There are many assumptions and myths about glaucoma. Expert bust a lot of them!
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease commonly caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) (pressure inside the eye). But it is a myth that this is the only cause of glaucoma. There is a type of glaucoma that occurs without increased eye pressure called normal tension glaucoma. Many different things may have been said about what is good and bad for your eyes. However, are they real? It is essential to distinguish reality from fantasy, particularly when talking about vision. The first step in preserving your vision for life is learning proper eye care techniques. Discover the truth about this and other widespread fallacies about eye health:
1. Myth: Spending too much time in front of the screen causes glaucoma
Done: Screen time is NOT RELATED to glaucoma. Reading in dim light won’t hurt your eyes, but it could make them tired.
2. Myth: It is a myth that glaucoma has specific symptoms.
Done: Glaucoma comes with some of the most common symptoms, such as tearing or blurred vision, and most of the time it is completely asymptomatic. This is the reason why it is so often overlooked and caught only in the later stages.
3. Myth: Another myth is that glaucoma only affects the elderly.
Done: Some types of glaucoma are seen in young patients, and a type of glaucoma called congenital glaucoma is seen even at birth. Certain eye conditions that can cause blindness, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, can take years to develop. They are damaging certain areas inside the eye during this period, but central vision may be unscathed.
4. Myth: Diabetes only affects the retina.
Done: Just as diabetes affects almost every organ in the body, it also affects almost every part of the eye. Although retinopathy and cataract are more common conditions, diabetic patients are at increased risk of glaucoma.
5. Myth: Glaucoma affects only one eye
Done: Glaucoma is almost always bilateral with one eye being affected before the other.
Glaucoma creeps silently into our eyes, slowly and imperceptibly depriving us of sight. Therefore, regular screening for glaucoma after the age of 40 or earlier in case of a family history of the disease is absolutely essential.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are examples of healthy lifestyle practices that can help prevent many chronic diseases, including eye disorders. Consuming sufficient amounts of the nutrients listed above may help reduce risk. Eye health can also be affected by other vitamins. However, don’t neglect the rest of your body. A diet that maintains the health of your entire body will likely do the same for your eyes.
(Contributions from Dr. Preeti Choudhary, Ophthalmologist, SRV Hospitals)
