Glaucoma Facts & Myths Protection | SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja

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Glaucoma Facts & Myths Protection | SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja

By Dr. Ebiye-Nwoko Adaeze (OD)

Glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight," causes irreversible optic nerve damage without early symptoms. Many myths prevent timely diagnosis. Understanding the facts, getting regular comprehensive exams, and early treatment at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja are essential to protecting your vision.

Common Glaucoma Myths Debunked

Myth 1: Glaucoma Only Affects the Elderly

  • Fact: Though risk rises after age 60, glaucoma can affect any age group.

  • Types include congenital, juvenile, secondary glaucoma from injuries, medications, or diseases.

  • Those over 40 or with a family history should get regular screenings.

Myth 2: Glaucoma Always Has Symptoms Like Pain or Blurred Vision

  • Fact: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma is painless and symptomless early on.

  • Peripheral vision is lost first, often unnoticed until advanced.

  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma causes pain but is less common.

Myth 3: Normal Eye Pressure Means No Glaucoma

  • Fact: One-third of glaucoma patients have normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) with normal eye pressures but optic nerve damage.

  • Comprehensive exams beyond simple pressure measurements are vital.

Myth 4: Perfect Vision Means No Glaucoma

  • Fact: Central vision can remain good while peripheral vision deteriorates silently.

  • Only detailed optic nerve imaging and visual field tests can detect early glaucoma.

Myth 5: Glaucoma is Curable

  • Fact: Glaucoma cannot be cured, but treatment can effectively slow or stop progression.

  • Early diagnosis and adherence to prescribed therapy are critical.

Essential Facts About Glaucoma

  • Family History: Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases your risk up to nine times. Inform your optometrist.

  • Early Detection: Regular eye exams with advanced tests (tonometry, pachymetry, OCT, visual fields) identify glaucoma before vision loss.

  • Treatment Compliance: Glaucoma requires lifelong treatment for effectiveness; stopping medications risks blindness.

  • High Risk for Nigerians: People of African descent have higher risk, earlier onset, and more aggressive disease forms, emphasizing the need for frequent screening.

How SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja Helps You

At our Ikoyi and Ikeja clinics, we provide:

  • Comprehensive glaucoma screening using cutting-edge diagnostic tools

  • Personalized risk assessment and tailored follow-up plans

  • Patient education to dispel myths and improve treatment adherence

  • Access to glaucoma specialists for advanced care and management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What age should I start glaucoma screenings?

People over 40 should begin routine comprehensive exams, especially if they have risk factors.

Can glaucoma be prevented?

While you can’t prevent all glaucoma, early detection and adherence to treatment prevent vision loss.

What tests are used to diagnose glaucoma?

Tests include intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve imaging (OCT), corneal thickness analysis, and visual field mapping.

Is glaucoma treatment lifelong?

Yes, consistent use of medications or other treatments is essential to control the disease.

📍Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikeja

Ile-Oja Mall, Opebi Link Road, Ikeja                                                                                      📞  0703 839 1197

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References

  1. AAO. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Guidelines

  2. Kyari et al. (2015). Glaucoma Epidemiology Nigeria

  3. Weinreb et al. (2014). Glaucoma Pathophysiology

  4. Gordon et al. (2002). Ocular Hypertension Study

  5. Normal-Tension Glaucoma Study (1998)

  6. Jonas et al. (2017). Glaucoma Diagnosis

  7. European Glaucoma Society (2020). Treatment Guidelines

  8. Reardon et al. (2011). Glaucoma Compliance

  9. Friedman et al. (2015). Glaucoma Prevalence