Glaucoma vs Cataracts: What Seniors in Lawton Should Know

In 2025, Lawton, OK, ranked among the top 10 U.S. cities for veterans to live. Many local seniors are veterans who face a higher risk of eye issues.

That's why understanding glaucoma vs cataracts is so important. Glaucoma awareness plays a key role in early detection and protecting vision.

At Morada Lawton, we're dedicated to helping our residents maintain their eye health and independence. Keep reading to learn the key differences between cataracts and glaucoma, warning signs, and why regular eye care matters for seniors in Lawton.

What Seniors Need to Know About Glaucoma

Glaucoma encompasses several eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, most commonly because of increased pressure inside the eye. It is often called the "silent thief of sight" since symptoms may not show until significant vision loss occurs.

Common Types

The most common form is open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly with no early symptoms.

Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but can cause sudden eye pain and vision problems

Normal-tension glaucoma occurs even when eye pressure is within normal limits. The exact cause is unclear, but it may relate to blood flow issues.

Risk Factors

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. If you have a family history of the condition, it could increase your risk. Other common risk factors include having diabetes or long-term use of steroid medications, both of which can increase pressure inside the eye and contribute to optic nerve damage.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts develop as the lens of the eye gradually becomes clouded by changes in its protein structure, leading to blurred or dulled vision. They're most often related to aging and tend to develop slowly over time. While they can affect one eye more than the other, both eyes are usually involved.

Several factors can raise the risk of cataracts, including prolonged exposure to UV light, smoking, and health conditions like diabetes. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans age 80 or older have either developed cataracts or had surgery to treat them.

Glaucoma vs Cataracts: How They Change Vision

Both glaucoma and cataracts affect eyesight, but they do so in very different ways. Understanding how each condition impacts vision can help older adults recognize symptoms and seek the right care.

Glaucoma:

Causes a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Often progresses unnoticed until damage has occurred
Vision loss is permanent and cannot be restored
Damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye

Cataracts:

Causes cloudy or dim vision
Often leads to difficulty seeing at night or in bright light
Vision loss is usually reversible with surgery
Affects the eye's natural lens rather than the nerve

Recognizing Cataract Signs Before They Disrupt Daily Life

Cataracts often develop slowly, making their early signs easy to overlook. Many older adults first notice a general blurriness or a foggy quality to their vision. Colors may seem faded, and lights, especially headlights at night, can cause uncomfortable glare.

While cataracts don't usually cause pain or redness, they can still make simple tasks more difficult. Reading becomes frustrating. Recognizing faces gets harder. Nighttime driving may feel unsafe.

Poor vision can lead to social isolation, particularly among men and older adults. According to the Review of Optometry, isolation is linked to declines in cognitive function. Staying socially connected plays an important role in keeping the mind sharp.

Catching cataract signs early gives seniors a better chance of maintaining independence. It helps protect not just vision but the social bonds that support overall health and quality of life.

Senior Eye Health and Key Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma symptoms can vary based on the type and stage, and often, there are no warning signs in the early phases. Open-angle glaucoma usually starts without symptoms but gradually causes patchy blind spots in peripheral vision. As it progresses, central vision may also become affected.

Normal-tension glaucoma also begins quietly with no early symptoms. Most people notice a gradual blurring and loss of side vision over time.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma presents suddenly with:

Severe eye pain
Headaches
Nausea
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye redness

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend contacting an eye specialist or visiting the emergency room right away if symptoms appear suddenly, especially intense headaches or severe eye pain.

Lawton Health Education: Diagnosis and Screening

Regular comprehensive eye exams remain the best way to detect vision changes caused by glaucoma and cataracts. Seniors over 60, or anyone with risk factors, should stay consistent with screening guidelines to protect long-term vision health.

At Morada Lawton, we support residents with health and well-being programs that encourage preventive care and regular screenings. These programs help residents stay proactive about their vision and overall wellness.

Local providers, including the Lawton VA Clinic, offer trusted care options for early diagnosis and follow-up.

Through our Military Veterans Program, our residents who have served their country also gain access to Patriot Angels, a resource that helps veterans qualify for and receive their earned benefits.

Finally, August is designated as National Eye Exam Month, so you have plenty of time to check your calendar and schedule an eye exam. Now is the perfect time to make eye health part of everyday aging in Lawton.

When Glaucoma and Cataracts Coexist

Sometimes it's not a matter of glaucoma vs cataracts. Some seniors live with both conditions at the same time.

Advanced cataracts can raise intraocular pressure, making glaucoma more difficult to manage. In these cases, coordinated care between eye specialists is essential to protect remaining vision and prevent complications.

Treatment may involve addressing the cataract first to improve visibility and help monitor glaucoma more effectively. Ongoing follow-up is especially important to adjust care as both conditions evolve.

Living Well in Your Senior Years

Understanding glaucoma vs cataracts helps older adults face aging and vision loss with more confidence. Early diagnosis, the right care, and supportive routines can make a meaningful difference in daily life.

At Morada Lawton, we offer personalized care and health-focused programs that help residents stay active even as vision changes. Our team supports independence while providing gentle oversight when it's needed most.