Your vision is one of your most valuable senses, which is why it’s important to protect it. Eye diseases like glaucoma and other ocular issues like cataracts are two problems many people face as they age. However, since patients may experience similar symptoms, they may be unsure of the differences between the two conditions. Below is a quick overview of each.

Glaucoma vs. Cataracts

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, affecting upwards of 3 million people, 2.7 million of which are aged 40 and older. This eye disease directly affects the optic nerve that transmits images to the brain. It occurs when aqueous fluid builds up inside the eye and places pressure on the optic nerve. Normally, this fluid is freely discharged. If drainpipes become clogged, however, the resulting buildup causes optic nerve damage and—without treatment—blindness. Early symptoms include eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and difficulty in high- and low-light settings. Always speak with your eye doctor if you experience these symptoms or notice them in a loved one. When detected early, glaucoma can be treated with combinations of eye drops, medication, or laser surgery.

Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy deposits that form on your eye’s lens. This interferes with how light is processed, making vision blurry or hazy. Changes in the protein of the lens fibers cause them to develop slowly. There are three types: nuclear cataracts located on the center of the lens; cortical cataracts, which are wedge-shaped; and cataracts located on the back of the lens. In the later stages, these cloudy formations can be visible on the eye, and symptoms include reduced color processing, increased sensitivity to glares, trouble seeing at night, and blurry vision. Cataracts can be removed with surgery and have extremely high success rates.

Seeing the eye doctor regularly is the best way to prevent cataracts and glaucoma, and the team at Tri-State Centers for Sight can help. They’ve served the Greater Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky for over 25 years, offering comprehensive eye care services and cutting-edge treatment. Their board-certified physicians can help with eye diseases, dry eye, and general vision issues—all of which you can learn more about on their website. Connect on Facebook for news and eye care updates.