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They share similar symptoms and risk factors, such as age, but they differ in the part of the eye affected and how doctors treat them. Share on PinterestMoMo Productions/Getty ImagesGlaucoma and macular degeneration are progressive eye conditions that affect millions of people in the United States. Doctors also call macular degeneration “age-related macular degeneration.” Although both conditions can affect vision, different eye areas sustain damage. In macular degeneration, the center part of the retina deteriorates, whereas glaucoma impacts the optic nerve and affects peripheral vision. This article compares macular degeneration and glaucoma, including their symptoms, risk factors, and treatment and prevention options. It also explores whether the two conditions are related and how they differ from cataracts. Overview of macular degeneration Macular degeneration affects the retina, which is responsible for central vision in the eye. It collects images a person sees and transmits them to the optic nerve. When damage to central vision occurs, it interferes with a person’s ability to see well enough to drive, read, and recognize faces. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is more common and develops gradually over time. Wet macular degeneration causes abnormal blood vessel development under the macula, an area at the center of the retina that processes visual information. It can cause severe vision loss and develops more quickly. If symptoms appear, a person requires immediate treatment from a doctor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for people ages 65 years and older in the U.S. Symptoms and vision changes The symptoms and vision changes related to macular degeneration include:hazy visioncolors appearing less vibrantgradual central vision losslight sensitivitywritten text appearing blurrytrouble recognizing faces A person should book an appointment for an eye test if they are experiencing any of these symptoms. Risk factors Certain factors may increase a person’s chances of developing macular degeneration. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) identifies the following risk factors:being over 60 years oldfamily history of macular degenerationsmokinghaving high blood pressurehaving obesity Read more about macular degeneration here. Overview of glaucoma Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve in the eye. It can develop if fluid made by the eye does not flow out correctly. If this occurs, eye pressure may increase. Although there are different types of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, about 3 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, but only 50% know they have the condition. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Symptoms and vision changes Glaucoma may not cause any symptoms initially, so some people do not know they have it. Once symptoms and vision changes start, they may include:tunnel visiongradual loss of side visionblurred vision A person should book an eye exam to check any of the above symptoms. Risk factors Glaucoma can develop in anyone, but certain high risk groups include a person who:is over 60 years oldhas a family history of glaucomahas diabetesis African Americanhas severe myopia (nearsightedness)has hyperopia (farsightedness), though this specifically increases the risk of angle-closure glaucoma Read more about glaucoma here. What are the differences between the two The vision loss in glaucoma typically affects side vision, while macular degeneration tends to impact central vision. The conditions do not have a cure. Treatments may slow vision loss, but they will not restore it. It is vital to start treatment as early as possible to preserve vision. Treatment for macular degeneration includes anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications. These medications block chemicals that cause abnormal blood vessel development. Read about whether treatments can reverse macular degeneration here. Meanwhile, glaucoma treatment usually involves:eye dropsbeta-blockersAzopt (brinzolamide)prostaglandinslaser proceduresmicrosurgeryincisional surgery, such as a trabeculectomy or tube-shunt Are macular degeneration and glaucoma related According to the AAO, multiple genes may influence the development of macular degeneration and glaucoma. At present, the AAO does not recommend routine genetic testing for inherited eye conditions. Although macular degeneration and glaucoma involve multiple genes, behavioral and demographic factors can also influence these conditions to develop. If both conditions occur together, though not actively affecting each other, the visual impairment will affect a larger area of vision than just glaucoma alone. Preventions It is not always possible to prevent glaucoma or macular degeneration, as not all risk factors are controllable. However, there are some steps a person can take to decrease their risk of both conditions, such as:avoiding smokingwearing sunglasses to decrease exposure to UV lightreaching or maintaining a moderate weightmonitoring cholesterol levels wearing eye protection when appropriate to help prevent eye injuriesvisiting an eye doctor regularly to diagnose any eye conditions early and slow vision loss Research from 2019 suggested that vitamin C and vitamin E act as antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress of the retina or macular region of the eye. So these vitamins could play a role in helping prevent macular degeneration. However, more studies are needed to explore the prevention of early development and the treatment of macular degeneration and other eye-related complications, including glaucoma and cataracts. How do they compare with cataracts Several other eye conditions can lead to impaired vision and eventually blindness. For example, if left untreated, cataracts can cause loss of vision. Similar to macular degeneration and glaucoma, cataracts tend to develop in older adults. Similar symptoms may include:blurred visionfaded color visiondistortion of visionsymptoms occurring gradually Unlike macular degeneration and glaucoma, surgery to treat cataracts is an option that typically corrects the problem and improves vision. Read more about cataract surgery here. Outlook The outlook for people with either macular degeneration or glaucoma may vary based on the form of each eye condition and how early the diagnosis occurred. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to slow vision loss. However, both conditions are progressive, and they typically lead to some degree of vision loss. A person can attend an eye test, and the optician may refer them for further testing or treatments. Learn more about types of eye doctors here. Summary Macular degeneration and glaucoma both affect the eyes and can lead to vision loss. It is not always possible to prevent either eye condition, but regular eye exams may increase the chances of an early diagnosis and ensure treatment starts promptly. Although there is no cure, treatment may help slow vision loss. It is vital to start treatment as early as possible to preserve vision. Last medically reviewed on April 11, 2022Eye Health / Blindness 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Boyd, K. (2021). What is glaucoma? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucomaDang, S. (2016). Genetic research sheds new light on AMD and glaucoma, two leading causes of blindness.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/genetic-research-amd-glaucoma-causesDoes macular degeneration affect glaucoma? (2016).https://www.glaucoma.org/q-a/does-macular-degeneration-affect-glaucoma.phpGlaucoma facts and stats. (2017).https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/glaucoma-facts-and-stats.phpKhoo, H. E., et al. (2019). Nutrients for prevention of macular degeneration and eye-related diseases.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523787/Learn about age-related macular degeneration. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/macular-degeneration.htmlOverview: Glaucoma. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/Paulose, S. (2022). Risk factors for glaucoma.https://visionaware.org/your-eye-condition/glaucoma/risk-factors/Turbet, D. (2021). Lower your risk of macular degeneration.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/top-5-risk-factors-amdWhat is macular degeneration? (n.d.).https://www.macular.org/what-macular-degenerationFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Grace Zhang, MD — By MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT on April 11, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat is glaucoma?Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to vision loss. It is common among older adults and those with some health conditions. 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