HEALTH AND WELLNESS
disease.
A new diagnosis and the athlete re-emerges
With her uveitis in remission, Dixon received a second vision diagnosis: She now had developed glaucoma as a result of her treatment. Resilient and determined to keep her life moving forward, Dixon began treating her glaucoma. Along the way, she reengaged in sports and took up swimming, a favorite activity for the former competitive high school swimmer. When a friend introduced her to triathlons (swimming, running, and biking), she was hooked. She completed her first triathlon in 2013, and today, she is the reigning ITU Aquathlon World Champion and a seven-time ITU Triathlon Gold Medalist. When the competition in Tokyo starts in August, Dixon will race toward the finish line the same way she approaches life: by overcoming the setbacks in her path. It's an important lesson she is eager to share.
"There is always a way forward," said Dixon. "I encourage people to maximize the strengths they have and find creative ways to do the things they want. It may not be the way you wish for, but if you are open to learning, you can do great things."
A prescription for better eye health
Dixon views her journey as a cautionary tale, and she encourages everyone to be proactive in taking care of their eyes. "Uveitis progressed quickly in impacting my vision because I waited too long to see a doctor and wasn't diligent
about getting my eyes examined annually," Dixon said. "Pay attention to your eyes. If you suspect you have a vision problem, then see an eye doctor right away." As she continues to manage her glaucoma, she also urges people, particularly young adults, to be wary of a disease that can sneak up without symptoms and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
"A dilated eye exam could save your sight," Dixon said. "The power is in your hands, so be your own advocate for achieving better eye health." If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma or are caring for someone with glaucoma, a resource is "Understanding and Living with Glaucoma." This free booklet is published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, with support from Aerie Pharmaceuticals. It can be downloaded or ordered (in English and Spanish) at www.glaucoma.org/booklet.