An MP has shared his personal experience of developing glaucoma at the age of 25.
Brian Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, was diagnosed with the condition after a routine test.
He said that prior to his diagnosis, his knowledge of the condition was minimal.
He said that he only learned about the condition through Dutch footballer Edgar Davids, who wore protective glasses after undergoing surgery to treat his glaucoma.
His account of his journey with the condition came as part of the Forth Valley Sensory Centre's (FVSC) efforts to mark Glaucoma Awareness Week.
The centre has been providing support for people with sensory loss and their families in central Scotland since 2016.
Mr Leishman, who was elected last year, 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."
The condition is usually caused by a build-up of pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.
The damage is irreversible but with early diagnosis, treatment can help slow or stop it from getting worse.
Mr Leishman, a former professional golfer, said that he was diagnosed after a routine test at the opticians.
He said: "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.
"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."
Mr Leishman underwent a trabeculectomy, a surgical procedure to lower the pressure in his eye, and has been using eye drops daily ever since.
He said: "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."
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."
The FVSC is set to host a summer fayre on July 18 and a sensory fun day on August 8.
These events will be open to everyone, with activities for all ages and opportunities to learn more about the support FVSC offers.
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