Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness both nationally and globally. Despite its widespread effects, a significant amount of misinformation about the disease still persists. Dr. Yvonne Ou, of the UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) Medical Center, dispels some of the most commonly believed myths about glaucoma.*

What are some common myths about glaucoma?

Myth #1: Glaucoma will always lead to complete blindness.

Truth: While it’s true that glaucoma leads to blindness, much of your vision can be preserved and protected if glaucoma is detected and treated early. Most forms of glaucoma progress gradually, so regular eye exams can help identify the condition before extensive damage is done.

Myth #2: I’ll only get glaucoma if it runs in my family.

Truth: While a family history of glaucoma increases your risk of developing the disease, people without a genetic disposition to it can also develop glaucoma. Most cases of glaucoma result from increased internal eye pressure, which can have a variety of causes, such as diabetes or injury to the eye.

Myth #3: Glaucoma only affects older adults.

Truth: Glaucoma most commonly affects people aged 60 and over—and for black people, aged 40 and over—but people of any age can develop the disease. Children can be born with congenital glaucoma as a result of incorrect or incomplete development of eye drainage systems during the prenatal period.

Myth #4: Lifestyle doesn’t impact the effects of glaucoma.

Truth: It is not currently possible to reverse vision damage once it’s done. A healthy diet, safe exercise, and not smoking can, however, help prevent adverse health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure—which are high risk factors not only for causing glaucoma, but also for complicating it.

Myth #5: Glaucoma is one disease that affects everyone equally.

Truth: Glaucoma is a group of conditions that affect different populations at different rates. At least eight types of primary and secondary glaucoma exist, each with variants. In the U.S., black, Hispanic, and Latinx people are more likely to develop glaucoma than other racial groups, especially open-angle glaucoma. People of Asian descent are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma, a rarer form of the disease. White males of European descent are more prone to developing pigmentary glaucoma. 

Myth #6: Glaucoma tests and treatments are painful.

Truth: While some people anticipate glaucoma tests with anxiety, the tests themselves are simple and painless. Of the five most common glaucoma tests, three involve using eye drops to numb the eye before the exam is performed. The exam is done with a small device, including a special contact lens. Another test simply involves looking straight ahead while your eye doctor shines a light at different spots in your peripheral vision.

*Ou, Y. (2020). “5 Common Myths About Glaucoma.” BrightFocus Foundation.

Any sources from outside of Prevent Blindness do not imply an endorsement from Prevent Blindness. The contents of the material used are the responsibility of the authoring organization, Responsum Health.