Marine’s story

I’m sharing my story because I want to raise awareness — especially among young people. It’s not common, but it can happen.

I was first diagnosed with high eye pressure in 2023, at the age of 24, during a routine eye test at the optician’s. My pressures were extremely high, so I was referred to a diagnostic centre in London for further monitoring. For a year, I was seen at the centre but never by an ophthalmologist. Eventually, a specialist confirmed the diagnosis and warned that my optic nerve could suffer damage within five years if left untreated. 

In June 2024, I began experiencing increasingly severe headaches and decided to go to the eye hospital urgently. There, doctors confirmed my eye pressures had reached 35 mmHg. A few months later, a follow-up showed they were still above 30 mmHg. At that point, aged 26, I was prescribed Dorzolamide eye drops for the first time. My doctor carefully considered the treatment options, choosing one with the least risk of side effects given my age. 

Unfortunately, Dorzolamide turned out to be ineffective, and I was moved onto beta-blocker drops. Because of my age, the doctors then recommended selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), a laser procedure to lower eye pressure. I had SLT laser treatment last March, which lowered my eye pressure to 25 mmHg. While that’s still higher than ideal, my doctors are pleased with the progress since the pressure has come down significantly.  

At present, my optic nerves appear healthy, and glaucoma hasn’t developed yet. But due to the consistently high pressure and my age, doctors have warned there’s a real risk of optic nerve damage, which could eventually lead to vision loss. I understand it’s a delicate balance, but I’m keeping up with my regular appointments. 

When the ophthalmologist first confirmed the diagnosis and said that I could lose some vision within five years, it felt like an earthquake. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew it wasn’t good. I’ve always been the youngest person in every hospital waiting room, which has made the whole experience even more frightening and isolating. 

Starting treatment was the hardest part—it suddenly made everything feel very real. I never imagined I’d need eye drops at my age, especially knowing the potential side effects. The first week was particularly tough. I had to apply the drops three times a day, which was not only physically uncomfortable but mentally exhausting. It was a constant reminder that my sight was at risk. I felt incredibly alone. 

Glaucoma UK was especially helpful at that point. As I was leaving the ophthalmologist’s office, I picked up a flyer explaining how to apply the drops properly. That small bit of information made a big difference. Before seeing a specialist, I hadn’t known much about glaucoma, and finding reliable information online was difficult. 

As heavy as this has all been, I also see it as one of the biggest blessings I’ve received. Many people, especially younger ones, don’t realise how lucky they are to enjoy life’s little moments. They’re so focused on the future that they forget to appreciate the present. Since my diagnosis, everything in my life has changed. A year ago, I was deeply unhappy. But now, I’ve learnt to fully appreciate every moment and to focus on what’s important. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a clear blue sky or time spent with loved ones. I want to keep exploring the world, travelling, and experiencing as many beautiful places as I can, because none of us knows what the future holds. 

One of the biggest challenges I faced was simply getting to see an ophthalmologist. From the beginning, I was sent to a diagnostic centre instead of directly to a specialist. For a long time, I had very little information about my condition, the risks involved, or what treatment options were available. It wasn’t until my pressure worsened that I was finally able to get proper medical advice. 

My mum was diagnosed with high eye pressure a few years ago. I’ve told my brother several times to get his eyes checked and I also remind my friends time to time even when they don’t present any risk factors.  

I’m sharing my story because I want to raise awareness — especially among young people. It’s not common, but it can happen. Every time I’ve been in a waiting room, I’ve been the youngest person there. But that doesn’t mean young people are immune. Even if you’re healthy and in your twenties, it’s so important to have your eyes checked once a year — especially if there’s a family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure.

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