Glaucoma support group begins in SC
Brenda Evans is one of about 700 people in South Canterbury living with a condition slowly stealing her eyesight.
This is World Glaucoma Week and an insight into Evans’ world reveals she is philosophical about the challenges she faces and prefers to see the glass as half full.
She was one of 17 people who helped launch a Timaru support group on Saturday.
In glaucoma the optic nerve, which carries visual information to the brain, is damaged and vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be restored.
‘‘When I heard the stories of other people at the meeting, I feel very fortunate,’’ Evans said.
She was diagnosed with the condition about 15 years ago.
‘‘It is hereditary. My late mother had glaucoma and so did my sister and brother who are still living.’’
Despite this she remained optimistic of avoiding the same fate but prompting from her daughter, who is a nurse, convinced her to take a test.
‘‘I was referred to an opthalmologist and was diagnosed with glaucoma.’’
Evans’ life has become one of using eye drops twice a day to prevent her sight weakening.
She struggles to cope with bright sunlight, vehicle headlights and fluorescent light due to her condition.
She used to visit the opthalmologist at least twice a year for scans and tests, but her last visit revealed good news.
‘‘My eyes seem to be quite stable so its up to nine months.’’
Evans advised people to get their eyes tested as regularly as possible.
Meanwhile, Glaucoma New Zealand’s general manager Ana Lee praised people who attended Saturday’s public meeting.
Lee said a volunteer is sought to facilitate the group monthly.