Michael is a Member of EYECAN and has kindly agreed to share his story.
“My sight loss started very suddenly. One morning I noticed that I kept falling over and losing my balance as if drunk. Until I was diagnosed with it I hadn’t heard of Glaucoma.
Now I have to keep turning my head to the sides to try to see everything, as often I don’t notice things until I knock over or bump into them. I’ve noticed that different lights affect my eyesight. It’s as if I’m in a box which is closing in on me. I can’t do my favourite sports anymore and I really do miss cycling. I have been working with EYECAN since 2012 and I still receive support from them”.
Estimates put the total number of suspected cases of Glaucoma at over 60 million worldwide.
Early detection really can make a difference so please get your eyes screened.
Glaucoma symptoms may include:
· Blurred / foggy vision
· Seeing halos or rainbows of colour around lights bulbs
· Sensitivity to glare
· Poor night vision
· Increased period of adjustment when moving between different light conditions
· Loss of peripheral vision, resulting in difficulty locating objects and failure to notice things at the periphery of your vision, resulting in frequent accidents
· Mild to severe headaches, and eye pain
If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to take a Glaucoma screening test as soon as possible. Contact your Optician to arrange a screening.
[Close up image of a lady’s face, she is having her eyes checked. The green World Glaucoma Week logo is also in the image as well as the wording: 10th-16th March 2024 World Glaucoma Week in white font]