Myths And Facts About Glaukuma That Need To Be Solved

JAKARTA - Glaukuma is one of the eye disease that is often misunderstood by the public. No wonder many myths are growing around this condition, which can cause misunderstandings and delays in handling.

One of the most common myths is glaukuma only attacks the elderly. In fact, glaukuma can happen to anyone, including a baby born with congenital glaukuma.

"Glaukoma is an eye disease that often develops asymptomatic in the early stages, so many patients only realize that they have experienced permanent visual impairments," DR. Dr. Iwan Soebijantoro, SpM(K) as an attalmological consultant at JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics in a media briefing at the World Glaukuma Week in Jakarta, recently.

The right understanding of this disease is very important to prevent serious effects, including blindness. Here are some myths and facts that need to be known about glaukuma.

Myth: Glaukuma only attacks parents

Glaukuma is not limited to the elderly. Young people and even babies can experience glaukuma, especially if they have risk factors such as family history or certain diseases such as diabetes.

Myth: Often using gadgets or reading in the dark causes glaukuma

The use of gadgets for a long time can indeed cause the eyes to tire, but does not cause glaukuma directly. This disease is more related to increasing eyeball pressure and optical nerve damage.

Myth: If you get glaukuma, you will definitely experience blindness

Through early detection and proper treatment, many glaukuma sufferers can maintain their vision for a long time. Regular eye examination is the main key in preventing blindness due to glaukuma.

"Early detection can be key to following up if a person is diagnosed with glaukuma. At least eye tests can be done every 6 months," he explained.

Myth: Glaukuma can be cured with herbal medicine or alternative therapy

Facts to date, no alternative herbal medicine or therapy has been scientifically proven to cure glaukuma. Medical treatments such as eye drops, lasers, or surgery are a proven effective way to control this disease.

"However, in its treatment, compliance with using drugs can be the key in handling. But it needs to be understood, although drug compliance does not cure, it can slow down and improve the quality of life of the sufferer," said doctor Iwan.

Myth: Glaukuma is not a hereditary disease

Genetic factors play a major role in the risk of someone being exposed to glaukuma. If a person has a family member with glaukuma, the risk of contracting this disease is higher. Therefore, they are advised to routinely carry out eye examinations.

Apart from heredity factors, there are several other conditions that can increase the risk of a person being exposed to glaukuma, including over 40 years of age, high eyeball pressure (ocular hypertension), comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, myopia (far thickness) or hypermetric (near stock) height to injury to the eyes or use of corticosteroid drugs in the long term.

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