Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss. It’s essential to know the truth about glaucoma, so you can be proactive and avoid this fate!
Today’s post will talk about six myths about glaucoma that are commonly believed but just not true. Let’s get started!
1) Glaucoma Occurs to Elderly Only
It is a common myth, but it just isn’t true. Glaucoma can occur in people of any age and ethnicity. You should not assume that you’re “too young” or that you have to wait until your later years before being seen for this disease!
2) No Glaucoma Symptoms Means No Glaucoma
There are many glaucoma symptoms, including blurred vision and a halo effect around lights. The earlier you get your eye pressure checked, the better because it can lead to blindness if left untreated! However, it is a total myth that you will not have glaucoma if you don’t have it’s symptoms. It is better to get your eyes checked.
3) There is Only One Kind of Glaucoma
It has two major types , open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle glaucoma is prevalent and has no symptoms. Closed-angle occurs when the fluid inside your eye cannot drain, causing pressure to build up with pain in the back or side of the eye. These types of glaucoma symptoms are pain, halos around lights, and redness in the eyes.
4) Treatment is Not Necessary
It is a total myth that glaucoma treatment is not necessary. Some people with glaucoma do not have any symptoms and may never experience any until it progresses to the late stages of the disease, leading to blindness. Early detection and treatment are essential in reducing your risk for serious health problems such as vision loss or even death.
5) Eye Surgery Prevents You from Going Blind
Eye surgery is an essential treatment for glaucoma, but it does not stop the progression of this disease. About half of people with open-angle glaucoma who have had eye surgery will still go blind eventually because other factors contribute to vision loss. Laser trabeculectomy surgery is an option that can slow down it’s progression.
6) Glaucoma is Incurable
Indeed, it cannot be cured, but it can be managed with good treatment and regular checkups. Glaucoma care may include prescription medications to lower eye pressure or surgery to create channels in the drainage area of the eye, so fluid flows more easily out of the eye.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best solution to stop glaucoma is prevention. The only way to prevent this disease from happening is by following a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating well. If you have already been diagnosed with it, you must visit your eye doctor regularly for treatment and follow-up. Make sure not to fall for these myths.
