Helga’s story

My advice to anyone who is worried that their glaucoma diagnosis may stop them from doing the things they love is to not give up! Do everything you can to keep your eyes healthy.

I had a routine eye test in 2005 and the optometrist noticed an abnormality. I was referred to an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed normal tension glaucoma. I felt shocked and frightened, especially as it transpired that I’d already lost vision in one of my eyes. I thought glaucoma was a problem which only affected older people, however my sisters and I were diagnosed in our early fifties. My father was very short-sighted and developed the disease in later life. He’d never lost any vision though, so I wasn’t worried at the time.  

Since being diagnosed, I’ve used eye drops and I’ve also had a trabeculectomy in my left eye and selective laser trabeculoplasty on both. My quality of life hasn’t been affected, though I tend to be in a state of panic for about a week before my routine appointments. I do worry about my vision. I’m an author, and so I’m more aware now of the potential damage to my eyes.  

I started writing children’s books about 15 years ago when I bought a ginger kitten called Wizzy-Woo. My three-year-old niece adored the kitten and at her request, I started to make up adventure stories about him. She and her friends loved the stories so much that I decided to write a book about Wizzy, and now there are six picture books in the ever-expanding Wizzy-Woo series. I also developed a pirate series featuring my other children’s character called ‘Captain Blownaparte’, whose seventh adventure has just been published and is currently in discussion for a TV series. 

I’ve always enjoyed making up stories. When my mum read stories to me and I didn’t like the action in them, I’d make up an alternative narrative! I enjoyed writing and very often was asked to read my stories in class. I’ve been writing and making up stories all my life, but I didn’t start publishing books until an author friend suggested I should give it a try. I really enjoy writing for children, as I want to pass on the joy of storytelling which I so enjoyed as a child myself. 

Thankfully glaucoma hasn’t impacted my career, and I can continue to work normally. I make sure I frequently take screen breaks and look into the distance. I also exercise regularly and power walk about 20 miles a week. I have a very healthy diet, including all the vitamins and minerals which are beneficial for general eye health. I’m determined to use all the aids available to continue my work should my vision further deteriorate. 

My advice to anyone who is worried that their glaucoma diagnosis may stop them from doing the things they love is to not give up! Do everything you can to keep your eyes healthy. Use the eye drops and follow your consultant’s advice. If you don’t get on with your ophthalmologist, look for someone you like and trust because the disease is going to be with you for the rest of your life. Glaucoma shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself or following your career; it just means that small adjustments may be needed sometimes.

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