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Cataracts, Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration


Normal Optic Nerve vs. Optic Nerve with GlaucomaGlaucoma is a group of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. This condition is characterized by loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of peripheral (side) vision. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits the visual signals from the eye to the brain. The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. This increase in pressure may cause progressive damage to the optic nerve and loss of nerve fibers. Vision loss may result. Advanced glaucoma may even cause blindness. Not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and many people with normal eye pressure will develop glaucoma. When the pressure inside an eye is too high for that particular optic nerve, whatever that pressure measurement may be, glaucoma will develop.


The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and usually without any symptoms. Many people do not become aware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred. It initially affects peripheral or side vision, but can advance to central vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to significant loss of vision in both eyes, and may even lead to blindness.

A less common type of glaucoma, acute angle closure glaucoma, usually occurs abruptly due to a rapid increase of pressure in the eye. Its symptoms may include severe eye pain, nausea, redness in the eye, seeing colored rings around lights, and blurred vision. This condition is an ocular emergency, and medical attention should be sought immediately, as severe vision loss can occur quickly.

Glaucoma cannot currently be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early it can usually be controlled. Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. However, vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why Dr. Felton and the American Optometric Association recommend a yearly dilated eye examination for people at risk for glaucoma as a preventive eye care measure. Depending on your specific condition, Dr. Felton may recommend more frequent examinations.


A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Clouding of the lens occurs as a result of changes in the proteins and lens fibers. Depending upon its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in people over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Once the lens is clouded by a cataract, light is scattered so the lens can no longer focus it properly, causing vision problems.


A nuclear cataract is located in the center of the lens. The nucleus tends to darken changing from clear to yellow and sometimes brown.

A cortical cataract affects the layer of the lens surrounding the nucleus. It is identified by its unique wedge or spoke appearance.


Cataracts generally form very slowly. As the cararact worsens, vision symptoms tend to increase in severity.  Signs and symptoms of a cataract may include:

  • Blurred, hazy, or vision
  • Reduced intensity of colors
  • Increased difficulty seeing at night
  • Changes in the eye's prescription

Macular Degeneration



