By Val Thompson, December 2025
An unexpected diagnosis
It all began for me in 2009. My daughter was getting married, and I decided I would like to get some new glasses for her wedding. It was an exciting time.
My optometrist knew I had a family history of glaucoma, and he always checked my optic pressures. This time, he checked my pressure three times! Finally, he said to me, “The pressures in your eyes are extremely high, and you need to see an ophthalmologist urgently.” My pressures were 39 and 40.
Years of stability
For ten years, I chose to see an ophthalmologist privately. I didn’t have medical insurance, but I was still working. Everything was going along tickety-boo, and the specialist was happy with how things were going.
When we moved to the Bay of Plenty, I chose to transfer to the Public Hospital system for my glaucoma checkups.
I was diligent with using my eye drops twice daily and didn’t have any problems with the two drops I was prescribed. No problems for about 13 years until I was changed on to a different combination eye drop which slowly made my eyes very sore and I noticed a change in light sensitivity. My pressures were still quite high.
When things changed
About two years ago my stable glaucoma journey changed and I had the SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) procedure and this was not effective in lowering my pressures. A cataract operation followed about three months later in the hope that the thinner, artificial lens would help reduce the pressure in my problem eye.
But I was miserable with a sore, red eye that people would remark on. I was told I had Dry Eye Syndrome. I tried lots of things but even with frequent use of moisturising eye drops my left eye remained troublesome.
I felt something wasn’t right with my eyes.
Finding answers and support
Then in June 2024, I went to a Glaucoma Awareness meeting in Tauranga and joined Glaucoma New Zealand. I also volunteered to become involved with re-starting the Tauranga Glaucoma Support Group.
I discovered there is so much to learn about Glaucoma on their website. I have learned so much and watched lots of the webinars about glaucoma. The more we learn about this condition, the better prepared we are to help ourselves. We also learn a lot by sharing with one another.
Looking ahead with confidence
In August 2025, I had a Trabeculectomy operation on my Left eye, and I am pleased to report that my Left eye is now feeling much more comfortable, and I am happy with my progress.
Special thanks to Val for sharing her story as part of the July 2026 Eyelights newsletter. Read the full newsletter here.