Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: What's the Difference and How to Tell Them Apart

Our eyes, a vital part of our sensory system. As such, maintaining their health is paramount. However, just as with any other part of our bodies, they can be subject to various conditions and diseases. Among these, cataracts and glaucoma are two of the most common, yet often misunderstood.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. This condition is primarily associated with aging and is common in people over the age of 60. The lens in our eyes works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina to create clear images. As we age, the proteins in the lens can clump together, forming a cloud-like cover, or a cataract.

The onset of cataracts can be slow, and in the early stages, you may not even notice any changes in your vision. Over time, the clouding of your lens can become more pronounced, leading to blurred vision, difficulty in perceiving colors, trouble with bright lights, and even vision loss.

The development of cataracts is a natural part of aging. However, certain factors such as diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a role in preventing or slowing the development of cataracts.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.

Unlike cataracts, glaucoma often presents no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, has wide and open angles between the iris and cornea. Its symptoms include patchy blind spots in your peripheral or central vision, frequently in both eyes, and tunnel vision in the advanced stages.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, and the damage caused to the optic nerve is irreversible. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often halt the progression of the disease and prevent vision loss.

Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: The Key Differences

While both cataracts and glaucoma affect the eye and can lead to vision loss, they are distinctly different conditions. The key difference lies in their cause and the part of the eye they affect. Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens, whereas glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve due to increased pressure in the eye.

The treatment for these two conditions also differs. Cataracts can be effectively treated with surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Glaucoma, however, cannot be cured. Its treatment focuses on reducing the pressure in the eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

How to Tell Them Apart: Symptoms of Cataracts and Glaucoma

Given the differences in the causes, symptoms, and treatments of cataracts and glaucoma, it might seem simple enough to tell them apart. However, it can be challenging, mainly because the symptoms can be subtle and progress slowly over time.

To identify cataracts, look out for gradual changes in vision, such as blurred or dim vision, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing 'halos' around lights, the need for brighter light for reading, and fading or yellowing of colors. It's also common for people with cataracts to have frequent prescription changes in their eyeglasses or contact lenses.

With glaucoma, the symptoms are often less noticeable in the early stages. For open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, symptoms include patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision, often in both eyes, and tunnel vision in advanced stages. An acute angle-closure glaucoma attack, which is a medical emergency, may present symptoms like severe headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Understanding the difference between cataracts vs. glaucoma, and knowing how to tell them apart, is essential. However, prevention and early detection are key to maintaining your eye health. This is where the importance of regular eye exams comes into play.

Regular eye exams are akin to routine health check-ups—they allow for early detection of potential issues, making treatment more effective. During an eye exam, an eye care professional will not only assess your vision but also check for signs of eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. These exams are particularly crucial for those over the age of 40, as the risk for eye diseases increases with age.

Taking Care of Your Vision

Understanding the difference between cataracts vs. glaucoma, and learning how to distinguish between them, is a step forward in taking care of your eye health. Both conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated, but they are manageable, especially when detected early. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and effective management of these conditions. 

To learn more on the difference between cataracts and glaucoma, visit Northside Vision in our Spokane, Washington office. Call (509) 519–4400 to discuss any questions with our team of professionals or to schedule an appointment.