Cataracts and glaucoma are two very common eye conditions that typically happen to older people. Because the two share some similarities, it’s not uncommon to get the two confused. However, these are two distinctly different disorders, so it’s important to separate their symptoms and aftermath so you can understand how they work. It’s also important to have frequent eye exams in Coldwater, MS, so your optometrist can catch any burgeoning signs before they have the chance to spin out of control. We’ll look at what they are, their treatments, and how the right eye doctor can help with both.

Is It Normal to Develop Cataracts and Glaucoma at the Same Time?

Because the two disorders affect different parts of the eye, it is possible to get the two at the same time. Cataracts are an eye lens issue, one where the lens is clouded or yellowed over time. Glaucoma is an optic nerve issue, one that can distorts how images are carried from the eye to the brain. The two conditions are independent of one another, and it’s entirely normal for people with glaucoma to also have cataracts.

If you have age-related cataracts, the most likely scenario, the issue may have taken place over the span of many years. For glaucoma, you’re likely to notice the effects earlier, given the nerve damage. This is why it’s so important to visit the right eye doctor in Coldwater, MS. They can tell you more about how to stop each disorder from progressing.

Treating Eye Disorders in Coldwater

The best treatment for cataracts and glaucoma is typically surgery. Some people will have surgeries for both disorders in one appointment, a decision that can limit their number of appointments and the recovery needed for each one. If you’re looking for an optometrist in Coldwater, MS who can help you learn more about how these conditions work, the staff at Coldwater Vision Center can tell you everything you want to know. These conditions may be entirely normal, but left undetected and untreated, they can eventually have a major impact on your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how eye exams can help you stop the progression sooner than later.