How to Recognize Signs of Cataracts and Glaucoma Before Vision Loss

Recognizing the Signs of Cataracts and Glaucoma

As we age, most of us will develop eye conditions that can potentially threaten our vision. Two of the most common age-related eye diseases are cataracts and glaucoma. Knowing the symptoms and getting regular eye exams can help detect these conditions early and prevent permanent vision loss.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which is normally clear. The lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, allowing you to see. As a cataract develops, the lens gradually becomes cloudy, allowing less light to pass through. As a result, your vision becomes increasingly blurred.

Cataracts commonly develop as part of the natural aging process, but they can also result from eye injury, certain medications, or health conditions like diabetes. Most people over 60 have some degree of cataract formation.

Common Cataract Symptoms

Symptoms of cataracts tend to develop slowly over time. You may start experiencing:

• Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision
• Colors appearing faded
• Increased sensitivity to glare from lights or the sun
• Poor night vision or halos around lights
• Double vision in one eye
• Needing brighter light to read or perform tasks
• Frequent prescription changes in your glasses or contacts

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Increased pressure within the eye is typically, though not always, associated with optic nerve damage.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form. It develops slowly over time due to inadequate drainage of fluid within the eye.
• Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle of the eye suddenly narrows or closes completely. This causes a rapid buildup of eye pressure and demands urgent medical care to prevent vision loss.

Common Glaucoma Symptoms

Unlike cataracts, glaucoma does not have obvious symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, you may start to experience:

• Vision loss, usually in your peripheral or side vision first
• Tunnels appearing in your field of vision
• Halos appearing around lights
• Seeing reddish stains on objects
• Eye pain or headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Eye redness (in acute angle-closure glaucoma)

Getting Regular Eye Exams

Since glaucoma has no warning signs at first, getting a comprehensive eye exam is essential to detect it early. Most experts recommend eye exams according to this schedule:

• Every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54
• Every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64
• Every 1 to 2 years age 65+

People at higher risk for glaucoma should get checked more frequently. African Americans over 40, people over 60 with a family history of glaucoma, and those with health issues like diabetes need annual eye exams.

What to Expect During the Exam

A comprehensive eye exam checks for both cataracts and glaucoma. It involves multiple tests that allow an eye doctor to thoroughly evaluate your vision and the health of your eyes.

You can expect the following components:

• Visual acuity test: Measures sharpness of vision based on ability to read standard letter charts.
• Eye pressure test: Uses a special instrument to measure your eye's internal pressure, which is abnormally high with glaucoma.
• Peripheral vision test: Maps your field of vision to look for areas of vision loss often associated with glaucoma.
• Retina examination: Allows the doctor to inspect your retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye for signs of damage.
• Pupil dilation: Drops are applied so the doctor can examine the lens and look deeper inside the eye for indicators of cataracts, glaucoma, or other issues.

Eye Imaging Tests

Advanced imaging tests are also very useful for identifying eye diseases. Common options include:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging scan can detect thinning in the retinal nerve fiber layer caused by glaucoma.
• Ocular photography: Specialized photos of the back of your eye can reveal optic nerve damage and other abnormalities.

Treating Cataracts and Glaucoma

Both cataracts and glaucoma require specialized treatment to prevent worsening vision loss.

Cataract Treatment

When cataracts start substantially interfering with your daily life, cataract surgery may be necessary. This outpatient procedure involves removing your cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant. It offers an extremely high success rate and most patients enjoy restored vision after recovering.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Since glaucoma involves progressive damage to the optic nerve, preserving vision requires ongoing management after diagnosis. Treatment aims to lower the pressure inside the eye and may include prescription eye drops, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination.

Because glaucoma can lead to blindness if left uncontrolled, continuing treatment as advised by your ophthalmologist is crucial to slowing disease progression and protecting sight.

Coordinating Follow-up Care

It's important for anyone diagnosed with cataracts or glaucoma to maintain regular visits with an eye specialist. They can monitor your condition and response to treatment. Reporting any new vision changes right away also allows prompt adjustment of your treatment regimen if needed.

With your doctor's oversight, many people continue enjoying good vision for years after being diagnosed with common age-related eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.