August 03, 2010
Macular Degeneration and Cataracts
Since both of these eye conditions commonly affect the older, senior population, it is not uncommon for a person with macular degeneration to also develop a cataract in one or both eyes.
Cataract Symptoms
Just like with macular degeneration, in the beginning a person can develop cataracts without having symptoms. But as the proteins in the lens start to clump and cluster together, the cataract starts to “grow” and cataract symptoms become more apparent.Less light is able to get through a clustered area to the retina making one’s vision cloudy and blurry.
Where the cataract is located on the lens will also affect the symptoms a person experiences.
It’s not all the simple to distinguish whether one’s vision changes are from age related macular degeneration or from cataracts.
According to Dr. Lylas Mogk, author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight,
"With very advanced cataracts ... you may also have macular degeneration without knowing it, because your doctor can't see through the cataracts to detect the AMD."
If the blurry vision is from a cataract, your vision will be clearer once the cataract is removed. But if the blurred vision is from macular degeneration, the blurred vision will still be present after the cataract surgery.
However, the symptoms of macular degeneration and cataracts also have some differences.
To help you learn about cataract symptoms click here:
Cataract Symptoms
To learn about macular degeneration symptoms click here:
Macular Degeneration Symptoms
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Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
Better Health for Better Vision
www.WebRN-MacularDegeneration.com