What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts happen when protein deposits begin to form on the lens of the eye, obstructing vision. Cataracts are naturally occurring in most people as they age as the structures in the eye begin to breakdown, so it’s safe to say that more often than not age is what causes cataracts. There are three types of cataracts depending on their location: nuclear (center of the lens) which are the most common, cortical (on the edges of the lens), and posterior subcapsular (in the back of the lens) which are also considered the most serious because of their fast progression. The early signs and symptoms of each type of cataract tend to be similar and include blurry vision, dull colors, trouble seeing at night, and a cloudy looking eye. If left untreated, they can lead to complete vision loss, and surgery is the only effective treatment.
When Do Cataracts Start?
Cataracts start to form, for most of the general population, after the age of 40. However, some people may develop cataracts much earlier due to lifestyle factors, such as extensive UV exposure, invasive eye surgeries, having other eye conditions or diabetes, being a heavy smoker or drinker, those with high blood pressure, and sometimes, even prolonged steroid use. In the early stages, patients may only notice a sensitivity to light or trouble seeing at night, it may not be obvious that the proteins in the eye are beginning to break down and clump in the lens of the eye.
Cataracts Vs Glaucoma
While both cataracts and glaucoma impact the eyes and share similar symptoms, cataracts and glaucoma are different conditions that develop differently. The difference between cataracts and glaucoma comes down to part of the eye impacted. Glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve and is often irreversible, whereas cataracts can be repaired with surgery. More often than not, glaucoma does not present any symptoms, making regular eye exams vital to patient health.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts and Glaucoma?
When glaucoma causes symptoms, it will usually be vision loss in the sides or peripheral, pain, nausea, or halos around lights, which are high eye pressure symptoms. The reasons for eye pressure developing are varied, but can include surgery, blocked drainage channels, and other eye conditions. Cataracts on the other hand cause the gradual clouding of the eye, leading to blurry vision. Normally, one is not mistaken for the other, but both can be problematic. If you think you are developing glaucoma, it’s important to contact your nearest OCLI Vision office right away as time is of the essence!
Does Cataract Surgery Fix Narrow Angle Glaucoma?
Yes, cataract surgery can actually improve narrow angle glaucoma because it allows the drainage angle to reopen. In most cases, glaucoma may be caused by the blockage of the drainage angle which causes fluid to build up and puts pressure on the optic nerve. With cataract surgery, when the cloudy lens is removed, the artificial lens replacement is thinner, which can improve the flow of aqueous humour in the eye. It’s important to note that cataract surgery alone is not a cure for glaucoma or the only glaucoma treatment, but it can help those with both cataracts and glaucoma. Even if it does correct the problem, additional treatment may be needed. It’s important to talk to your ophthalmologist to determine if it is safe to have cataract surgery with glaucoma.
Which is worse, cataracts or glaucoma?
Glaucoma is considered to be a more serious and time sensitive condition as it causes irreversible optic nerve damage, leading to permanent vision loss. Cataracts progress slowly, and they can be cured with cataract surgery which is one of the most commonly performed and most effective surgeries in the world. However, cataracts and glaucoma can both lead to blindness if left untreated.
Choosing the Right Care for Cataracts or Glaucoma:
While glaucoma and cataracts are serious conditions impacting the eye, they are very different. Glaucoma is a very serious, vision-threatening condition that progresses quickly and often has no symptoms. Cataracts, on the other hand, are very common and can be treated with a very common surgery. Both conditions illustrate the importance of regular eye exams that include an eye pressure test with a qualified professional that can help make sure eye conditions do not cause irreversible damage.
If you think you may have either of these conditions, it’s important to schedule a consultation with an OCLI vision doctor right away.