An Ipswich mum says she counts herself lucky after a town optician spotted a potentially life-threatening condition during a routine test.
Emily Beech, who is an alternative fashion and lifestyle YouTuber, contacted Specsavers in Carr Street after suffering from extremely painful headaches and blurred vision.
As a glasses wearer and regular sufferer of headaches, Ms Beech put her symptoms down to simply needing a new pair of prescription glasses and booked in for a routine eye test.
Ipswich optometrist, Vishesh Balloo, carried out a thorough eye test and immediately spotted abnormalities.
After further tests, including a 3D scan of the back of Ms Beech's eyes, the optometrist was concerned she could have a severe eye condition and referred her to the emergency eye care department at Ipswich Hospital.
Ms Beech was seen by a neurologist, who confirmed she had developed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
This rare chronic condition is caused by a build-up of pressure around the brain and can be sight- and life-threatening if left untreated.
Ms Beech said: “I visited Specsavers Ipswich for a routine test and just thought I’d be given a new prescription for glasses. I certainly didn’t expect a trip to hospital.
“As a working mum, with an eight-year-old daughter, it’s so easy to forget about looking after yourself.
“I’ve suffered from headaches for years, but they’d become quite severe.
“To find out the cause of my headaches was something that could have taken my sight or even life was really scary.
“But I count myself lucky, as the quick action of my optician and the medical team at Ipswich Hospital meant I was able to get it treated before things got too serious.”
To relieve the build-up of fluid around her brain, Ms Beech underwent a lumbar puncture and spinal tap.
Her headaches soon eased, and her vision returned. She must now take daily medication and is under the care of neurologists at the hospital to monitor her condition.
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