A Father’s Battle with Glaucoma: Strength in Every Sight

(The Post News)– Glaucoma—a word that carries weight and meaning in countless lives. In simple terms, it’s referred to as “pressure of the eyes”, but for those who experience it, glaucoma is much more than just a medical condition. It’s a daily challenge—a slow transformation of how the world is seen and experienced.

For Evaline’s father, the journey with glaucoma began long before it was given a name. It was a journey marked by courage, patience, and love. Evaline recalls her father speaking of his symptoms as far back as 2014, though it’s possible they began even earlier. The condition, caused by increased pressure within the eye and led to gradual damage to the optic nerve—a nerve that supplies the eyes and is vital for clear vision.

In layman’s terms, it occurs when the natural fluids in the eyes, known as the aqueous and vitreous humour, cannot drain properly. Over time, the pressure builds, and the damage begins—a slow and quiet thief of sight.

For her father, the path was one of gradual decline. Although he began using eye medications like Betoptic or betaxolol, which help reduce the eye fluid pressure, the reality of the disease remained.

The medication bought him some time—time to see the difference between day and night, time to catch the motion of shapes and moving figures, even if blurred. Yet, it was clear that glaucoma was persistent, and its effects grew harder to manage with each passing year.

At one point, doctors suggested surgery as a potential solution. Evaline, with unwavering devotion, was prepared to cover the costs to give her father a chance at preserving his sight; however, the plan was halted. The risks, given his advanced age, were too great. Complete loss of sight was a possibility, and the family made the difficult choice to forgo the procedure. It was a heartbreaking decision, but one made with care and understanding.

Today, her father continues to rely on medications, a steady companion in his fight against glaucoma. Though his vision is limited, he maintains his remaining abilities, distinguishing daylight from darkness and recognising motion in the world around him. His resilience and acceptance shine as a testament to the human spirit’s strength, even in the face of uncertainty.

Evaline’s story of her father is not just one of loss; it’s one of perseverance, love, and advocacy. It highlights the importance of recognising glaucoma early, managing it diligently, and supporting those who face its challenges. Her unwavering readiness to support her father, whether through medical care or emotional presence, is a reminder of the power of family.

Glaucoma may change how one sees the world, but it doesn’t have to define how one lives in it. Evaline’s father continues to live with dignity and courage, inspiring all who share in his story.

On a global scale, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affecting over 60 million people worldwide. In 2020 alone, approximately 3.61 million people were blind due to glaucoma.

In South Africa, glaucoma is a significant cause of irreversible blindness, with many cases going undiagnosed due to limited awareness and access to healthcare. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma can progress without any noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.

Regular eye screenings are crucial, particularly for those over 40, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and those with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. While government healthcare initiatives offer screenings, a lack of awareness hinders early diagnosis and treatment adherence.