Chukwudike’s story
Chukwudike Ukeje’s late father was diagnosed with glaucoma, a disease the family had never heard of before. As they researched it, they learned there was no known cure, which deeply worried Chukwudike. His father’s vision was severely impaired by the time of diagnosis, and despite treatments, his condition worsened. Chukwudike adapted his life to support his father, but he struggled with isolation and the loss of independence. The experience taught Chukwudike patience and empathy, as he faced the emotional challenges of caregiving, all while learning the importance of awareness and early detection.
My dad was experiencing problems with his eyesight which prompted him to seek help. He went for a series of eye tests, and it was confirmed to be glaucoma. After he was diagnosed, he used eye drops and other medications but there were no major improvements since his sight was almost gone at the point of diagnosis. I knew nothing about glaucoma prior to that time, and we were told that my late Dad’s sight was going to get worst because the disease was already at its critical stage. This helped us to prepare for what was coming ahead and the need to give my dad all the necessary support.
It wasn’t easy, at first, to support my late dad in his day-to-day routine. We had arguments when I accompanied him on walks or to social functions. But putting myself in his shoes helped me to build the patience to provide the support he needed. The diagnosis affected him in so many ways. When he lost his vision, he started staying indoors more. He stopped doing the regular activities he was used to, such as cycling. This made him unhappy most of the time and resulted in further illnesses. I would make plans to accommodate his needs in my daily schedule. Knowing that he was home and unable to do some things on his own, and the need to always have someone with him constantly, kept me on my toes.
I am now well informed that family history increases the risk of developing glaucoma, so I am taking the right precautions such as having regular eye checks. Families should have more discussions around glaucoma with their younger generation as early as possible to prepare them for what may come. I did not feel that I had the necessary resources and information to support my late dad at the time, but with what I know now and the information I have received in recent years since discovering charities and organisations such as Glaucoma UK, I would have been able to help him live with the illness in a much better way. I have come to know some of the ways people living with this disease are rediscovering their fulfilment in life while living with such a challenging illness, and this has totally changed my perspective on glaucoma.
To anyone who is supporting a loved one who has been newly diagnosed with glaucoma, I’d say be patient with them and always try to put yourself in their shoes.