Glaucoma Vs. Cataract Symptoms

Changes in your vision are common as you age. These changes include reduced sensitivity to light, decreased visual acuity and difficulty reading small print. Aging makes you prone to developing certain eye diseases that may affect your vision, including cataracts and glaucoma.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts may cause you to experience sensitivity to light and glare as well as fading of colors, blurred vision, and halos around lights. You may need brighter lights to read, and you may frequently change your prescription for contact lens or eyeglasses.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often causes no symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Symptoms of glaucoma may include gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision, severe eye pain, blurred vision or nausea and vomiting.

Considerations

Both cataracts and glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. If you experience any abnormal visual symptoms, have an eye exam.

Prevention/Solution

The importance of regular eye exams can't be overemphasized. You should have routine checkups every two years between the ages of 18 and 60, and every year if you are over 60.

Warning

Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe eye pain, a headache or nausea and vomiting along with changes in your vision.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Glaucoma
• Mayo Clinic: Cataracts

Resources

• Eye Problems and Disease
• Vision Problems as you Age