Vision changes can be concerning, especially when conditions like cataracts or glaucoma are involved. While both affect your eyesight, they are distinct in symptoms, causes, and treatments. Understanding the differences is crucial for proper care.
What You Need to Know About Cataracts
When the lens of the eye clouds over, it causes blurry vision and light sensitivity—this is known as a cataract. While most common in older adults, cataracts can also form as a result of injuries, long-term steroid use, or diseases like diabetes.
Signs of cataracts often include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night.
- Colors appearing faded or dull.
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
Cataracts develop gradually and are treatable with surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
What You Should Know About Glaucoma
In contrast to cataracts, glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. It is more subtle and can result in permanent vision loss without early intervention.
Glaucoma symptoms typically involve:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often unnoticed at first.
- In advanced cases, tunnel vision.
- In rare acute cases, severe eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
Glaucoma typically requires ongoing treatment, such as eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery, to manage eye pressure and prevent further damage.
Key Differences Between Cataracts and Glaucoma
Although both cataracts and glaucoma affect your vision, they differ significantly in how they develop and are treated:
| Feature | Cataracts | Glaucoma |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Clouding of the eye's lens. | Damage to the optic nerve, often from high eye pressure. |
| Vision Loss Pattern | Blurriness and glare sensitivity. | Peripheral vision loss progressing to tunnel vision. |
| Treatment Options | Surgical replacement of the lens. | Medications, laser therapy, or surgery to reduce eye pressure. |
The key takeaway? Cataracts primarily affect the clarity of your vision, while glaucoma affects the field of vision and can lead to irreversible blindness if untreated.
