Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration: the basics
Topic: Health Basics
Reading time: 4 min
Vision changes can creep up slowly. Regular eye exams matter because some problems are treatable—and some are “silent” until they’re advanced.
Cataracts (common and usually treatable)
- Often feels like cloudy or blurry vision, glare at night, needing brighter light.
- Many people do well with surgery when it’s the right time.
Glaucoma (often silent early)
- Can damage the optic nerve without obvious symptoms at first.
- That’s why eye pressure checks and optic nerve evaluation matter.
Macular degeneration (central vision)
- Can affect reading and recognizing faces.
- Early detection can help protect vision.
Practical move: If night driving is getting hard, don’t just “push through.” Ask your eye clinician about glare, cataracts, and prescription changes.
Questions to ask at your eye visit
- “Do you see cataracts, and if so, how advanced are they?”
- “Am I at risk for glaucoma, and how are we monitoring it?”
- “Do you see signs of macular degeneration?”
- “Are any of my medications affecting my eyes?”
Related: Vision and hearing after 60.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics or Common Issues.