Gia, now 21, is motivated to share her personal experience with glaucoma, starting with her diagnosis from the age of eight. Her story highlights the importance of early detection of glaucoma, especially in children, and how she responded to the diagnosis and treatment.
Can you describe the initial discovery of your glaucoma and diagnostic process?
My primary school teacher noticed I was having difficulty seeing the board. My mother took me to her optometrist who, after a thorough examination, referred me to an ophthalmologist, which was the first time we had heard of such a specialist.
Although glaucoma is children in rare, the ophthalmologist suspected closed angle glaucoma after the first visit. For about one to two weeks I was at the clinic dailly for obvservation, undergoing various scans and procedures, including lying face down for a couple of hours to see if my eye pressure would spike or react.
What was your experience like as a child undergoing glaucoma treatment, particularly the laser procedure?
It was frightening due to the presence of big scary machines, the need to sit still and having things close to my eyes including lenses and eye drops. The dialating eye drops were initially difficult to get used to. My left eye was the main problem and it was decided that laser treatment was necessary to open the angle. During the laser procedure I was terrified by the instruction to keep both eyes open, fearing that if my left eye wandered they might hit the wrong spot. The doctor eventually told me to close my other eye which made it easier. Recovery after the laser was quick and I felt back to normal within a few dyas, even returning to gymnastics.
How has your glaucoma been managed over time and what are your thoughts on the importance of early detection?
After the laser I initially had check ups every three months, which then extended to six months and now every two years. During these check ups they perform all the scans and check my pressure to ensure stability.
I am so grateful for the early detection.If my teacher, the optometrist or myself had not spoken up, my life could have been very different as I now understand how untreated closed angle glaucoma can lead to sudden vision loss.