Glaucoma Myths and Facts: Glaucoma is taking a serious form worldwide. 50 to 60 million people worldwide suffer from glaucoma. Of these, 12 million people are suffering from glaucoma only in India. It is a silent disease i.e. there is no symptom of glaucoma. Glaucoma can be detected only when the condition becomes severe. Famous Glaucoma specialist Dr. JC Das knows the truth of the myths related to Glaucoma-
Myth 1- Glaucoma only happens to the elderly.
Truth- It is a big myth in our society that glaucoma only happens to the elderly. Dr. JC Das explains that glaucoma can happen to people of any age. Glaucoma can happen to anyone in newborns, children, and adults. But the risk of getting glaucoma is higher in the elderly. Glaucoma can occur when there is damage to a person's optic nerve. Vision loss can occur in this condition.
Myth 2- There is severe pain in the eyes due to glaucoma.
Truth- Dr. JC Das tells that when glaucoma is detected in people, many people tell them that they do not have any pain in the eyes, then how can glaucoma happen? So there is also a myth in society that there is a pain in the eyes due to glaucoma. Whereas in the initial stage of glaucoma, the person does not feel any pain. The symptoms of glaucoma are felt gradually. In this condition, if vision changes are not taken care of, severe damage to the optic nerve can occur. Vision may become blurred or even blindness may occur.
Myth 3- Glaucoma is completely curable after surgery.
Truth- Dr. JC Das explains that at present there is no such treatment for Glaucoma, which can cure this disease completely. Currently, the only treatments offered are lasers and surgery to slow the damage caused by glaucoma. But even after surgery, it is necessary to take medicines. Surgery is not a complete cure for glaucoma.
Myth 4- Glaucoma cannot occur if the eyesight is correct.
Truth- Dr. JC Das says that glaucoma can occur even if the eyesight is correct. In fact, in most cases, there are no early symptoms of glaucoma. In such a situation, people whose eyesight is correct, are diagnosed with glaucoma after a long time.
Myth 5- The tests to detect glaucoma are painful.
Truth- Many tests are done to detect glaucoma. The most common are tonometry and ophthalmoscopy tests. All tests for glaucoma are painless. Therefore, you do not need to be afraid or panic while getting the glaucoma test done.
Myth 6- Glaucoma cannot be prevented from becoming severe.
Fact- To prevent glaucoma, regular eye examinations should be done. Glaucoma can be detected by getting regular checkups done, then it can be treated on time.
