Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of vision and for good reason. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet awareness around the condition remains surprisingly low.
Many people associate glaucoma only with old age or assume that good eyesight automatically rules it out. These misconceptions can delay diagnosis until significant, permanent vision loss has already occurred.
Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract and Retina Surgeon, Eye 7 Hospital, Lajpat Nagar & Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi, believes glaucoma is particularly dangerous because it progresses slowly and painlessly in most cases. “Patients often feel reassured because they can see clearly in the early stages, but glaucoma typically affects peripheral or side vision first. By the time central vision is affected, the disease is usually advanced,” he explains.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that glaucoma does not discriminate by age. From newborns to the elderly, anyone can be affected. Advances in eye care have made early detection and treatment possible, but only if people undergo regular eye examinations and move past long-standing myths surrounding the disease.
Understanding what glaucoma is and what it is not is the first step toward protecting vision. Here, Dr Gupta addresses some of the most common myths about glaucoma and explains the facts every patient should know.
Common Myths and Facts About Glaucoma
Myth 1: Glaucoma affects only elderly people
This is a common misconception. “Glaucoma can affect individuals of any age, from newborns to older adults,” says Dr Gupta. While the risk does increase with age, congenital and juvenile glaucoma are well-recognised conditions.
Myth 2: If my vision is fine, I cannot have glaucoma
Many patients believe good eyesight rules out glaucoma. However, glaucoma usually causes vision loss from the sides first. “Central vision remains unaffected until the disease is quite advanced,” explains Dr. Pawan Gupta, which is why regular eye check-ups are essential.
Myth 3: Cataract surgery prevents glaucoma
Cataract and glaucoma are separate conditions. “A person can develop glaucoma even after cataract surgery, and in some cases, both diseases can coexist,” notes Dr. Pawan Gupta.
Fact: Vision loss from glaucoma is slow and irreversible
One of the most critical facts about glaucoma is that any vision loss cannot be reversed. “Early detection through routine eye examinations is the only way to prevent significant damage,” emphasises Dr. Pawan Gupta.
Myth 4: Only high eye pressure causes glaucoma
While raised intraocular pressure is a major risk factor, nearly 30% of glaucoma patients have normal eye pressure. “Normal pressure does not rule out glaucoma,” says Dr. Pawan Gupta.
Myth 5: Glaucoma has no treatment
Treatment is very much available. Glaucoma can be managed with eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery to lower eye pressure. However, Dr Gupta cautions, “Treatment helps slow or stabilise the disease, it cannot reverse existing vision loss.”
The bottom line: Regular eye examinations, early diagnosis, and timely treatment are the strongest tools we have to protect vision from glaucoma. Busting myths can save sight.
