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Hairy Biker Dave Myers was 'devastated' when hangover turned out to be early glaucoma symptom

Dave Myers was surprised to hear that his symptoms indicated a serious eye condition. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Dave Myers was surprised to hear that his symptoms indicated a serious eye condition. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Telly chef Dave Myers of the Hairy Bikers was stunned when symptoms he believed to be a result of a hangover actually proved to be the beginnings of glaucoma.

Myers told the Mirror he played down issues with his eyes when he visited an optician, telling them he "had a bit of a night last night" and that this was the likely cause.

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He added: "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.”

Blurred vision is an early indicator of potential glaucoma, which involves damage to the optic nerve and can lead to loss of sight if it is left untreated.

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The 64-year-old cook and presenter said he was "devastated" to receive the scary diagnosis and urged others to get checked out if they have any symptoms.

“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," he said.

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“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.”

Myers said regular eye checks should allow him to manage the condition, though there is still a risk of sight loss over time.

Si King and Dave Myers have worked together as the Hairy Bikers for almost 20 years. (MelMedia/GI Images)
Si King and Dave Myers have worked together as the Hairy Bikers for almost 20 years. (MelMedia/GI Images)

Myers and his co-star Si King have worked together as the Hairy Bikers on TV since their series The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook launched in 2004.

They have since appeared on countless TV shows and released more than a dozen recipe books.

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In 2013, Myers competed on Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Karen Hauer in the series which was won by model Abbey Clancy.

Myers and King returned to TV screens this week with BBC series The Hairy Bikers Go North, in which they travel across the country on a road trip, exploring the best food the north of England has to offer.

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