Debunking Common Myths About Glaucoma: What Are Facts and What Is Fiction

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Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, glaucoma? That is just an old person’s problem.”. Glaucoma is one of those conditions that often gets misunderstood, with a lot of misinformation floating around. The fact is, glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions of people, but so much of what we hear about it is based on myths.

If you do not know much about it – or if you have only heard bits and pieces from unreliable sources – it can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even scary. In this article created by a leading glaucoma surgeon in Singapore, we will separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common myths about the condition.

Table of Contents

Myth 1: “Glaucoma only affects older people”

Without a doubt, this is one of the most widespread misconceptions about glaucoma. Yes, the risk of developing glaucoma increases as you age, but that does not mean it is a condition only for older adults. In fact, some forms of glaucoma, like congenital glaucoma, can be present at birth. Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 40, but it can also develop in younger people, even in their 20s or 30s.

Another point to consider is that some risk factors for glaucoma, such as family history, high eye pressure, or other health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), can affect anyone, regardless of age. So, even if you are in your 20s or 30s, it’s still important to pay attention to your eye health and get regular check-ups. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the better the chances of managing it effectively.

Myth 2: “Glaucoma is always preventable”

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a surefire way to prevent glaucoma? Unfortunately, it is not always preventable. While there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking, some people may still develop glaucoma despite doing everything “right.” This is because glaucoma is largely related to the health of the optic nerve, and while we know that elevated eye pressure is a big factor, some causes of glaucoma are not entirely understood.

That being said, early detection is key. Regular eye exams can help catch glaucoma before it causes significant damage. In some cases, the progression of the disease can be slowed or even stopped with the right treatment, which often involves eye drops, medications, or surgery.

Myth 3: “If I do not feel any pain, I do not have glaucoma”

Here is a big one that people often get wrong: glaucoma is painless, especially in the early stages. It does not come with noticeable symptoms like eye pain, redness, or obvious discomfort. That is one of the reasons it is called “the silent thief of sight.” The condition slowly damages the optic nerve, and since there is no pain involved, people may not realize they have it until their vision is already affected.

This is why routine eye exams are crucial. Without an exam, you may not know that you have high eye pressure or optic nerve damage. Once vision loss begins to occur – typically in the form of peripheral vision loss – it is already harder to reverse the damage.

If you wait for symptoms to show up before seeing a doctor, you might be missing your chance to prevent vision loss. So, do not skip those regular checkups, even if your eyes feel fine!

Myth 4: “Glaucoma means you’ll go blind”

It is understandable to be afraid of the potential for blindness when it comes to a disease that affects the eyes. However, the majority of people with glaucoma do not go completely blind. With proper diagnosis and treatment, vision loss can be prevented or minimized. Early-stage glaucoma is often manageable with eye drops that reduce eye pressure, and many patients live with glaucoma for years without experiencing significant vision loss.

Myth 5: “If I have glaucoma, I cannot drive”

While it is true that glaucoma can affect your vision, it does not necessarily mean you will lose the ability to drive. Many people with glaucoma continue to drive safely for years. However, vision impairment caused by glaucoma can make driving more challenging, especially when it affects your peripheral vision. If your glaucoma progresses and causes significant vision loss, you may have to adjust to new ways of getting around, but that does not mean you will be completely out of the driver’s seat right away.

The best thing you can do is to regularly see your eye doctor to monitor your condition and discuss any potential concerns about driving. Depending on how well your glaucoma is managed, you might still be able to drive without any problems. If there are any changes in your vision, your doctor will help you figure out the best next steps.

Myth 6: “Surgery is the only option for treating glaucoma”

When people hear the word surgery, they often assume it is the last resort or that it is the only solution for glaucoma. While surgery is a treatment option for some people with severe or advanced glaucoma, it is not the first line of defense for most patients. In fact, eye drops or oral medications are typically prescribed first to lower eye pressure.

There are also laser treatments available, which can help improve drainage in the eye and lower pressure without the need for invasive surgery. Surgery may be recommended if other treatments are not effective, but it is just one tool in the glaucoma management toolkit. So, before you start worrying about going under the knife, know that there are many other treatment options available to you.

Myth 7: “Only people with high eye pressure get glaucoma”

While high eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, not everyone with glaucoma has high eye pressure, and conversely, not everyone with high eye pressure will develop the disease. There is a type of glaucoma called normal-tension glaucoma, where the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure is within normal range.

Myth 8: “There’s nothing you can do once you have glaucoma”

This is a scary myth to hear, and it is one that needs to be busted right away. The reality is that glaucoma is a manageable condition. With the right treatment and regular monitoring, you can prevent further damage to your eyes and maintain your vision for a long time. The key is early diagnosis and adherence to the treatment plan your eye doctor gives you.

While there is not yet a cure for glaucoma, there are plenty of effective treatments that can help control eye pressure and reduce the risk of vision loss. The earlier you catch the condition, the better your chances of maintaining good vision.

Final thoughts: Knowledge is power

Do not let these common myths keep you from being proactive about your eyes. Get regular eye exams, know your risk factors, and talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Glaucoma may be a serious condition, but with the right information and care, it is a condition you can live with.