Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers dealt another major health blow following gruelling cancer battle
HAIRY Bikers star Dave Myers has revealed he’s been dealt another major health blow in the midst of his gruelling cancer treatment.
The TV chef was diagnosed with early-onset glaucoma after a regular check-up at his opticians.
This unexpected diagnosis comes a few months after Dave, 66, revealed that he was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer.
Dave had been attending a routine eye check-up when he was told he had signs of early on-set glaucoma. He had to have a number of scans to check the health of his eyes, and that was when it was detected.
Thankfully, his optometrist caught it early, and he was quickly referred to his GP and prescribed eye drops to stop the glaucoma from progressing any further.
Recalling the experience to Express, Dave said: “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.”
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He added: “If I hadn’t gone for my regular check-up, I could be completely blind, which is a scary thought. As many as half of all people with glaucoma are undiagnosed.”
Happily, the eye drops have helped to protect Dave’s eyes from any further damage. However, acknowledging that many people aren’t as lucky as him, Dave partnered up with Specsavers, Labour MP Marsha De Cordova and several industry experts to ensure that everyone has easily accessible eye care.
Together they are working on changing health policies to implement a National Eye Health Strategy in England which he believes would “help alleviate some of this pressure on the NHS.
“By making more efficient use of high street opticians, people would spend less time waiting for care.
“It would also ensure everyone has equal access to care, as there are some people, such as those experiencing homelessness, that are particularly disadvantaged and struggle to access an NHS eye test,” Dave concluded.
The Hairy Biker confirmed that his eyes were healthy after taking the eye-drops he was prescribed. However, early this month he revealed that he was still undergoing cancer treatment, but said he is doing well.
He told BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay that he was not letting the disease slow him down and that he’s back working with his Hairy Bikers partner Si King.
“I’ve been back with my best mate on the bike filming and doing the books, and back to work. So it’s all pretty good, actually. I am really enjoying life at the moment,” he said.