Lola’s Story

Everyone told Laura that her daughter Lola had big beautiful eyes. However, from only four weeks old, Lola was frequently visiting the GP as she was suffering from red, puffy and weeping fluid in her eyes.

The GP told them it was just a viral illness, but Lola’s sensitivity to light got worse as the months progressed. 

She was not hitting her milestones, didn’t want to play anymore and would cry if any light was on her.

Laura trusted the GP and got stronger glasses for her daughter, but Lola’s suffering continued.

Lola was referred to Moorfields after her 8-9 month check-up with the health visitor, and she was seen very quickly.

In the late afternoon, Lola was seen by a specialist paediatric eye doctor.

They discovered that Lola had very high pressure in her eyes and needed urgent treatment, otherwise she could lose her vision.

Lola was diagnosed with bilateral congenital glaucoma.

Laura was relieved to have finally received a diagnosis for her daughter Lola and could now focus on her treatment. 

The first 8 months of Lola’s life were very hard. She couldn’t enjoy the summer sunshine or play outside due to her light sensitivity.

She always had to be in the dark, even the shade outdoors was too uncomfortable for her, causing her to cry and close her eyes.

Laura took Lola on holiday but had to keep her covered and in the shade, which made her feel awful.

After Lola’s diagnosis and first operation, she became a different baby; she was happy, smiling, laughing, playing with her toys, learning to stand and walk.

Lola’s mum and dad were so happy for her and relieved as parents.

Lola also started wearing glasses after her first operation.

Now, at nearly 9 years old, Lola has already had two operations, and she is likely to undergo another one soon.

She recently had a glaucoma tube implanted in her right eye.

This resulted in Lola’s eye pressure being the lowest it has ever been, and her optic nerve even showed some improvement. Laura cried when she heard the news.

Lola’s school has been very good at accommodating her needs. During class she has an iPad and a whiteboard next to her in case she can’t see the board or if there is too much glare.

This helps ensure she can always do her work and not struggle.

Lola has grown up well adapting to life and her environments.

The low vision clinic at Torbay Hospital sees Lola every year to see if she needs any learning aids.

Moorfields has been a second home to Lola and her parents, with appointments every 2-4 months since Lola’s first visit at 9 months old.

The care, support and treatment they have received has been exceptional.

Lola is under the care of Mr John Brookes and always looks forward to seeing him. Laura described him as polite, kind, caring, supportive, informative and compassionate. 

He saved Lola’s sight and they are very grateful for that.

Although Laura sometimes worries about Lola’s eyes and her future, she always feels at ease when they go to Moorfields.

Laura’s advice to parents with a child diagnosed with bilateral congenital glaucoma is to reach out for support and do research to help learn about glaucoma and remember there is hope.

The Moorfields website has plenty of information on glaucoma.

She also recommends always asking the GP for a second opinion and keep talking to staff involved in your baby or child’s care.

Laura hopes Lola’s story will raise awareness on this rare eye condition and Moorfields Eye Charity’s impact on funding treatments and research to help children with glaucoma.

Laura and her mum also donates when they can.