Introduction
Glaucoma is a collection of eye disorders that are defined by damage to the optic nerve and, if unchecked, can result in irreversible blindness. Glaucoma symptoms typically are not noticeable until the condition is somewhat advanced. Early identification can help preserve vision by halting the disease's progression. Even though glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. On the other hand, misunderstanding a patient's condition might lead to noncompliance with medical advice, which can have a major negative impact on results. It is, therefore, essential to have access to trustworthy, fact-based information. This article clears up common misconceptions about glaucoma.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a collection of eye conditions occurring due to optic nerve damage. It is the most typical type of optic nerve damage. It can result in progressive vision loss. The role of the optic nerve is to transmit visual data from the eye to the brain. For a powerful vision, the optic nerve is essential. High intraocular pressure is frequently associated with optic nerve damage. When the fluid accumulates in the anterior segment of the eye.
The pressure this excess fluid puts on the eye gradually harms the optic nerve. Even in those with normal intraocular pressure, glaucoma can develop. Any age can develop glaucoma, but older people are more likely to get it. For those over 60, glaucoma is a prime cause for blindness. In general, most kinds of glaucoma do not show any symptoms. Vision changes can only be detected once the disease has advanced since the effect is so gradual. Unmanaged or improperly treated glaucoma may result in blindness and irreversible, permanent visual loss.
What Are the Common Myths About Glaucoma?
1) Myth - Glaucoma Only Affects Old People - One of the most common causes of blindness, particularly among the elderly, is glaucoma. People of all ages are susceptible to glaucoma. Indeed, glaucoma can strike infants and young children, and it can also coexist with physical deformities. Glaucoma may develop in children who have other eye conditions that cause secondary glaucoma, or it may be present from birth.
It is typical for glaucoma symptoms to start in one's 40s and get worse over the next five to ten years. Additionally, people between the ages of 20 and 50 are frequently affected by other forms of glaucoma, such as pigmentary glaucoma. While glaucoma can affect anyone of any age, those over 70 have a three to eight times higher risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma when compared to individuals in their forties.
2) Myth - Glaucoma Only Occurs Due to Elevated Eye Pressure - Although high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, not everyone with high blood pressure appears to develop the eye condition. Optic nerve injury is the cause of glaucoma. The vision field gradually becomes blind in areas where this nerve steadily deteriorates. This injury to the nerves is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. While increased intraocular pressure is considered the primary cause of glaucoma, some patients do not experience high blood pressure in the eyes, called normal-tension glaucoma. The optic nerve is harmed in normal-tension glaucoma even when the eye pressure is within normal limits.
3) Myth - Glaucoma Is Hereditary - While it is true that some types of glaucoma, such as congenital glaucoma, juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma, developmental glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma, are inherited and that having a family history of the condition increases one's risk of developing the condition, many glaucoma patients are the only members of their family to receive a diagnosis. In contrast to those without a family history, those with glaucoma have a 5 to 6 times higher relative chance of developing glaucoma. It is recommended that all glaucoma patients inform their family members of their condition and suggest a dilated eye exam.
4) Myth - If There Are No Symptoms, Glaucoma Treatment Is Not Necessary - Most glaucomas do not usually show symptoms in the early stages, and a lot of the treatments have negative effects on quality of life or cause adverse effects. Although there is presently no cure for glaucoma, there are efficient drugs, lasers, and surgeries that can help the condition progress more slowly. Untreated glaucoma raises the risk of progressive visual loss, which may not initially manifest as symptoms. Uncontrolled glaucoma can have an impact on an individual's capacity for independence in daily life. While not all patients with untreated glaucoma may experience this, it is advisable to see an eye care professional, particularly if a person is older, has a family history of the condition, or has other contributory eye problems.
5) Myth - Glaucoma Causes Eye Pain - Some types of glaucoma do not show any symptoms at the beginning. In addition, each person experiences glaucoma differently based on the kind and stage of the condition. For most glaucoma types, eye discomfort is not a common symptom. Vision loss is the only recognized sign of glaucoma, and it does not even become apparent until the disease is advanced. It is important to note that although glaucoma does not usually result in discomfort in the eyes, there are uncommon forms of the disease, like acute angle-closure glaucoma, which can produce rapid pain, redness, and blurriness.
6) Myth - There Is No Treatment for Glaucoma - Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it is treatable. There are numerous efficient therapies for glaucoma, such as injectable, oral, and eye drops, as well as lasers, that can slow the disease's progression. When eye drops and laser treatment for glaucoma are ineffective, procedures like trabeculectomies, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and implant surgery are frequent remedies. Treatment maintains vision by encouraging fluid in the eye to flow out of it effectively, lowering intraocular pressure, and reducing optic nerve damage. Treatment for glaucoma also keeps the optic nerve from being harmed, which could result in blindness.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Good knowledge about a medical condition can help in its effective management. However, many myths and misconceptions about some conditions can mislead the patient. It is important to depend on reliable sources and consult a specialist for checkups.
