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Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It's usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it's not diagnosed and treated early.
My Mum recently went for a routine eye appointment at her local Opticians and after further tests and referrals she has now been diagnosed with Glaucoma and has to take eye drops (daily) for the rest of her life.
As Glaucoma can be hereditary, I was eager to get checked out too. Prior to 2021 I had only ever had 1 eye test, I know, there's really no excuse! Due to high eye pressure readings behind both eyes I was asked to go back for more tests which then lead to a referral to my local Eye Clinic. Fortunately, I have no signs of Glaucoma. I have thick corneas which means my eye pressures read higher than normal and there's nothing to worry about.
Over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma. Half of them don’t know they have it. Glaucoma UK want to end preventable glaucoma sight loss. I want to raise awareness so glaucoma is detected early and can be treated. What better way than to challenge myself by running the Great Manchester 10k?
This charity supports people to live well with glaucoma and they fund sight-saving research. Glaucoma UK is reliant on donations, so your support makes a real difference. Together we can change the outlook for people with glaucoma.
Thank you x