Over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma. Half of them don’t know they have it.

Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve, connecting the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.

My Mum was diagnosed as a candidate for Glaucoma in 2015. Despite having repeated appointments and medications, she required eye surgery (PresserFlo MicroShunt) on both eyes. 

She was given 2 options. Option 1 - not have surgery and eventually lose her sight. Option 2 - have surgery and potentially save her sight.

In June 2023, she had her first surgery, whilst recovering from her first surgery, she was then preparing for her second surgery. 

As of July 2023, Mum has now had both surgeries. Her recovery means there are certain things she cannot do over the next few weeks, and some things she'll never be able to do again but she continues to be positive.

My Mum is participating in research with the hospital treating her as she is keen to help people in a similar position, or even prevent people from reaching this stage. Even when she is facing difficulty, she continues to think about others and how she can help them. My mum is incredibly brave, and I am so proud of how she has handled this difficult, scary situation. 

If I can help anyone at all, who has been impacted by Glaucoma, that would mean a lot to both myself and my Mum.

Any donations would be appreciated, although I understand we are living in times of uncertainty and difficulty, so if you are unable to donate, please share this with your friends, family and colleagues to raise awareness of Glaucoma.

Encourage your loved ones to get their eyes tested.