ALLOA and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman has shared his experience of developing glaucoma as he joined a local sensory charity to mark Glaucoma Awareness Week.
The MP, who was elected last year, shared his story of diagnosis and living with the condition as part of Forth Valley Sensory Centre’s marking of the week.
FVSC has supported people with sensory loss and their families who live in central Scotland, including Stirling and Clackmannanshire, since 2016.
It acts as a community hub, offering support, advice, practical help, and social opportunities.
The centre has around 20,000 visitors every year and is funded by a mix of grants, donations and partner income.
Glaucoma is usually caused by the build-up of pressure in the eye due to the fluid being unable to drain properly, which damages the optic nerve that which sends the images from the eye to the brain.
People are more at risk of developing Glaucoma with age. It is less common in people under the age of 40 – and is usually picked up at a routine eye test because of the way it affects peripheral vision first.
Mr Leishman, a former professional golfer, was diagnosed at the age of 25 and said the only thing he knew about the condition was that he shared it with Dutch footballer Edgar Davids.
He is encouraging people in the area to take up their free eye examination as early diagnosis can save people’s sight.
Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth said:
“Our sight is one of the most precious things and losing it, even just partially, fundamentally alters how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
“I feel very fortunate that my glaucoma was diagnosed before it became a major problem and it is why I am keen to share my journey in the hopes that it could save someone’s vision.
“I have been wearing glasses since I was 15, but it was not until a decade later that I discovered I have glaucoma, and I was incredibly lucky to have done so. When I was 25 and still a golf professional, I was teaching an optician at Gleneagles to help improve his game. Seeing I had glasses, he offered to sort me out with a new pair and when I went in, he completed a couple of tests for me. It turned out my eye pressure was quite high and an hour later I found myself at Perth Royal Infirmary where I was diagnosed with the condition.
“My knowledge of glaucoma at the time was minimal – I only knew about it because Dutch footballer Edgar Davids wore protective glasses after undergoing surgery in his right eye to treat the condition.
“The consultant told me I was really lucky to have discovered I have the condition, which slowly damages the optic nerve, because she estimated that by my mid-30s, I one day would have woken up not able to see – and there would have been nothing the doctors could do about it. That was a scary thought. It was a big bit of news that would affect me for the rest of my life but overall, I just felt fortunate that it was diagnosed in time. It is the sort of condition you can never beat or eradicate, but you can delay and manage its impacts.
“After trialling a few different eye drops we found that one that works for me, and I have been using it daily ever since. Some four years later I would also undergo trabeculectomy, a surgical procedure which creates a new drainage channel for fluid to be drained so that the pressure could be lowered in my right eye – likely the same procedure Davids went through all those years ago. I had to be very careful for six weeks after surgery and I am thankful to the medical professionals for preserving my sight.
“Nowadays, I continue with the eye drops daily. I check in with the consultant ophthalmologist, who has been absolutely incredible, every six months and I will likely require surgery in the future.
“This Glaucoma Awareness Week, I would like to encourage everyone to think about the condition, even if they do not think they could be affected. You can get your eyes examined for free at the opticians – you do not need to be referred by the GP. Just contact the practice and book an appointment – it is simple and easy.
“Everyone is entitled to this routine test every one or two years, depending on your circumstances – I encourage you to make good use of it because it could save your vision.”
Jacquie Winning MBE, chief executive of Forth Valley Sensory Centre, said:
“We would like to thank Brian Leishman for sharing his personal story with us as we mark Glaucoma Awareness Week.
“We know from supporting people who have experienced sight loss how big an impact it can have on your life, work and confidence.
“Early detection can make a huge difference so we would encourage everyone to visit an Optician for a free routine check.”
FVSC is hosting a Summer Fayre on 18 July and a Sensory Fun Day on 8 August, both events are open to everyone, with activities for all ages and opportunities to learn more about the support FVSC offers.
