Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: Understanding the Differences

Cataracts and glaucoma are both prevalent eye conditions that can steal your sight, but they have distinctcauses and symptoms. Understanding these differences is crucial for early detection and successfultreatment.

Cataracts: A Clouded Lens

Cause

Cataracts develop when the natural lens of your eye, responsible for focusing light, becomes cloudy. This clouding is often caused by protein clumps that accumulate over time due to aging, injury, or certain medical conditions.

Symptoms

Cataracts typically cause a gradual decline in vision, leading to:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Faded colours
• Difficulty seeing well at night
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Cause

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the cable that transmits visual information to the brain. This damage is often caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure within the eye. However, some forms of glaucoma can develop with normal IOP.

Symptoms

Glaucoma is often nicknamed the "silent thief of sight" because early stages may have minimal or no noticeable symptoms. In advanced cases, however, you might experience:

• Patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision (side vision)
• Tunnel vision (loss of side vision)
• Severe eye pain
• Redness in the eye
• Sudden vision loss (rare)

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Can they occur together?

While cataracts and glaucoma are separate conditions, they can sometimes co-exist in the same patient. This is more common in older adults. If you have one condition, it's crucial to get regular eye exams to monitor for the development of the other.

Early Detection is Key

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The Importance of Communication

If you experience any vision changes or suspect you might have cataracts or glaucoma, discuss your concerns with your ophthalmologist. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.