In the UK, over 700,000 people have glaucoma, but half of them do not know they have it as it is often symptomless. Once someone’s vision has been damaged by glaucoma it cannot be restored so it is important that everyone has regular eye tests so any symptoms can be picked up early. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, highlighting the importance of regular eye tests for everyone of all ages to detect the condition early.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but there are several risk factors which make developing it more likely, these include having close relatives with the condition, growing older, higher levels of short-sightedness and increased pressure in the eye. To mark Glaucoma Awareness Week, Specsavers has partnered with artist and art historian, Biddy Peppin to share her experience of glaucoma and the impact it has had on her family, life, and career. Around age 60, Biddy visited an optician for new reading glasses.
During this appointment they spotted signs of glaucoma in both eyes. Biddy’s GP promptly referred her to Moorfields Eye Hospital. At this stage, Biddy had not experienced any noticeable sight loss, meaning the diagnosis came as a shock.
Despite being treated with a trabeculectomy, laser treatment, a gel stent and eye drops, glaucoma has now caused Biddy’s vision to become very patchy. She can look directly at an object without seeing it. This change in vision has had an impact on Biddy’s work as an artist.
Her paintings, which aim to be metaphor.