Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases in the United States. It is the leading cause of blindness in people who are 60 years of age and older. There are a lot of myths about glaucoma in terms of who is susceptible to it. For example, many people assume that glaucoma is an eye disease that only affects adults who are 40 years of age and older. The fact is glaucoma can attack anyone at any age. Children can develop glaucoma during infancy, or they can develop the condition within the first five years of life. Here at Ogata EyeCare, we are dispelling some myths about glaucoma because we want to help people understand the damage it can cause to their vision if it’s not treated in a timely manner.

Are You In The Clear With 20/20 Vision?

There are a lot of people who believe that they are in the clear as far as glaucoma is concerned because they have 20/20 vision and no symptoms. Our optometry professionals believe that this particular myth poses more danger to a person’s eyesight than any other. Glaucoma is dubbed the “silent thief of sight” and for good reason. Generally, people do not display any of the symptoms of glaucoma until after the disease has progressed to a moderate or advanced stage. Even at that point the disease is still not detected by the majority of people who are diagnosed with the condition, as it is the eye care professional who generally notices the damage caused to the optic nerve who makes the diagnosis. This is why comprehensive eye exams are so important.

What Happens If Your Eye Pressure Is Not Elevated?

People should never assume that the pressure in their eyes has to be elevated for them to have glaucoma. It is possible to have glaucoma and have normal eye pressures. By the same token, it is possible to have elevated pressures in the eyes and not be diagnosed with glaucoma. Ocular hypertension causes high pressure in the eyes but it does not cause damage to the field of vision or the optic nerve. Ocular hypertension can serve as a precursor to glaucoma if it is not treated.

Glaucoma Runs In The Family

There are a lot of people who believe that they are not at risk of developing glaucoma because it does not run in their family. We treat a number of patients who have been diagnosed with the disease, and they are the only ones in their families with it. A family history of glaucoma is only one risk factor to consider. Other risk factors associated with glaucoma include age, race, other disease processes like diabetes and corticosteroid use.

Have Your Eyes Checked On A Regular Basis

Glaucoma is a serious disease and you need to do everything in your power to protect your vision. Here at Ogata EyeCare, our optometrists recommend that you see an optometry professional once a year for a comprehensive eye exam. In addition, our eye care team recommends you seek the help of an eye care professional if you notice any changes in the appearance of your eyes or your vision. You cannot reverse the damage already caused by glaucoma, and there is no cure for the disease, however, the early detection of the disease and treatment can help protect your remaining vision. Give us a call today to learn more about glaucoma and to schedule an appointment in Portland 503-281-1115 or Tigard 503-624-0666.