Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are two of the most common causes of vision loss and blindness, particularly in people over the age of 50. Both diseases are progressive and degenerative, and neither is currently curable, though they can both be managed with treatment and supportive lifestyle habits. While aspects of the two conditions overlap, they also have their differences regarding symptoms, risk factors, and treatments. 

Disease Basics of AMD and Glaucoma

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when parts of your macula, the center of your eye’s retina, get thinner and clumps of protein build up, obscuring your vision. This is known as  “dry” AMD, and it accounts for about 80% to 85% of all AMD cases. For some people, however, dry AMD becomes “wet” over time. This happens when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath your retina and leak blood or other fluids. This causes vision loss to progress faster. 

Glaucoma occurs when aqueous humor, a fluid naturally produced by the eye, does not drain properly. The inadequate drainage causes a buildup of pressure inside your eye and damages the optic nerve. This damage usually progresses over the course of many years and is often not detected until moderate to advanced stages of the disease.

 Symptoms of AMD and Glaucoma

AMD is usually painless. Symptoms develop gradually, and may include:

• Reduced central vision in one or both eyes
• Visual distortions, such as straight lines looking bent
• A blurry or blind spot in your central vision (peripheral vision may be normal)
• Increased blurriness of printed words
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• The need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work
• Reduced brightness or intensity of colors
• Increased difficulty adapting to low light levels

Glaucoma can manifest differently in different people, and each type has some unique characteristics. Like AMD, most types of glaucoma progress slowly and are painless. Unlike AMD, with open-angle glaucoma (the most common type), vision loss usually occurs in your peripheral (side) vision first and progresses toward your central vision over time. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more severe. Symptoms include: 

• Sudden, severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Halos or rainbow-colored rings around light sources

If not treated immediately, angle-closure glaucoma can result in blindness within a matter of hours or days. If you experience the above symptoms, seek emergency help.

Risk Factors of AMD and Glaucoma

Risk factors for AMD can include:

• Family history of macular degeneration  
• White or European ancestry 
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Diet high in saturated fats
• High blood pressure

Controlling lifestyle factors and addressing underlying health conditions can help reduce your risk of developing AMD.

Risk factors for the different types of glaucoma include:

• Being over 40 years of age
• Family history of glaucoma
• African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
• Personal history of high eye pressure, eye injury, migraines, and/or poor blood circulation
• Farsightedness or nearsightedness
• Long-term steroid use
• Corneas that are thin in the center
• Thinning optic nerve

As with AMD, risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and diet can and should be addressed if you want to lower your risk of developing glaucoma and slow its progression. 

Treatments for AMD and Glaucoma

There is currently no cure for dry AMD. People with the disease can work with a low-vision rehabilitation specialist to help optimize their home and work environments for living more conveniently with progressive vision loss. This includes helping to eliminate tripping hazards, and teaching techniques for shopping, reading, and cooking that leverage peripheral vision. Available assistive products include magnification tools, high-lumen light sources, glare reducers, and books and electronics with large print or fonts. Surgery to implant a telescopic lens in the eye is also an option for some. Speak with your ophthalmologist to find out if you are an eligible candidate. 

Treatments for glaucoma usually begin with medicated eye drops that need to be administered on a strict daily schedule. Other treatments include medication-release micro-implants, laser therapy, and more invasive surgeries that either repair the eye’s drainage system or divert drainage to a new pathway. The primary goal of all glaucoma treatment is to decrease eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Both AMD and glaucoma can be resisted by improving and maintaining overall good health. Eating a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables and getting exercise and not smoking can go a long way in supporting heart health, which also supports eye health. In addition, since both eye conditions tend to advance into late stages without obvious symptoms, it’s important to keep your routine eye exams. The earlier an eye condition is identified, the better chance you have of preserving your vision. 

*Assid, P. (2021, Sep. 20). Macular Degeneration vs. Glaucoma: What Are the Differences? Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/macular-degenerations-vs-glaucoma-5194042