What’s the Difference Between Cataracts and Macular Degeneration?

Cataracts and Macular Degeneration are eye conditions that tend to develop during the later years of life. Indeed, macular degeneration is often referred to as simply AMD, with the A standing for age-related. Yes, they can both occur earlier in life, but the vast majority of diagnoses are made after the ages of 50 or 60. 

This, however, is where the similarity ends…

Cataracts vs. Macular Degeneration

The big differences between the two are:

• Cataracts affect the lens of the eye, while macular degeneration affects the macula at the back of the eye: Cataracts are caused by proteins within the eye clumping together on the eye lens. This increases over time, causing gradually intensifying vision distortion. Macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the macular (a part of the retina), causing visual changes.
• Cataracts cause the entire visual field to fade, but macular degeneration only affects central vision. Because the diseases affect different parts of the eyes, the symptoms are significantly different—and we’ll get to those in just a moment.
• Vision loss from cataracts can be reversed with surgery, but treatment for macular degeneration is about slowing the disease, not curing it: Cataract surgery replaces the diseased lens and removes the cause. Macular degeneration treatment can’t be reversed (but there are treatments that can slow or even halt its progression).

There is one big similarity between the two, and that is the risk factors behind them. These are known to be:

• Smoking.
• Poor diet and nutrition.
• Excessive alcohol intake.
• Excessive sun exposure.
• Poor cardiovascular health (high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease).

These are all elements that you have some control over. There are also some other known risk factors that you can’t help, but it’s good to be aware of them so you can make a conscious effort to make healthy life choices.

• Ethnicity: AMD is more commonly seen in Northern Europeans. African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics have a higher risk of cataracts (although virtually everyone will eventually develop cataracts if they live long enough).
• Genetics and family history: Both conditions have a genetic link.
• Age: The risk for both conditions increases as you get older.

With any eye disease comparison, and particularly when we’re looking at AMD vs. cataracts, we need to compare the symptoms. Vision loss comes in many forms, and there are distinct differences between how the two diseases present.

Typical AMD symptoms include:

• Blurry central vision.
• Straight lines appear crooked or wavy.
• Developing blank spots in your central vision.
• Colors appear faded.
• Difficulties with vision in low light.

Typical cataract symptoms include:

• Gradually increasing blurred, cloudy, or distorted vision.
• Seeing halos around light sources.
• Photosensitivity (being sensitive to bright light).
• Frequently changing prescriptions.
• Colors appear yellowed or faded.
• Problems with vision in low light, such as difficulty driving at night.

You’ve probably noticed that there are a couple of similarities between the symptoms, although the big vision irregularities of each cause are significantly different. 

The most important takeaway is that all changes in eyesight and blurry vision causes need to be investigated—and sooner, rather than later. If you’re concerned that your eyesight is changing, this is an urgent sign to book an eye doctor appointment. Your eyes are no different from the rest of your body, and the sooner a condition is diagnosed, the quicker a treatment plan can be put in place.

Whether the underlying cause is cataracts, AMD, or anything else, Modern Cataract Surgery can help. We can put you in touch with expert eye doctors close to where you live, no matter what state or city. Your eyesight is the most precious of all your senses, so don’t delay seeking professional help.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/