Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: 10 Senior Eye Health Tips for Protection and Prevention

Cataracts and glaucoma are two common eye conditions that can significantly impact your quality of vision. If you or a loved one are concerned about either condition, early detection and treatment are key in maintaining proper eye health and preventing the condition from worsening. In this article, learn the key differences between cataracts and glaucoma and discover tips for protecting your eyes from long-term vision loss.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a build-up of fluids within the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, or the part of the eye that sends signals to the brain and allows you to see the objects in front of you. This fluid build-up puts excessive pressure on the eye and can lead to irreversible vision loss, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While the most common type is open-angle glaucoma, other less common types, like narrow-angle glaucoma and congenital glaucoma, can be equally problematic.

Glaucoma can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by eye injury or another pre-existing health condition. Usually, the first signs of glaucoma are difficult to spot because symptoms happen over the course of many years. Because the course is so gradual, immediate changes in vision often go unnoticed. However, warning signs of glaucoma can include:

• Pressure or pain in one or both eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Seeing halos around lights
• Blind spots or low vision
• Blurred eyesight or tunnel vision
• Nausea
• Red eyes¹

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is an eye disorder in which the fibers and proteins that make up the lens’ tissue break down and form a cloudy film. This can happen because of an injury to the lens’ tissue, but simple aging is the most common cause because our eyes’ lenses become thicker and less flexible as we age, and thus are more prone to injury. Like glaucoma, cataracts can also be hereditary.

Symptoms typically develop over time and do not immediately affect eyesight. Warning signs of cataracts, according to Mayo Clinic, can include:

• Clouded or blurred vision
• Double vision in one eye
• Trouble with nighttime vision
• Colors appearing faded or yellowish
• Light sensitivity
• Seeing halos around lights
• Frequent changes to eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions²

Glaucoma vs. Cataracts: Key Differences

Glaucoma and cataracts share similar symptoms, but they have vastly different effects. If you or a loved one is concerned about cataracts or glaucoma, learning what makes each condition unique can help you spot the warning signs and determine the next steps.

The following are noteworthy differences between glaucoma and cataracts, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

• Effect. Whereas glaucoma affects the optic nerve causing excessive pressure within the eye, cataracts affect the eye’s lens causing cloudy or blurred vision.
• Severity. Cataracts aren’t considered an emergency medical condition. Glaucoma, however, is more urgent, requiring early detection and treatment.
• Permanence. Cataracts’ effects can be reversed with surgery. Unfortunately, any vision loss due to glaucoma is permanent; however, surgery can help treat symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
• Treatment. Glaucoma laser surgery is a much different procedure than that of eye surgery for cataracts. While cataracts surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one, glaucoma surgery involves either opening the blocked canals within the eye to prevent further blockage or creating new drainage paths to the outside of the eye.³

10 Tips for Protection Against Cataracts and Glaucoma

Help your loved one protect their vision from cataracts and glaucoma long-term with these senior eye health tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

1. Stay up to date on routine eye exams. One of the best things you can do to stay ahead of eye conditions is to attend routine screenings—whether you’re already coping with vision loss or you’re wanting to prevent it. At an eye exam, the doctor will thoroughly examine each eye for signs of damage or disease to catch cataracts or glaucoma as soon as possible.
2. Know your risk factors. Talk with a doctor about potential factors that may put you or your loved one at higher risk for developing glaucoma or cataracts.

3. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check. A plate full of colorful fruits and vegetables is a great defense against vision loss. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to happy, healthy eyes.
4. Exercise mindfully. When your heart rate increases during strenuous activity, the pressure in your eyes also increases. When exercising, keep an eye on your heart rate and stop to rest frequently. Moderate exercise like a brisk walk is a safe option to move your body while protecting your eyes.
5. Wear eye protection when appropriate. Be sure to use protective eyewear when doing chores that involve strong chemicals or flying debris—doing so can reduce the risk of eye injury by 90%. ⁴
6. Wear sunglasses when outside. When selecting sunglasses, it’s best to choose ones with large, polarized lenses that offer 100% UV protection. Most drug stores offer plenty of affordable yet effective options.
7. Avoid upturned positions. Placing your head below your heart for extended periods of time raises the pressure in your eyes, which can increase the risk for glaucoma. Try to avoid using items like inversion tables or gravity boots, as well as certain head-down yoga positions.
8. Treat any sleep conditions, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When left untreated, sleeping disorders like OSA can sometimes lead to more serious health problems, including glaucoma and other eye conditions. Make sure you address any sleep concerns with a doctor and get a good night’s rest.
9. Take care of your oral health. Some studies indicate that there may be a connection between gum disease and eye health. Be sure to keep up with your regular dental screenings, and brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
10. Tell your eye doctor about any medications you’re taking. Blood pressure medicine and steroids can worsen glaucoma damage. Talk to your doctor candidly about any medications or supplements you’re taking so they can provide you with the most effective eye care. ⁵

Finding Support at Home

Vision loss is a challenging experience, but HomeWell Care Services is here to help make things easier. Our compassionate caregivers offer low vision support to help restore independence and your families’ peace of mind. To learn more and find help, schedule a consultation with us today.

Interested in more health and safety tips? Check out our downloadable Trusted Tips and Guides where you can access more information about vision health and more.

Sources

1. Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatments | Cleveland Clinic
2. Cataracts – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
3. Do I Have Cataracts Or Glaucoma? | Glaucoma Research Foundation
4. Eye Injury Prevention | American Academy of Ophthalmology
5. 10 Things To Do Today To Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma | American Academy of Ophthalmology