Glaucoma is an incredibly common eye disease that affects 60 million people worldwide. Glaucoma causes pressure to build up in the eye over time. This causes damage to the optic nerve and causes long term vision loss.

But surprisingly, most people know very little about the disease. They either don’t believe it’s very serious or they think that it can’t affect them. Sadly, both of these assumptions are false. Here are the four biggest misconceptions about glaucoma:

• It only affects the elderly

This misconception is completely understandable as glaucoma is usually found in adults age 60 or older. However, just because you’re only 22 that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. People of all ages can develop this condition. And if you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma you are at higher risk for developing it.

• It has symptoms that make it easy to spot

Glaucoma often develops without any pain at all. And once it does start causing you a great deal of pain you have probably already experienced some vision loss.

• It is curable

Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops or surgery but at this point, there is no cure. And any vision loss you experience is permanent.

• It can only affect one eye

Glaucoma usually develops in both eyes but in the beginning, only your peripheral vision will be affected. Over time the pressure will begin to increase in both eyes, causing your central vision to be impacted as well.

• It can only be inherited

As we already stated, a family history does put you at higher risk for developing glaucoma. But you could develop the disease yourself even if you have no family history whatsoever.

The best way to protect your eyes from the effects of this disease is by catching it early so you can start treatment right away. How can you catch it early? With yearly eye exams, of course! Contact us today to schedule yours.