webinars — all of it helped to give me clarity when everything felt unfamiliar. Just knowing there was someone to talk to when I had a worry made the toughest moments a bit easier.

I also came to understand how important it is to look out for the people you love by sharing your diagnosis and making them aware of the family connection. I told my son straight away, so he could have regular eye checks. Glaucoma can run in families, and I want others to know how important it is for relatives, especially those over 40, to attend routine eye tests. If there is one thing I would like to raise awareness of, it is the family link. Please encourage your loved ones to get their eyes checked so that if glaucoma does develop, it can be found early.

If you’ve been newly diagnosed, I’d advise you to listen to your consultant, stick to your drops and take your diagnosis seriously — this can make all the difference. The journey can feel overwhelming at first, but you can get through it, even if, like me, you end up needing more than one surgery in a short space of time.

Most of all, remember that there is a whole community out there to support you.

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