Are you experiencing blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, or noticing halos around lights? These could be signs of common age-related eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Glaucoma affects approximately 2.56% of U.S. adults aged 40 and older, while cataracts impact over 24 million Americans in the same age group.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at glaucoma vs cataracts, exploring their symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your vision care in Athens, GA.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases that affects older adults. It often develops slowly over time and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated.
There are three main points to understand about glaucoma:
- Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and leads to gradual vision loss
- It often develops without pain or early warning signs
- Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and slow progression
Glaucoma Damages the Optic Nerve and Leads to Gradual Vision Loss
The main problem in glaucoma is pressure building up inside the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve over time.
As the nerve becomes weaker, blind spots can form in the field of vision. If the condition continues without treatment, it can lead to total blindness.
It Often Develops Without Pain or Early Warning Signs
Many people do not know they have glaucoma until it is advanced. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, causes no pain and may only show up during an eye exam. This is why regular checkups are so important for senior eye health.
Treatment Aims to Lower Eye Pressure and Slow Progression
Doctors treat glaucoma by lowering the pressure in the eye. This can be done with prescription eye drops, pills, laser therapy, or surgery. These glaucoma treatment options help preserve vision and prevent further damage, but they cannot restore vision already lost.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision changes in older adults. There are three main points to keep in mind:
- Cataracts make the eye’s lens cloudy, causing blurry or dim vision
- They often develop slowly and affect daily activities like reading or driving
- Surgery is the most common and effective treatment
Cataracts Make the Eye’s Lens Cloudy
The lens inside the eye helps focus light, but with cataracts, proteins in the lens break down and clump together. This blocks the light and causes the image to look blurred. Many people notice faded colors, cloudy spots, or more trouble seeing in bright light.
They Often Develop Slowly and Affect Daily Activities Like Reading or Driving
Cataract symptoms can include poor night vision, glare from headlights, or a need for more light when reading. Because they form slowly, many people do not notice them right away. But over time, they can make it harder to do everyday things comfortably and safely.
Surgery Is the Most Common and Effective Treatment
Cataract surgery is safe and widely used. A doctor replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
Most people recover quickly and have better vision afterward. This option is usually recommended once cataracts start to affect daily life.
Shared Risk Factors and Age-Related Concerns
Glaucoma and cataracts may be different conditions, but they share many of the same risk factors. Getting older is one of the biggest risk factors for both conditions.
As the body changes over time, so do the eyes. The pressure inside the eye may slowly rise, increasing the risk of glaucoma. The eye’s lens can also grow cloudy with age, leading to cataracts.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. They may also face a higher chance of certain types of glaucoma.
High blood pressure may affect the health of the optic nerve and lead to other problems over time. Managing these health issues can help support long-term vision.
Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases the chance of developing it too. Some medications, such as steroids, may increase the risk of both conditions. People who take long-term prescriptions should ask their doctors about any side effects that could affect the eyes.
Living with Glaucoma or Cataracts at TerraBella Epps Bridge
At TerraBella Epps Bridge, we understand how vision changes can affect the way our residents enjoy each day. Living with conditions like glaucoma or cataracts brings new challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or independence.
We work hard to support residents with senior eye health in mind. There are three key ways we help residents manage life with glaucoma or cataracts:
- We support regular appointments and routine care
- Our team is trained to assist with vision-related needs
- The environment is designed with safety and comfort in mind
We Support Regular Appointments and Routine Care
Our team helps residents keep up with eye exams and follow-up visits. That makes it easier to stick to treatment plans for cataracts or glaucoma and catch problems early.
Our Team Is Trained to Assist with Vision-Related Needs
We take eye care in older adults seriously. Staff members stay alert to signs of vision changes and help residents manage any daily struggles. Whether it’s reading labels, walking through bright areas, or adjusting lighting, our team is ready to lend a hand.
The Environment Is Designed with Safety and Comfort in Mind
Good lighting, clear walkways, and a calm setting can make a big difference. We take care to make our community easy to move through, even for those who live with low vision. Small steps like these help residents stay active and engaged while managing glaucoma or cataracts.
Glaucoma vs Cataracts: Aging and Vision
Understanding the difference between glaucoma vs cataracts can help older adults protect their vision and quality of life.
At TerraBella Epps Bridge, we offer Independent Living on a peaceful 20-acre garden campus near everything you need. Our person-centered approach includes senior-focused amenities, engaging activities, and on-site support to help you age in place. Whether exploring nearby or relaxing at home, you choose how to enjoy retirement your way.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your loved one’s retirement years.
