World Glaucoma Day 2024: 8 Myths About Glaucoma Debunked

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage often occurs due to abnormally high pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Like many common health conditions and diseases, glaucoma is often misunderstood or dealt with various myths. It is important to understand these myths and educate yourself. In this article, we debunk some common myths about glaucoma.

World Glaucoma Day 2024: 8 Myths about glaucoma debunked:

Myth #1: Glucoms are only for people with diabetes.

Fact: Glucoms can be used by anyone who wants to measure their blood glucose levels. They are particularly useful for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar, but they can also benefit individuals with pre-diabetes or those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Myth #2: Glucoms are painful and invasive.

Fact: Modern glucoms use advanced technology, such as lancets with very thin needles, making the process relatively painless. Most devices now require only a tiny drop of blood, making them minimally invasive.

Myth #3: Glucoms can accurately measure blood sugar levels at any time.

Fact: Glucometers provide a snapshot of blood glucose levels at the time of testing, but they may not reflect the overall blood sugar control or fluctuations throughout the day. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices provide more comprehensive data by monitoring glucose levels continuously.

Myth #4: Eating or drinking certain foods before testing can affect glaucoma results.

Fact: While consuming large amounts of carbohydrates can temporarily raise blood sugar levels, most foods have a minimal impact on glucometer readings. However, it is recommended to follow the specific guidelines provided by healthcare professionals for accurate results.

Myth #5: Glucoms are not accurate compared to laboratory tests.

Fact: Modern glucometers are highly accurate if used correctly. However, they may have a slight variation compared to laboratory results due to differences in the analytical methods used. Regular calibration and comparison to lab tests can help ensure accuracy.

Myth #6: Higher readings on a glucom mean immediate complications.

Fact: A single high reading may not necessarily indicate an immediate health concern or complications. It is vital to observe blood glucose trends and patterns over time to assess overall control. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide appropriate guidance.

Myth #7: Only fasting blood glucose levels matter for diabetes diagnosis.

Fact: While fasting blood glucose levels are commonly used for diagnosing diabetes, other tests, such as oral glucose tolerance tests or HbA1c tests, are also crucial. These additional tests provide a more comprehensive evaluation of blood sugar control and overall diabetes management.

Myth #8: Regular use of glucoms is unnecessary for well-managed diabetes.

Fact: Regular monitoring with glucometers is crucial, even for well-managed diabetes. It helps individuals understand how specific foods, exercise, medications, and stress levels affect their blood sugar levels. Monitoring enables adjustments in the management plan to maintain optimal control.

It's important to rely on accurate information and consult with healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of glaucoma.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.