Glaucoma vs Cataracts: What Seniors and Caregivers Should Know
Almost 28% of adults aged 71 and older in the U.S. have some form of vision impairment, according to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. Healthcare professionals have long recognized the connection between aging and vision loss.
You can take steps to protect and restore your sight. With the natural beauty Glendale, WI has to offer, you don't want to miss any of it.
Understanding the cause of your vision impairment is vital for proper treatment. You've probably heard of glaucoma and cataracts, but do you know the differences between them? Learn more about the symptoms and treatments for glaucoma vs cataracts and take control of your eye health.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to problems caused by too much fluid pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure). If the pressure isn't relieved, it can damage the optic nerve. Optic nerve damage leads to vision loss.
Your eyes are normally filled with fluid. Older fluid drains out daily, and your body produces new fluid to replace it.
Problems arise when fluid builds up and increases the eye pressure. This can happen if your body starts producing too much fluid or if the drainage angle for the fluid becomes blocked.
Types of Glaucoma
The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle. Most cases of glaucoma are open-angle.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
In open-angle glaucoma, eye pressure builds slowly over time. Symptoms usually aren't noticeable at first, but gradually worsen.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma occurs suddenly when fluid builds up quickly in the eye. It's an emergency, and you should seek treatment right away.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye lens. The lens allows light to enter so that images can be projected onto your retina. When proteins in the eye break down, they can clump together to form cloudy areas on the lens.
Symptoms of Glaucoma vs Cataracts
The symptoms of glaucoma and cataracts are often not noticeable at first. When you do start to notice changes in your vision, you can tell whether you're dealing with glaucoma or cataracts.
Glaucoma Symptoms
The first symptom of open-angle glaucoma for many people is a worsening of their peripheral vision. You may have blind spots in one or both eyes.
The symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma typically start suddenly. Common symptoms include:
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Severe headache
- Nausea
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Cataract Symptoms
The symptoms of cataracts depend on where the cataract is located on your lens. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Double vision
- Poor night vision
- More pronounced light sensitivity
- Colors appear pale or faded
- Frequent changes to your eyeglasses prescription
You may notice that everyday activities like reading are more difficult.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Regular eye exams for seniors are critical in order to treat glaucoma. By the time symptoms appear, irreversible damage has probably already occurred.
The purpose of treatment is to lower eye pressure. This can slow the progression of the disease, helping to prevent vision loss. You can continue to participate in the activities you enjoy.
Your glaucoma treatment options depend on the type of glaucoma you have.
Treatment for Open-Angle Glaucoma
Treatment for open-angle glaucoma usually starts with medicated eye drops. The drops can either reduce fluid production or improve fluid drainage. You may need more than one type of eye drops.
If eye drops aren't a good option for you or they don't lower your eye pressure enough, laser therapy is another choice. Your ophthalmologist can do the procedure in their office. Laser treatment uses a small laser to improve drainage in your eye.
Surgery is an option if eye drops and laser therapy don't work. The eye surgeon opens a new drainage channel or inserts drainage tubes in the eye.
Treatment for Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. The doctor will usually use a combination of eye drops, medicine, and laser treatment. You may need an iridotomy, which opens a new drainage channel in the iris.
Options for Treating Cataracts
If your cataracts are small enough, adjusting your eyewear prescription may compensate for the changes to your vision. The next option is cataract surgery. Most people postpone surgery until the cataracts start to interfere with their daily lives.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a common procedure. Your ophthalmologist will remove the lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial one. It's generally a safe procedure, although the risks are higher if you have another eye disease or a serious medical condition.
If you have cataracts in both eyes, your doctor will usually wait to do the second surgery until the first eye has healed. Healing typically happens within eight weeks.
Preventing Eye Disease in Older Adults
One of the most important factors in protecting your vision is to have regular eye exams. You can't prevent glaucoma, so finding it early is critical.
Lifestyle changes that support general wellness also support senior eye health. You can help prevent eye diseases like cataracts by taking steps like:
- Wearing sunglasses and avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Keeping conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure well-controlled
Certain nutrients are essential for senior eye health, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Gamma-linolenic acid
- Carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin
- Flavonoids
Talk to your doctor about whether supplements of these nutrients would be a good option for you.
Protect Your Vision for Life
Vision problems often develop with age, but you can take steps to protect your eyes. Recognizing whether you have glaucoma vs cataracts is the first step toward effective treatment. Regular eye exams will help identify eye disease early, increasing your chances of preserving your vision.
The caring staff at Discovery Commons North Shore can help you follow your eye care plan. We assist with medication management and offer additional support with daily living activities for residents recovering from cataract surgery. Our housekeeping and maintenance team ensures your home is clean and well-maintained, allowing you to focus on your wellness.
Discovery Commons North Shore is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities, with easy access to Milwaukee for specialized care.
Schedule a tour of Discovery Commons North Shore today and experience the support our compassionate, professional staff provide.