Blog Hero

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts & Glaucoma?

Request Appointment
Older person with eyes closed, gently touching one eye, appearing to experience discomfort.

Cataracts and Glaucoma are 2 common eye conditions that can cause vision loss and other complications if left untreated. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and sensitivity to light. Glaucoma, on the other hand, is often caused by damage to the optic nerve, but it can also lead to gradual vision loss, starting with peripheral vision.

While these conditions affect the eyes in different ways, they do share some similar symptoms, such as blurry vision and difficulty focusing. However,  it is important to recognize the specific symptoms of each condition to seek proper treatment. Routine eye exams are essential for catching both conditions early and avoiding complications.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens which can lead to blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly. They often develop slowly over time and may not be noticeable at first. As they progress, however, cataracts can significantly impact one’s ability to see properly.

Some common symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurry or cloudy vision
  • Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
  • Sensitivity to bright lights and glare
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Double vision in one eye
  • Fading or yellowing of colours

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically has no early warning signs. As the condition progresses, however, it can cause permanent vision loss. 

Some of the common symptoms that can develop when you have glaucoma include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision)
  • Blurry or hazy vision
  • Severe headaches or eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Halos around lights

Glaucoma is often related to high eye pressure, but it can also occur when your eye pressure is at normal levels. Routine eye exams are especially important if your family members have glaucoma or if you have conditions that can put you at a higher risk, such as diabetes

How to Identify & Treat Cataracts & Glaucoma

Smiling older patient undergoing an eye test with a phoropter, guided by an optometrist.

The best way to identify cataracts or glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an eye doctor. During the exam, we will check for any changes in your vision and measure the pressure in your eyes.

If you are diagnosed with cataracts, we may recommend surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. This is a common and safe procedure that can significantly improve your vision.

For those with glaucoma, treatment options may include prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser therapy, or surgery to improve drainage in the eyes. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for monitoring and managing glaucoma to prevent further vision loss.

Similarities & Differences Between Cataracts & Glaucoma

While both cataracts and glaucoma can cause gradual vision loss, they affect the eyes in different ways. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens, while glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve.

One similarity between these 2 conditions is that they are both more common in older adults and people with diabetes. In addition, regular eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment of both cataracts and glaucoma.

Another difference is that the surgical treatment for cataracts is very common and highly successful. Glaucoma can still be treated, but the process for managing it is more complex, and symptoms cannot be as easily reversed as they can with cataracts—vision loss caused by glaucoma is typically permanent. 

Prevention & Lifestyle Changes

While there is no sure way to prevent cataracts or glaucoma, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain good eye health, including:

  • Protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses or a hat when outdoors
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants
  • Quitting smoking, as it can increase the risk of both conditions
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that can contribute to eye diseases

It is also crucial to attend regular eye exams, especially if you are over the age of 60 or have a family history of cataracts or glaucoma. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your vision.

Let’s Prioritize Your Eye Health Together

At Eyesis Eyecare, we are dedicated to providing personalized eye care tailored to your unique needs. If you’ve noticed any changes in your vision or have concerns about conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, we’re here to help. 

Our experienced eye doctors will work closely with you to understand your concerns and create a thoughtful plan to help protect and improve your eye health. Contact us today for a comprehensive eye exam and let us help you see the world clearly.

Written by
Dr. Kam Dhiman

More Articles By
Dr. Kam Dhiman

Protecting Your Eyes & Vision Is What We Do

Our clinic is fully equipped with modern technology used to manage eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, and retinal diseases. We’re ready to support your eye health.

When it comes to keeping your eyes safe at work, we value providing safety glasses that meet your needs. No matter your field of work, we can help give your eyes the protection they deserve.

Why Choose Us?

We have been serving Calgary families for decades.

Routine eye exams for children & seniors with a valid Alberta Health Care card are fully covered in our clinic.

We provide eye exams for children with disabilities & special needs.

We welcome emergency eye care patients. Visits are covered under Alberta Health Care.

Our expertise & knowledge always shine through.

We pride ourselves on providing full, comprehensive eye exams without hidden charges.

Our clinic can provide services in both Spanish & Punjabi in addition to English.

Direct Billing

Come Visit Us in Southeast Calgary

How to Find Us

Eyesis Eyecare is located in the Riverbend Shopping Centre on 18th Street SE, near the VCA Canada Riverbend Animal Hospital.

Our Clinic can accommodate wheelchair patients who can safely transfer themselves (or with their own assistant). We are unable to assist in transfers as we do not have a fully wheelchair equipped exam room/bathroom.

Where to park?

We are located in the Riverbend Shopping Centre, so there is plenty of parking available in front of the clinic. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our Address

  • #346, 8338 18 St.
  • SE Calgary, AB T2C4E4

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

*Closed daily from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on all weekdays

*Closed on all statutory holidays

Our Blog

A young child with myopia holding up a contact lens on their finger against a white background.

One potential treatment for myopia is MiSight® 1 day, which are soft contact lenses intended to help slow myopia’s progression in children between the ages of 8 and 12.
[…]

Read More… from What Are MiSightⓇ 1 day Contact Lenses?

Two women wearing Onguard safety glasses stand outdoors at a construction site.

Onguard Safety Glasses are high-quality protective eyewear designed to shield your eyes during work in hazardous environments or while tackling home improvement projects. […]

Read More… from What is Onguard Safety Glasses?

Close-up of reflective blue light on a person's eyeglasses, highlighting the lenses.

The short answer is yes, you can wear blue light glasses all the time if you want to. […]

Read More… from Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax