Its World Glaucoma Week ! To acknowledge this, we have collected 5 Myths about Glaucoma that may shock you.
Myth 1
“I don’t have Glaucoma, because my eyes feel fine.”
WRONG. The vast majority of people who have Glaucoma have no discomfort, redness or blurred vision. In fact there are often no symptoms at all !
Myth 2
“Glaucoma only affects the elderly.”
It is true that glaucoma is usually found in adults over the age of 40 but it can affect people of all ages. One in 10,000 babies is born with glaucoma every year and young adults can be affected by glaucoma as well. Other risk factors for glaucoma include diabetes, hypertension and family history.
Myth 3
“Glaucoma is solely an inherited disease.”
While it is true that certain forms of glaucoma are inherited and a family history is a big risk factor, many people with no family history of glaucoma are diagnosed with this disease. And often, patients are not aware of a family history because their family members have not been appropriately examined.
Myth 4
“Glaucoma is curable.”
Glaucoma is treatable but at this point, there is no cure. Treatments include eye drops, oral pills, and surgery.
Myth 5
“Glaucoma is due to high eye pressure”
This is a common misconception. High eye pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma but is not necessarily present when glaucoma develops. Many people with glaucoma have an eye pressure within the normal range, and conversely some individuals have a high eye pressure but never develop glaucoma.
