Four Common Glaucoma Myths
We have been providing quality eye care to western North Carolina for over three decades now. During that time, we have fielded plenty of questions concerning eye care, eye disease, and treatments. We recently discussed one of the more common imperative eye diseases, glaucoma. Today, we will talk about some of the common questions and myths we often hear about the disease.
1. Glaucoma Can Be Cured with Surgery
One common myth we hear or question that gets brought up regularly is that surgery can cure glaucoma. While there are undoubtedly surgical solutions for the treatment of open and closed-angle glaucoma, even surgery cannot guarantee glaucoma will not be a problem in the future. Glaucoma encompasses a range of conditions that increase pressure within the fluid of the eye and cause damage to the optic nerve. While early symptoms might only be small blind spots or decreased peripheral vision, inevitably, the disease can cause total blindness.
It is one of the most common eye diseases among adults. Three million Americans have the disease, which is the second leading cause of blindness.
Surgery solutions depend on the type of glaucoma diagnosed but tend to be laser surgeries focused on providing increased drainage. Selective laser trabeculoplasty and laser peripheral iridotomy can both help reduce eye pressure by operatively opening up clogged or closed ducts. This allows the natural release of pressure to resume, lessening current symptoms and preventing further damage.
2. Surgery Is the Only Treatment
In conjunction with the myth that surgery can cure glaucoma, it is a common misconception that surgery is the only treatment. If the disease is caught early enough, symptoms and further damage can be managed with non-operative options for many patients.
Eye drops and various oral medications are available that can help eye fluid flow properly and promote good drainage that keeps the pressure at normal levels.
While our eyes will inevitably change over time, one can take several steps to help minimize symptoms and lower their risk of developing eye disease as they age. Our top recommendations for living an eye-healthy lifestyle are:
- Be aware of any family history of eye disease. Many conditions, like glaucoma, have a potential genetic component that allows it to be passed through generations. Being aware of risk helps keep you vigilant of changes in vision.
- Eat healthy foods that help maintain good blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Wear sunglasses and other eye protection regularly to keep your eyes from environmental damage or injury.
- Stay away from smoking and vaping, which can significantly affect eyesight.
- Make sure to get regular eye exams to keep ahead of any changes in your vision and catch potential issues earlier.
3. Glaucoma Is a Geriatric Disease
While it is true that age plays a significant role in the development of many diseases and that by the time we reach the age of sixty-five, nearly one in three Americans will have developed an eye disease that can impair vision. Age is far from the only factor in developing glaucoma.
Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age, especially if you have one of the following risk factors:
- Are of African-American, Asian, or Hispanic descent
- Have a close relative who developed glaucoma
- Have suffered a severe blunt or penetrative eye injury
- Display extreme near or farsightedness
- Are on long-term steroid medications for another health condition
4. Symptoms Are Obvious
'I'll know when I develop glaucoma' is perhaps the most damaging myth out there. While it is true that progressed glaucoma has distinct and unignorable symptoms, it cannot be stated strongly enough that the onset of glaucoma is characterized by a progression of minor symptoms. Many of which can be easy to miss for individual patients.
This is why it is essential to have regular eye exams. It allows you not only to have a better understanding of your healthy vision, but means you and your eye doctor are much more likely to catch glaucoma or any other eye disease early when damage is minimal and treatments are the most effective.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Eye Exam
Everyone has different histories and lifestyles, making eye care needs unique. You should have an eye doctor who considers you and can give common-sense recommendations. If you have any of the five main risk factors for glaucoma, schedule an appointment with Asheville Vision and Wellness today to see what experienced care with the latest technology can do for your vision needs.
For over three decades, we have helped patients throughout western North Carolina with a wide variety of eye care, including comprehensive eye examinations, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and medical eye evaluations. We also have a wide variety of the latest eyewear, from basic to designer.
If you need a regular eye exam or think you may be at risk for eye disease, come in and talk to our specialists today. Our optometrists are certified in diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular diseases.