16 November 2023 , 16:24
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Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers has revealed he was left stunned after being diagnosed with glaucoma after a routine appointment at the optician.
The 66-year-old, best known for starring on the BBC One cookery show, was informed by an optometrist that he was showing signs of the disease that can cause vision loss and blindness. Fortunately, Dave's symptoms were detected early by a scan and he was prescribed eye drops to prevent the condition was progressing. He has now expressed his gratitude over being treated before the glaucoma worsened and stopped him from being able to work and see his family. The update comes a few months after Dave confirmed he was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspecified cancer.
"I was so relieved and thankful that it had been detected because it meant I could continue my career, doing what I love most, being able to work alongside my best friend, but, more importantly, being able to see my children's faces," he told the Express.co.uk. Dave also urged the importance of regular check-ups, revealing the "scary thought" that he "could be completely blind" if he hadn't attended the appointment. "As many as half of all people with glaucoma are undiagnosed," he added.
Dave Myers has revealed he was 'devastated' to be diagnosed with the diseaseDave is now a regular at Specsavers and swears by his prescribed eyedrops for helping keeping his eye pressure stable and protecting him from sight loss. He has also since partnered with the British multinational optical retail chain , industry experts and Labour MP Marsha De Cordova to demand policy change and the implementation of a National Eye Health Strategy in England.
This isn't the first time Dave, who is married to Liliana Orzac, has spoken out about his glaucoma. Back in 2021, the TV icon revealed that he had initially mistaken his symptoms for drinking too heavily the previous evening Speaking to the Mirror, Dave said he responded to his optician's suggestion it was glaucoma with denial. He said, "'I don’t think so. I had a bit of a night last night. So I’ve probably just got a bad hangover.'" But she took no notice and referred me to my GP who made a hospital appointment. And she’d been right. The first symptoms of glaucoma were setting in."
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Dave admitted that the news left him "devastated" but also grateful the condition had been detected sooner rather than later. "If it hadn’t been spotted so early the result could have been catastrophic," he admitted. "As a chef my sense of taste and smell are extremely important. But of all the senses, sight is the one I’d fear losing most.
“My work is my passion so it’s impossible to imagine doing all the things I love if I couldn’t see – riding my bike, reading an autocue or preparing dishes."