A Fresh Start: How Glaucoma Surgery Helped Jimmy Jackson See Clearly Again

At 81 years old, Jimmy Jackson, a minister from Anniston, Alabama, faced a first in his life—going under anesthesia. Diagnosed with glaucoma, his eye pressure had risen to concerning levels, reaching 42 and 38. With his vision deteriorating and everyday tasks becoming more challenging, he turned to Dr. Blythe Monheit at TriaVision for help.

For Jimmy, the signs were clear—driving at night became difficult as lights appeared overwhelmingly bright, his television screen seemed cloudy, and reading without glasses became nearly impossible. When Dr. Monheit recommended phaco/goniotomy surgery to relieve the pressure in his eyes, he was understandably nervous. This surgical procedure combines cataract surgery (phacoemulsification), with glaucoma surgery (gonitomy) to address both of these conditions simultaneously.

He credits his faith and his sense of humor for helping him stay calm. “Anybody would be nervous, but I trust in the Lord,” he said, keeping the mood light as the prep team ensured he was comfortable. After seeing how smooth the first surgery went, he felt much more at ease for the second.

A passionate golfer and devoted gardener, Mr. Jackson is eager to return to the activities he loves—this time, with clearer vision. He was amazed at how quick and easy the procedure was, sharing, “The surgery only took less than 10 minutes—it was remarkable.”

Dr. Monheit shared her gratitude for the opportunity to care for Mr. Jackson, saying, “It was truly an honor to help improve Mr. Jackson’s vision and quality of life. Seeing him regain his confidence and return to the activities he loves is what makes this work so rewarding.”

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness globally, following right behind cataracts. People who are considered high risk for this disease are: people over the age of 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, and the African American population.

Jimmy’s story is a testament to how modern glaucoma treatment can make a real difference in patients’ lives. If you or a loved one are experiencing similar symptoms, such as difficulty seeing at night, blurry vision, or other signs of glaucoma, TriaVision’s expert team is here to help. Our skilled surgeons offer advanced treatments, including surgery, to effectively manage glaucoma and cataracts so we can protect your vision for the future.