Cataracts
Many people over age 60 who have glaucoma also have cataracts.
While glaucoma and cataracts can occur at the same time, with few exceptions, one does not cause the other. Glaucoma usually is caused by a problem with proper drainage of fluid from the eye; a cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, reducing the quality of images the eye can create.
Cataracts and glaucoma both are serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss. But vision loss from cataracts usually can be fully restored with cataract surgery. Vision loss from glaucoma typically is irreversible.
A cataract is clouding of crystalline lens inside the eye, which is located directly behind the pupil and iris (the colored part of the eye). This clouding appears to be associated oxidation of lens proteins, which disrupts their structure and leads to loss of clarity in the lens. The underlying cause for these lens changes is unknown, but risk factors include long-term nutritional deficiencies, overexposure to the sun's UV rays, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Like glaucoma, the risk for cataracts increases with age. But cataracts also can occur in young people as a complication of diabetes and other health problems, or from prolonged use of steroids or other medications. Cataracts also can be caused by trauma to the head or eyes, and some cataracts are congenital, affecting newborn infants.
The progression of cataracts is unpredictable: they can progress slowly, taking years to significantly affect vision, or they can worsen and cause vision problems relatively quickly.
Cataracts usually are detected during an eye exam, often before they cause significant vision loss. Symptoms of cataracts include glare and halos around lights (especially when driving at night), blurred vision and reduced vibrancy of colors. Like most types of glaucoma, cataracts do not cause eye pain.
When vision problems from cataracts become bothersome, it's time for cataract surgery. The surgery takes only a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Modern cataract eye surgery is a two-step procedure: First, the surgeon breaks up the cloudy lens into small pieces with an ultrasonic probe in a process called phacoemulsification, and gently removes them from the eye with suction. After cataract removal is complete, he or she then implants a clear intraocular lens (IOL) in the eye to replace the natural lens.
IOLs used for cataract surgery are available in many different styles and powers, and the surgeon chooses a lens power to correct or reduce any pre-existing nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you have astigmatism, a special "toric" IOL designed to correct astigmatism (as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness) may be used.
Other premium IOLs include accommodating IOLs (Crystalens) and multifocal IOLs. Both are designed to correct presbyopia and reduce the need for bifocals or reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Routine eye exams can help you avoid significant vision loss from cataracts. If cataracts occur and your vision is beginning to be affected, your general eye doctor can refer you to a surgeon for a cataract operation before your vision becomes significantly blurred.
Modern cataract surgery typically is highly successful and is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in America. For the best possible outcome, be sure to follow your cataract surgeon's advice before, during and after your surgery.
For more information on cataracts and cataract surgery, please visit the Consumer Guide to Cataracts.