Glaucoma vs Cataracts: What Seniors and Families Should Know
Modern Retina reports that about 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. aged 71 and older have vision impairments.
Glaucoma and cataracts are two common eye issues that affect seniors. Both can change daily life, but many people confuse them. If your loved one has vision trouble, it helps to know the difference between glaucoma vs cataracts.
You may also wonder how to care for your loved ones. One great option is moving them to The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail. Located at 660 Old Laramie Trail in Lafayette, Colorado, The Peaks offers a friendly community.
Residents get personal care, fun activities, tasty meals, and lovely outdoor spaces. Keep reading to learn how glaucoma and cataracts differ.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. Untreated damage can lead to vision loss. Many people do not notice any symptoms at first.
Cause
Glaucoma happens when pressure builds up inside the eye. The eye makes fluid that flows out through a drainage system. The process keeps pressure balanced.
Sometimes, the fluid drains too slowly, or the eye makes too much. Pressure builds up, causing damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain.
Signals from the eye travel through this nerve to help you see clearly. When pressure stays high for too long, it harms the nerve's ability to send signals.
Protecting eye health in aging includes understanding how pressure affects vision. Regular eye check-ups can help detect issues before serious damage occurs.
Effect on Vision
Glaucoma causes loss of side vision first. Many people do not notice it early on. The vision loss spreads slowly and can lead to blindness if untreated.
Central vision often stays clear until the disease is very advanced. Many seniors struggle with daily living when their vision starts to fade.
Tasks that once seemed simple can become difficult or even dangerous. They may find it hard to:
- Read small print or labels
- Drive safely, especially at night
- Recognize the faces of friends or family
- Manage medications and read instructions
- Navigate stairs or uneven paths
At this stage, moving to an assisted living community like The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail can help. Our community has highly trained staff who offer daily living assistance. Residents enjoy a safe, supportive environment with personalized care.
Symptoms
Glaucoma often shows no early warning signs. You might not feel pain or notice vision changes. Most people are unaware of their glaucoma until significant vision loss occurs.
Some may see halos around lights or experience eye pain, but this is rare. Most symptoms appear only when the disease is advanced. Damage that happens before symptoms cannot be reversed.
Regular senior eye exams are important for catching glaucoma early. Early detection can protect vision and slow the disease. Yearly check-ups help spot changes before it is too late.
Age Group
Glaucoma affects people of all ages but is more common in seniors, with the risk increasing after age 60. Many people do not realize their risk until vision problems start.
Family history also plays a big role. If a close family member has glaucoma, your chances are higher.
Treatment
Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering pressure inside the eye to prevent further damage. Eye drops are often the first step and help reduce fluid buildup. Doctors may also prescribe pills to manage pressure if eye drops are not enough.
In more severe cases, laser therapy or surgery may be recommended. Early treatment can slow or stop vision loss, but it cannot reverse existing damage.
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts happen when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Vision becomes blurry or hazy, making daily tasks harder. Since cataracts develop slowly, many individuals may not notice changes right away.
Cause
Cataracts form when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. The lens helps focus light on the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, creating cloudiness.
Aging is the main cause of cataracts. Other factors include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- UV exposure
- High blood pressure
- Long-term use of steroids
These factors can speed up cataract development. Regular senior eye exams help catch cataracts early before vision worsens. Early detection allows for better planning and timely treatment to protect your sight.
Effect on Vision
Cataracts blur vision and make colors look dull. You might have trouble seeing at night. Glare from lights may intensify.
Unlike glaucoma, cataracts affect central vision first. It makes daily living tasks like reading and driving harder.
Symptoms
Blurry vision and faded colors are common signs of cataracts. Halos around lights may also appear. Many people need brighter light to read or do daily tasks.
Over time, vision can get worse. Cataracts usually develop slowly, making changes hard to notice at first.
Age Group
Cataracts mostly affect people over 60. Nearly all seniors experience some lens clouding by age 80. Age-related cataracts are the most common type, although younger people can also develop them.
Eye injuries, certain illnesses, and long-term medication use can lead to early cataract development. Many seniors struggle with aging and sight loss because of cataracts.
Treatment
The only way to fix cataracts is surgery. Doctors remove the cloudy lens and put in an artificial one. Surgery improves vision for most people and carries few risks.
If cataracts do not affect daily life, surgery can wait. But when vision problems start to interfere, surgery is the best option. Regular eye exams help monitor cataract growth and guide treatment decisions.
Good vision care for seniors includes monitoring cataracts to determine the appropriate time for surgery. After surgery, many people see again and enjoy daily activities more.
Understanding Glaucoma vs Cataracts
Understanding glaucoma vs cataracts helps you spot the differences and plan proper care. Both affect vision with age but have unique causes and signs. Knowing these details supports early detection and better eye health in aging.
At The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail, we foster a compassionate community with expert support for seniors facing cataracts and glaucoma risks. Our Executive Director, Tom Hunter, brings over four decades of healthcare leadership.
We offer personalized daily care, engaging activities, and a safe, welcoming home. Schedule a tour and discover how we can support your loved one's well-being.