Cataracts and presbyopia are both common age-related vision conditions but they differ in their causes and effects on vision.

Cataract

Cataract refers to the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye which results in blurry or foggy vision. It is typically due to the aging process. However, they can also be caused by other factors such as:

• Genetics
• Trauma
• Medications
• Underlying medical conditions

As we grow older the proteins in the lens can clump together and form a cloudy area that results in obstructing light passage and eventually it affects vision.

Symptoms of Cataract

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Increased sensitivity to glare
• Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
• Reduced color perception
• Double vision

Treatment of Cataracts

Treatment includes the surgical intervention in which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate in restoring clear vision.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It occurs due to a gradual loss of flexibility in the lens and the weakening of the muscles responsible for controlling its shape. Presbyopia usually becomes noticeable in individuals around 40 and progresses over time.

 Symptoms of Presbyopia

• Difficulty focusing on close-up objects
• Eye strain or fatigue
• Need for brighter lighting
• Requiring an arm’s length for reading

Treatment of Presbyopia

Presbyopia is typically addressed with corrective lenses such as:

• Reading glasses
• Bifocals
• Progressive lenses
• Multifocal contact lenses

These lenses compensate for near vision loss by providing additional focusing power.

In summary, cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens leading to blurry vision. Presbyopia is the loss of near vision due to age-related lens changes. For cataract surgery is required while for presbyopia glasses or contact lenses can be used to restore vision.