There are several people suffering from both Cataracts and Macular Degeneration today. Both conditions are degenerative to the eye and can cause severe visual loss. Their only real difference is what visual areas are affected by each condition. Management of both conditions can be done, however time and a managed team must be used to improve the overall outcome of both conditions. Though over the course of time many patients have some difficulty with reoccurring Cataracts, the conditions can be treated relatively well.

Cataracts:

In Cataracts the peripheral field is affected slowly over time. In some cases of Cataracts or when other conditions cause it such as Diabetes Mellitis the vision loss can become severe much faster causing severe vision loss within six months to a year in some cases. The peripheral field covers 97.9 % of the retina giving great difficulty to those suffering with Cataracts.

Symptoms: 

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  Blurred Vision
  

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  Increased trouble with night vision
  

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  Increased sensitivity to light
  

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  Halos or Spots
  

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  Floaters
  

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  Double Vision
  

Macular Degneration:

Macular Degeneration is also a progressive condition generally affecting those who are 50 plus. The most common form is Age-related Macular Degeneration [or AMD]. This condition effects the area of the retina that controls the central vision field or the macula. The Macula covers 2.1 % of the retina. It controls your ability to recognize faces, seperate dark from light colors, and straightens your vision allowing your to focus.

Symptoms:

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  Drusen
  

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  Pigmentary Atecutions
  

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  Exudative changes, hemorrhages in eye
  

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  Atrophy Incipient and geographic
  

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  Visual Acuity drastically decreasing [ 2 levels or more 20/20 to 20/80]
  

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  Blurred Vision
  

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  Centract Scotomas (shadows or missing areas)
  

Having one of the above conditions can be managed with treatments and you can still have a increased quality of vision. However having both conditions can pose problems later as they work to interrupt vision. This can cause a severe lack of vision in both eyes and can cause severe vision loss. Since both macular and peripheral fields are affected. This causes severe difficulty for the patient suffering from both conditions.

In addition they have seen an increase in those being diagnosed with macular degeneration after having Cataracts surgery while the National Institute of Ophthalmology doesn't have evidence of a connection they do state be cautions. Our eyes need help as we age and making sure that you take care of them and get a yearly eye exam will ensure your vision stays with you.

For more information on eye health visit: www.BoxerWachler.com