Protecting Your Vision
Our eyes are one of our most precious senses, yet many of us take them for granted until something goes wrong. Two of the most common eye conditions that can affect vision as we age are glaucoma and cataracts. While both can lead to vision loss, they are very different conditions and understanding them is the first step toward protecting your sight.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually develops slowly and without pain. It occurs when pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends images to your brain. Over time, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss. Unfortunately, glaucoma often has no early symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are so important.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the risk increases with age, family history, diabetes, and high eye pressure. While glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection can help preserve vision. Treatments include prescription eye drops, laser therapy or surgery to lower eye pressure.
What are cataracts?
Unlike glaucoma, cataracts are more noticeable. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, making vision blurry or dim. Cataracts develop slowly and are a normal part of aging, though they can also result from injury, certain medications or medical conditions like diabetes.
Signs of cataracts include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Trouble seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Colors appearing faded
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery, which replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today.
Protecting your vision
The best way to safeguard your eyesight is through regular comprehensive eye exams, especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors. Early detection can make all the difference in preventing vision loss from glaucoma and restoring clarity with cataract treatment.
Treatment options can include, depending on the condition:
- Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
- Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage
- Surgical procedures for advanced cases
- Updated eyeglass prescriptions for early stages
- Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one