Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: what’s the difference?

Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash

Cataracts and glaucoma both occur as we age as a degenerative issues with the eyes. Both of these diseases can cause serious vision problems and potentially lead to vision loss. However, they are very different problems with different treatments, although the symptoms can be similar.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the clear lens right behind the pupil starts to cloud up. Everyone starts off with this lens being clear, but over time protein can clump together in the area making the vision foggy or cloudy and difficult to see through this protein. This is a gradual process that can lead to double vision and can cause the light coming into the eye to diminish altogether. Many people notice glare from lights or a halo effect. Often you may not fully notice until you realize you are squinting more while trying to read small text or you feel like your prescription just isn’t holding up to the clarity it once gave you.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a damage to your optic nerve typically caused when fluid in the eye does not drain the way it is supposed to. This causes undue pressure on the eye which eventually can lead to damage of your optic nerve. Unfortunately, there are very little early signs of glaucoma and many adults are unaware of this problem gradually getting worse. The good news is that this can be tested by your eye doctor to help catch it early. As with many diseases, early detection makes all the difference. Your eye doctor should be testing this at least every 2-3 years.

What can be done to treat the conditions?

Both diseases can cause your eyesight to gradually get worse. If left untreated, both can lead to permanent vision loss. Yearly eye exams can help to track your eye health as you age to catch either problem in their early stages. With early diagnosis, treatments can be very successful to manage the condition. Cataracts have the option, should the condition become severe, to have a surgery that replaces the original clouded lens in your eye with a clear one to correct the issue. Unfortunately glaucoma is not a fully curable disease at this time, but can be managed and slowed in its progression. The best way to slow the progression of this condition is to improve lifestyle habits and stick to your plan of care prescribed by your doctor.

So is one disease worse than the other? And can I get both diseases?

Cataracts and glaucoma can both happen in your eyes, however one does not cause the other. They are different conditions, affecting difference parts of the eye as stated above. Both can be a hereditary condition so understanding your family’s health is important. The treatments for both are different- different surgeries, medications, or eye drops may all be considered based on your specific conditions and severity of the disease when it is diagnosed. Getting your yearly eye exam is the key to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any problems before they cause permanent damage.

Here at Perich Eye, we strive to ensure our patients have the best possible heath and treatments available to them should they be needed. With a large team in multiple offices, our experience and collaborative work environment offers you the best resources around. Feel free to contact us today to schedule your yearly visit and become a patient with us for life!