Vision changes are a common part of aging, but when should seniors and their families be concerned? According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts are the leading cause of low vision among all Americans, responsible for about 50 percent of all cases.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at glaucoma vs cataracts, exploring their differences, how they affect senior vision health, and the importance of early care in preserving sight at communities like TerraBella Marchbanks in Anderson.
Anderson, South Carolina, known as “The Electric City” for its early adoption of hydroelectric power, is a welcoming town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a blend of historic charm, vibrant arts, and outdoor recreation.
Glaucoma vs Cataracts: Understanding Eye Changes with Age
As people get older, it’s common to notice changes in eyesight. These changes can affect daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. While some vision shifts are natural, others may point to more serious conditions.
There are three main reasons older adults often experience vision problems:
- The eye’s lens becomes less flexible and more cloudy
- The retina can lose sensitivity
- Fluid pressure in the eye may rise, affecting the optic nerve
The Eye’s Lens Becomes Less Flexible and More Cloudy
One of the first changes many people notice is that their eyes don’t focus as quickly as they used to. The lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, which makes it harder to see things up close.
Over time, that same lens can also turn cloudy. This can lead to blurred or faded vision, especially in bright light. Cloudiness often signals the early signs of cataracts.
The Retina Can Lose Sensitivity
The retina sends visual signals from the eye to the brain. With age, this part of the eye can start to wear down. That may cause trouble seeing in dim light or adjusting to bright areas.
Colors may look duller, and reading small print can become harder. This loss of detail can feel frustrating and may impact confidence.
Fluid Pressure in the Eye May Rise
Pressure inside the eye can increase over time. If that pressure isn’t managed, it can harm the optic nerve.
This damage may start without symptoms, which is why many seniors don’t know it’s happening. High pressure like this is often linked with glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults.
Glaucoma Explained
Glaucoma is one of the most serious eye conditions in older adults. It affects the optic nerve, which sends messages from the eye to the brain.
Without treatment, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss. Many people do not feel symptoms early on, so they may not realize there’s a problem.
There are three important facts to know about glaucoma:
- It’s caused by high pressure inside the eye
- It can damage vision before symptoms appear
- It needs ongoing care to manage
It’s Caused by High Pressure Inside the Eye
Glaucoma usually begins when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This fluid should drain naturally, but sometimes the drainage slows.
When the fluid cannot flow out properly, it causes pressure to rise. That extra pressure pushes on the optic nerve and can slowly damage it over time.
It Can Damage Vision Before Symptoms Appear
One of the most serious parts of glaucoma is how quietly it starts. Many older adults don’t notice any changes until the condition has already affected their vision.
Once the optic nerve is damaged, that part of the vision can’t be restored. That’s why it’s called the “silent thief of sight.”
It Needs Ongoing Care to Manage
There’s no cure for glaucoma, but it can often be controlled. Prescription eye drops are usually the first step.
These drops help lower the pressure in the eye. In some cases, a doctor might suggest laser treatment or surgery. Early detection makes a big difference, especially for glaucoma awareness in seniors.
Cataracts Explained
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions in older adults. They form slowly over time and can cause cloudy or blurred vision. While they aren’t painful, they can make everyday tasks like reading or driving harder to manage.
There are three main points to understand about cataracts:
- They affect the eye’s lens and cause clouding
- They often develop with age and grow worse over time
- They can usually be treated with surgery
They Affect the Eye’s Lens and Cause Clouding
Cataracts form when proteins in the lens of the eye begin to clump together. This buildup makes the lens cloudy and blocks light from reaching the retina clearly.
People often describe it as looking through fog or a dirty window. The clouding can get worse over time and affect both near and far vision.
They Often Develop with Age and Grow Worse Over Time
Most cataracts form slowly and start after age 60. At first, people may not notice the change. Over time, colors may seem faded, and lights may seem too bright.
Night vision may also become worse. Seniors may find themselves needing more light to read or struggling to recognize faces in dim areas.
They Can Usually Be Treated with Surgery
Unlike glaucoma, cataracts can usually be fixed with surgery. During the procedure, a doctor removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear one.
The success rate for this surgery is high, and most people see much better afterward. Cataracts treatment options are widely available, and many seniors return to their daily routines soon after care.
Aging and Eye Care
Glaucoma vs cataracts may seem similar, but they affect the eyes in very different ways. Early care, regular exams, and the right support can protect vision and quality of life.
At TerraBella Marchbanks, we offer two senior living options to support each resident’s needs. Our Assisted Living is ideal for those who enjoy independence but benefit from some daily help.
For memory loss, our person-focused Memory Care promotes comfort and skill retention. With great food, caring staff, and thoughtful amenities, such as our barber shop and beauty salon, we’re here for you.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your loved one’s retirement years.
