Glaucoma is a very common age-related condition affecting millions of Americans every year. Because untreated glaucoma results in loss of vision, it is important to know what’s a myth! Keep reading and find out the real facts about this eye condition!
Glaucoma Myth #1: Perfect vision means I’m safe from developing glaucoma.
Did you know that glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight? This nickname for glaucoma refers to its “silent” symptoms. Many times, once someone knows they have glaucoma, they’ve already lost vision.
Unlike cataracts, it’s impossible to diagnose glaucoma without an eye care professional. With cataracts, a cloudy lens is usually the indicator. But with glaucoma, it’s not that simple.
Early-stage glaucoma can only be diagnosed if an eye doctor examines the optic nerve. Even if you have perfect 20/20 vision, you should always visit your eye doctor as directed.
Coming in for regular eye exams allows your eye doctor to check your visual health. In the event that you have glaucoma, early treatment is best for minimizing vision loss.
Glaucoma Myth #2: You can’t get glaucoma if you have normal eye pressure.
Above normal eye pressure is an indicator of increased risk of developing glaucoma. But that doesn’t mean that elevated eye pressure is the only indicator of glaucoma. It is, in fact, possible to develop or have glaucoma even if your eye pressure levels are in the safe zone.
The difference is those with normal eye pressure develop normal pressure glaucoma. Those with above-normal eye pressure levels have ocular hypertension. This is why you must have regular eye exams!
Your eye doctor will easily be able to identify if your ocular pressure is normal or too high. They can also see other indicators of glaucoma if you do have it.
Glaucoma Myth #3: I’m only 40. I’m not at risk for developing glaucoma
Glaucoma might be commonly referred to as an age-related condition, but this is not correct. Babies can be born with glaucoma, known as congenital glaucoma. Older children can develop secondary glaucoma due to other conditions or eye diseases.
This is also true for adults. Uveitis, for example, is one eye condition that can result in secondary glaucoma in adults. And pigmentary glaucoma can develop as early as in someone’s twenties and up to the age of 50!
But did you know that primary open-angle glaucoma is the form that’s age related? Primary open angle glaucoma affects those in their seventies more than other ages. Someone in their seventies is up to 8 times more likely to get primary open-angle glaucoma.
It’s important to realize that glaucoma can happen to anyone, at any age! Yes, you may be more likely to develop it when you’re in your seventies, but it could happen. By taking good care of your eyes early on, you’ll have less risk of developing glaucoma later in life.
There’s no reason to be in the dark when it comes to glaucoma. Need more information or an eye exam? Schedule an appointment at Colorado Eye Consultants in Evergreen, Colorado today!
