Cataracts and glaucoma each bring their own set of challenges to vision health. Cataracts cloud the lens of your eye, gradually making it harder to see clearly, while glaucoma builds pressure within the eye that can silently steal your vision. Knowing what are the symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma can help you spot these changes early on.

Cataracts: The Slow Blur

Cataracts develop slowly, making it easy to overlook their early symptoms. The first clue for many people is that their vision begins to feel a bit foggy or blurred, especially in dim lighting. You may notice that colors start looking faded or less vibrant than usual.

Another common sign is increased sensitivity to light. If you find yourself squinting or feeling discomfort in bright sunlight or from headlights at night, cataracts may be making your eyes more sensitive. Night driving, in particular, can become more challenging as glare from lights becomes more intense.

Lastly, if you’re needing frequent changes to your glasses or contacts prescription, it might not just be normal aging. Cataracts can cause your vision to fluctuate, leading to a pattern of needing updated lenses more often. If this sounds familiar, it may be worth discussing with your eye doctor.

Glaucoma: The Pressure Is On

Glaucoma is a bit different because it often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages. As pressure in the eye gradually builds, the first sign many people notice is the loss of peripheral, or side, vision. This can go unnoticed until it becomes quite pronounced, so it’s easy to miss.

Another possible symptom is seeing halos or rings around lights, especially at night. This may make nighttime activities, such as driving, uncomfortable or even unsafe. Some people mistake this for a sign of light sensitivity, but with glaucoma, it can indicate nerve damage.

In acute cases of glaucoma, eye pain, headaches, and sudden blurred vision can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. If you experience sharp eye pain along with a headache, it’s essential to seek urgent care, as this type of glaucoma can cause rapid vision loss if untreated.

Recovery Tips After Glaucoma Surgery

For those who have undergone glaucoma surgery, taking the right precautions during recovery is vital. One thing that can help is adjusting how you sleep. Resting with your head slightly elevated—using an extra pillow, for example—can reduce eye pressure and promote healing.

Returning to work varies from person to person, but most people can resume desk jobs within a week, while more physical work may require additional time off. Your doctor will advise on what’s safe based on your specific recovery progress.

Following up with prescribed eye drops and regular check-ups is essential to keep your recovery on track. These drops help control inflammation and reduce the risk of infection, so staying consistent with them can make a big difference. For U.S. residents, finding affordable sources for these medications can be a challenge, but exploring international pharmacies may provide more budget-friendly options.