Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause progressive, permanent vision loss and even blindness. It often develops without noticeable symptoms, making it one of the most misunderstood conditions our team sees at Insight Vision Optometry. Unfortunately, misconceptions about glaucoma can lead to delayed diagnosis and preventable vision loss. Below, we separate fact from fiction by debunking six of the most common glaucoma myths.
FACT: Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases. The two most common types are open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).
In open-angle glaucoma, the drainage structure in your eye, called the trabecular meshwork, does not allow fluid to flow out efficiently. This leads to a gradual increase in intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve over time. OAG develops slowly, and by the time most people notice symptoms such as peripheral vision loss, significant optic nerve damage may already be present.
In angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage channel between the iris and cornea becomes too narrow, blocking fluid outflow and causing a rise in eye pressure. This pressure damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. ACG can occur suddenly, which is considered a medical emergency, or it can develop gradually over time.
FACT: While people over 60 face a higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, this disease is not limited to older adults. Other forms of glaucoma can affect people in their 20s to 50s, and congenital glaucoma can even occur in infants due to abnormal ocular development.
In addition to age, several factors increase your risk of developing glaucoma:
FACT: Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, typically shows no signs or symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. The increased eye pressure usually causes no pain, and because peripheral vision is affected first, many people do not realize their vision is deteriorating. By the time central vision is impacted, the damage is irreversible. The only reliable way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive eye exam that includes intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing.
FACT: While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, many effective treatment options can slow or halt its progression. These include prescription eye drops, oral medications, and laser or surgical procedures. Each approach works to improve fluid drainage from the eye, reduce intraocular pressure, and protect the optic nerve from further damage. Early detection and consistent treatment are essential for preserving as much vision as possible. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, following your treatment plan and attending regular follow-up appointments is critical.
FACT: Glaucoma testing is virtually painless. One common screening method uses a non-contact tonometer, which delivers a gentle puff of air to each eye to measure intraocular pressure. The sound may be briefly startling, but there is no pain. Goldmann applanation tonometry involves placing an anesthetic drop in each eye, which may sting for a few seconds, before the eye doctor gently touches the cornea with a small instrument to get a precise pressure reading. Additional tests include visual field testing and OCT (optical coherence tomography), both of which are non-invasive and completely painless. These imaging tools help our team evaluate the health of your optic nerve and detect any changes over time.
FACT: While glaucoma itself may not always be preventable, the blindness and significant vision loss it can cause are often avoidable with early detection. Routine comprehensive eye exams that include glaucoma screening are the single most effective step you can take. When glaucoma is caught early, treatment can begin before irreversible damage occurs.
If you experience sudden eye pain, severe headache with blurred vision, halos around lights, or sudden loss of vision, seek emergency eye care immediately, as these may be signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Our team recommends that adults over 40 get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, and more frequently if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Even if your vision seems fine, remember that glaucoma can progress silently for years before symptoms appear.
To schedule a comprehensive eye exam that includes glaucoma screening, contact Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to book your appointment.
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Glaucoma: The Sneak Thief of Sight January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one...
