Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” yet many people still misunderstand what it really is and who it affects. Worldwide glaucoma affects over 76 million people, and that number is expected to rise to more than 110 million by 2040, making it one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally. In the UK alone around 700,000 (Allison et al., 2020) people are currently living with glaucoma, and experts believe nearly half do not even know they have it. Despite these numbers, myths and misconceptions continue to stop people from getting their eyes checked or taking symptoms seriously. In this article, we’ll debunk the most common myths about glaucoma -
Glaucoma only affects the elderly
While glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 60, it is not just an older person’s condition. Glaucoma can develop at any age, including in adults aged 20 to 50, and in rare cases, babies and young children. The risk generally increases as we get older, but younger people may be affected if they have a family history of glaucoma or certain risk factors. These include long-term steroid use, inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis, or previous eye surgeries involving the retina or cornea. These factors can raise eye pressure and lead to secondary glaucoma earlier in life. In addition, some children are born with congenital glaucoma due to genetic factors. While age remains a key risk factor, glaucoma can affect younger individuals too making regular eye checks important at every stage of life.
The Symptoms of Glaucoma Are Noticeable
Glaucoma often develops slowly and without warning, which is why it’s commonly referred to as a silent cause of vision loss. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, usually has no early symptoms, meaning people can have clear eyesight and still be unaware that damage is occurring. Vision changes typically only appear once the disease is advanced and by then, the damage is permanent. Globally, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, and studies show that around half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. This is why regular eye examinations are essential, even if your vision seems perfectly fine, as early detection is the best way to protect long-term eye health.
If you have perfect vision and no eye problems, you will never develop glaucoma
This is false. Glaucoma can develop without any early warning signs, even when your eyesight feels completely normal. In its early stages, the condition often causes no pain or noticeable vision changes, but if left untreated it can lead to permanent, progressive vision loss. That’s why early detection is crucial. During routine eye tests, optometrists may spot subtle concerns and refer you to an eye specialist for further assessment. Advanced imaging such as an OCT scan is especially helpful, as it can detect microscopic damage to the optic nerve long before vision is affected. Identifying glaucoma early allows treatment to begin sooner, helping to slow progression and protect long-term sight.
Glaucoma is inherited, and since no one in my family has glaucoma, I won’t get the disease.
Although having a family history of glaucoma does increase your likelihood of developing the condition, many people diagnosed with glaucoma have no known relatives with the disease. Sometimes this is simply because family members haven’t had thorough eye checks. In the UK, people with a parent, sibling or child diagnosed with glaucoma are eligible for a free NHS sight test and are advised to have regular eye examinations to help detect any early changes. Because glaucoma often has no obvious symptoms until later stages, sharing your diagnosis with close relatives is important so they can ask for more frequent eye checks especially from around age 40 onwards when risk begins to rise. Regular sight tests and thorough assessments mean glaucoma can be found earlier, making it much easier to monitor and manage before significant vision loss occurs.
There’s No Treatment for Glaucoma
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed when detected early. There are several effective treatment options available, including prescription eye drops, oral or injectable medications, and laser or surgical treatments. These treatments work by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye or reducing fluid production, which helps lower eye pressure. By keeping eye pressure under control, treatment can slow or stop further damage to the optic nerve, helping to preserve your existing vision. With the right care and ongoing monitoring, glaucoma treatment plays a vital role in preventing serious vision loss and blindness.
Protecting your sight starts with regular eye tests and early detection. At Duncan and Todd, advanced eye examinations including OCT scans can detect early signs of glaucoma long before vision is affected. Even if your eyesight feels normal, routine checks are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your long-term eye health. Book your eye test today and take a proactive step towards protecting your vision for the future.
