My name is Larry Woodard. I first learned that I had glaucoma when I went to the optometrist to get a new pair of glasses, and when I went there, the optometrist viewed my eyes and she told me that I need to go see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. It was something that was totally a surprise to me. I did not realize it was going to be this significant.
Learning to live in a different way, because when you have glaucoma, you can’t get back that sight that you lost. And for me, it meant that independence completely changed. It changes things such as employment. It changes things such as your social life. In terms of your family, it does change things with them too, because they see you in a different way, and you have to rely on them a little bit better and more.
I would say for those that are African-American like myself, it’s vitally important that you go get your eyes checked. When you’re going to have a regular physical, make that part of your physical plan to set up to go get your vision checked, as well.
As time went on and my vision loss became more paramount, it did affect me mentally, especially when I lost my vision. I did not know what to do. It affected my identity of who I am and what I am and what am I going to do now? Just trying to do that and always trying to find something that I can do, or to help others with and try to utilize my vision loss as a purpose. And so for me, the non-sight, it gives me sight in a different way.
That’s really important, to be able to advocate and to help others–to maybe be a living example. It gives me the opportunity to let others know what they can do and that they’ll be okay. I don’t want someone to have to go through what I went through. I want them to know that you need to go and get your eyes examined. It can happen to you at a young age. Go have an examination and find out. If there’s nothing, you haven’t lost anything. But if there is something, you know, and you know about it, there’s a whole lot that you can gain. You can get help. You can get support. You can get treatment.
Early detection and treatment is vitally, vitally important. Take control of your eyesight. Schedule an eye exam.
