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Glaucoma – Facts and Myths
Posted by: Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center
Did you know that 80 million people are living with glaucoma worldwide? Knowledge is POWER, and we want to empower our patients with a wealth of information! Knowing the correct information can significantly impact your daily life and eye health. Here are six common myths that the Glaucoma Research Foundation researched we would like to share.
Myth #1: People With Good Vision Don’t Get Glaucoma
Most types of glaucoma will not have any symptoms, and people with good vision may not notice any symptoms until the late stages, which is why glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight.” The later the disease is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it is, possibly resulting in vision loss.
Myth #2: I Can’t Get Glaucoma Because No One In My Family Has The Disease
While glaucoma can be hereditary, many glaucoma patients without a family history of the condition are diagnosed with glaucoma. There’s also the possibility that family members did have the disease but were never examined adequately for glaucoma. That’s why all patients diagnosed with glaucoma should ensure their family members are screened for it.
Myth #3: Testing For Glaucoma Is Painful
There are multiple tests for glaucoma because your eye doctor looks at many factors, and all of them are painless. The two most common tests are tonometry and ophthalmoscopy.
Tonometry measures the pressure within a person’s eye.
Ophthalmoscopy is a diagnostic procedure to examine a person’s optic nerve for glaucoma damage.
Myth #4: There Is No Treatment For Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not curable; however, it is highly treatable. Many effective treatments are available, including eye drop medications, injectable medications, oral medicines, and laser and surgical procedures to help halt glaucoma progression. Treatment for glaucoma prevents it from causing damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness.
Myth #5: Only Older Adults Suffer From Glaucoma
People over 60 are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma than people in their 40s. Certain types of glaucoma can affect people aged 20 to 50 and even young children and infants (due to abnormal ocular development)
Myth #6: The Symptoms Of Glaucoma Are Noticeable
Glaucoma is known to silently creep up and slowly damage a person’s eyesight. The most common form of glaucoma, symptoms of open-angle glaucoma, are not quite noticeable at first. This could mean people with apparently perfect vision may have glaucoma yet be unaware of it. Early detection is why it’s critical not to delay regular eye exams.
According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness. Being empowered with the facts about glaucoma is essential to protect and preserving your eye health. Schedule your appointment TODAY! You will be doing your eye health a lot of good.
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References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
