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Myths and Facts about Glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to permanent blindness. This is typically caused when excess pressure is applied to the optic nerve damaging it. Once the optic nerve is damaged, eyesight cannot be restored, making glaucoma a serious eye condition. However, glaucoma related blindness can be prevented if it is identified in time. This makes it important for people to be aware of the myths and facts about glaucoma. Myth: Only old people get glaucoma. Fact: People of all ages can get glaucoma. In some cases, even new born babies have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Myth: People with 20/20 vision cannot get glaucoma. Fact: Vision or power is related to the shape of the lens, while glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve. The two are unrelated, and even those with perfect vision might be suffering from early stages of glaucoma. Myth: People with healthy blood pressure readings are not at risk of glaucoma. Fact: Blood pressure and inter ocular pressure are two different conditions caused by entirely different circumstances. Inter ocular pressure or eye pressure is caused when the fluid that cleans the lens does not drain out at the same speed as it enters the eye. As such you need to get your eye pressure checked even if your blood pressure is within the acceptable range. Myth: All glaucoma is hereditary. Fact: People whose parents or other close relatives have been diagnosed with glaucoma have a higher risk of developing the condition. However, even those who do not have a family history of glaucoma can develop the condition. Myth: All races are equally affected by glaucoma. Fact: People of African or Asian origin are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. As such these people should get their eyes tested for this condition at regular intervals. Myth: Physical health and glaucoma are not related. Fact: People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing glaucoma. Myth: Glaucoma cannot be treated. Fact: Glaucoma can be treated if detected early. The optic nerve is damaged when high inter ocular pressure is applied on it. In some cases, the optic nerve is damaged because of other causes. However, if detected early, the pressure on the optic nerve can be eased, helping to prevent blindness. This can be done using medication, clearing the blocked channel for the draining of the fluid, or following the doctor’s recommendation. Myth: Medication should not make the eye pressure fluctuate. Fact: Eye pressure medication can make the pressure fluctuate. However, this in itself is not a reason to stop the medication. Myth: There are no symptoms of glaucoma. Fact: While glaucoma can often occur without any symptoms, some people experience loss of peripheral vision as the glaucoma advances. While glaucoma can be treated if detected early, myths about this condition turn many people blind because of lack of prompt treatment. In order to ensure that you are not suffering from glaucoma, you need to schedule regular eye checkups even if you do not experience any vision problems, have good health, and are young. For more information: http:www.kovacheye.com
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