Glaucoma is a common eye disease that is estimated to affect roughly 80 million people around the world. If you want to protect your vision, then it’s important to make sure that you have as much accurate information about glaucoma as possible. Sadly, there are many misconceptions surrounding this disease. Below is a brief look at 4 of these myths and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Glaucoma Has Obvious Warning Signs
Glaucoma is often associated with increased eye pressure that gradually damages the optic nerve. Many people assume that this pressure will cause discomfort or other obvious symptoms, but unfortunately, that usually is not the case. In most cases, glaucoma does not cause noticeable warning signs until vision loss has already begun.
The most reliable way to detect glaucoma in its early stages is through a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist may perform several tests, including tonometry (which measures eye pressure) along with other evaluations of the optic nerve and peripheral vision. The sooner glaucoma is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin to help protect your vision.
Myth 2: Only Older People Can Develop Glaucoma
People over the age of 60 are at higher risk for glaucoma. However, this eye disease can affect people of any age. In fact, some infants are born with glaucoma due to problems with the way the eye develops. In other words, glaucoma is not limited to older adults, which is why regular eye exams are important throughout life.
Myth 3: Testing for Glaucoma Hurts
Some people assume that glaucoma testing, especially tonometry, will be painful, but that is not true. Tonometry is performed with a device that either briefly touches the eye after numbing drops are placed or uses a quick puff of air to measure eye pressure. While the test may feel a little unusual or startling, it should not be painful.
Myth 4: There’s Nothing You Can Do About Glaucoma
It is true that glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision already lost from glaucoma usually cannot be restored. However, that does not mean nothing can be done. Prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures, and surgery can all help lower eye pressure and slow the progression of the disease. Early treatment is key to protecting the vision you still have.
Learning the facts about glaucoma is an important step in protecting your eye health. At your next comprehensive eye exam, do not hesitate to ask your optometrist any questions or share any concerns you may have about glaucoma.
About the Author
Dr. Jordana Chettiparampil is a licensed therapeutic optometrist and an optometric glaucoma specialist. She graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry, and she belongs to various professional organizations, such as the American Optometric Association. Thanks to her training and experience, she is able to diagnose and manage a variety of eye diseases, including glaucoma. If you have concerns about your vision health, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Chettiparampil at Richmond Eye Experts by visiting her website, using her online booking tool, or calling (832) 685-2020.