As we age, our vision can change. Our need for glasses and corrective lenses grows and the potential for vision loss can increase as well. In fact, many people over the age of 60 develop cataracts and even glaucoma. But what is the difference between the two? Read on to learn more about these two conditions and what you can do to prevent them from stealing your vision.
To learn more about cataract surgery in Orange County, visit Advanced Eye Medical today.
Cataracts
A cataract is defined as an eye condition causing cloudiness or opacity in the lens of the eye which then blocks how light enters the eye and impacts a person’s vision. It is a painless condition that can come on gradually. The good news for those suffering from cataracts is that vision can often be restored through surgery. In this type of procedure, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed, and a clear, plastic lens called an intraocular lens implant is inserted. However, after the cataract is removed, there is an outer membrane that remains and can slowly thicken over time, thus causing cloudy vision. Doctors can use a laser to open this membrane and restore a patient’s vision.
Cataract surgery is usually recommended for people when their vision has deteriorated and makes daily life difficult. It is possible to develop a cataract in a part of the eye lens that will never impact vision and surgery may never be necessary.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can also cause vision loss but unfortunately, this loss cannot be restored through surgery. Glaucoma is defined as a group of eye diseases that comes on gradually and often without symptoms to steal a person’s vision by causing damage to the optic nerve through an increase in pressure in the eye.
Those who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from cataracts and glaucoma. Sometimes glaucoma can impact one eye more than the other but, in most cases, both eyes are impacted. There are several types of glaucoma but the most common develops slowly over time. All of us have fluid that collects in the chamber in the front of the eye. In people without glaucoma, this fluid naturally drains as new fluid is produced. However, in someone suffering from glaucoma, this fluid is unable to drain because the tiny drains in the eye are blocked. As the eye continues to produce new fluid and the old fluid is prevented from draining, pressure begins to build in the eye causing damage to the optic nerve. Surgery can be performed to help unblock the fluid drainage but, in some cases, the damage has already been done.
Similarities and Differences
A person suffering from both cataracts and glaucoma can elect to have both surgeries at the same time, but the priority should also be in dealing with the glaucoma first. There are medicines that can be used to treat glaucoma and laser treatments and surgery are also options. Currently, there are no medications that can treat cataracts. Surgery is the option if it is impacting a person’s vision.
Cataract Surgery in Orange County
Just like any health checkup, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly so you are aware if you are in the initial stages of glaucoma or if you think you might have a cataract. If you suffer from any issues with your vision, visit Dr. Ghosheh and his team at Advanced Eye Medical. Don’t let problems with your vision develop into a more serious health issue. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about cataract surgery in Orange County.