Did you know that glaucoma is common in people over 40? If you’re not sure if you have one, it’s important to know what it is.
Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve. It can cause vision problems to happen over time. You may even think that glaucoma and cataracts are the same, but they’re not.
To help you we’ve created this guide to help you learn how glaucoma vs cataracts differ.
Let’s get into it!
Comparing the Glaucoma Symptoms vs Cataracts
Glaucoma and cataracts are two common eye conditions that can result in vision loss. Glaucoma is an eye disease where the pressure within the eye increases, leading to damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms of glaucoma include:
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Colored halos around lights
- A gradual loss of peripheral vision
On the other hand, cataract symptoms occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded. This can result in blurry vision, glare, and reduced overall vision.
That’s why it is essential to know the symptoms of each condition to help you to seek the right treatment and lead to improved eye health.
Exploring the Connection Between the Two
Although these two diseases both affect vision, they are quite different. Glaucoma is a condition of pressure buildup inside the eye, whereas cataracts form over time on the outside of the lens due to a build-up of proteins and age-related changes.
Even if both can co-exist, cataracts cannot cause glaucoma. But they may share some of the same risk factors such as:
- Age
- Lifestyle
- Diabetes
Patients who have both glaucoma and cataract may experience a worsening of both conditions as the diseases progress. That is why it is critical to seek medical help as soon as any vision changes are noticed.
Examining Different Treatment Options
Glaucoma is mainly managed with eye drops or medications, laser therapy, and surgery. On the contrary, cataracts are most commonly treated with surgery, where the cloudy lens is carefully removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
Knowing the distinctions between the two will go a long way in helping to ensure successful treatment.
Risk Factors Associated With Glaucoma and Cataracts
Glaucoma and cataracts are two eye conditions characterized by progressive loss of vision. Risk factors associated with these conditions include:
- Family
- Certain ethnicities
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid
- High intraocular pressure
Additionally, eye conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the chances of developing glaucoma and cataracts. Smoking and drinking alcohol also increases the risk of developing visual impairment due to these conditions.
Finally, long-term exposure to UV radiation, such as that experienced by individuals who work outdoors, can increase the possibility of developing these eye conditions.
Suppose you’re not sure which of the two you are experiencing, it is best to see an optometrist. Schedule an appointment with a local eye doctor in layton Utah, to address your concerns before it’s too late.
A Guide to the Differences Between Glaucoma vs Cataracts
Glaucoma and cataracts are two distinct eye diseases with noticeable causes, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. To properly diagnose and treat any eye complaint, it is essential to understand the differences between glaucoma and cataracts.
If you are concerned that you have one of these conditions, seek medical attention from a qualified ophthalmologist who can provide you with the treatment you need to maintain your vision. Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog now!
