What are the Differences Between Cataracts and Glaucoma
DR. MUKESH PATIL In Cataract
Cataracts and glaucoma are common eye disorders that affect our vision and the overall health of the eye. Both conditions have some similar symptoms and risk factors but their causes and treatments differ. Millions of people dealing with those conditions worldwide and many of them are unaware of their symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and the importance of taking treatment in the initial stage can improve the condition. In this blog, we will learn about cataract vs. glaucoma: what are the differences between cataracts and glaucoma as well as their symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments.
What is Glaucoma?
The increased fluid pressure inside your eye causes glaucoma, also called a silent thief or sight. Our eyes are filled with Aqueous humor (fluid) and refresh it daily. The older fluid exits from the eyes through a meshwork drainage field and a small opening. The new fluid replaces the old fluid to keep the pressure gradient inside the eyeball. If the drainage angle does not work properly, fluid increases, and pressure inside the eye rises, which damages the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is of two types: open-angle and closed-angle.
Open-angle glaucoma – is the most common type of glaucoma where the eye’s fluid drainage is clogged and does not drain fluid. As a result, the pressure increases in the eyes and the optic nerve gets damaged. This kind of glaucoma does not cause pain and changes in vision at first.
Closed-angle glaucoma – this kind of glaucoma happens when the iris is very close to the angle of drainage. The iris can block this angle by which the fluid pressure in the eyes increases very quickly. It requires prompt medical attention.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Intense eye pain
- Blurry vision
- Seeing halos around bright lights
- Feel pressure inside the eye
- Headaches
- Red eyes
- Vomiting and nausea
- Vision loss
- Patch or blind spots in the eyes
- Tunnel vision
- Whitening of cornea
What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
- Increased intraocular pressure sometimes referred to as internal eye pressure
- Over 55 years old
- Family history of glaucoma
- Some conditions, including sickle cell anemia, diabetes, migraines, and high blood pressure
- Corneas with a thin central layer
- Excessive near- or farsightedness
- Ocular damage or specific procedures involving the eyes
- Using corticosteroid medications for a long duration, especially eye drops
How to Diagnose and Treat Glaucoma
To diagnose glaucoma, your eye doctor reviews your medical record and performs a thorough eye exam including several tests, such as:
- Intraocular pressure measurement, or tonometry
- Dilated eye exam to examine optic nerve damage
- Performing a visual field test, which is another name for identifying visual loss areas
- Pachymetry is a method of measuring corneal thickness.
- Examining the drainage angle (gonioscopy).
The treatment for the initial stage of glaucoma is medicated eye drops which decrease the intraocular pressure inside the eyes. if eye drops aren’t the best option for you or if they don’t work as intended, your ophthalmologist may perform laser surgery to assist your eye fluid drain properly.
In certain instances, the creation of microscopic apertures that permit drainage may require surgery or microsurgical methods. Alternatively, your eye may receive stents or tiny tubes to allow fluid to drain out. For the duration of the procedure, you will be conscious but under sedation and numbed.
What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the transparent lens in your eye that lets light in, which makes it possible to project images onto your retina, which is located in the back of your eye. The proteins in your eyes break down with time. They may adhere to one another to produce brown, yellow, or whitish clumps that obstruct, cloud, or distort your eyesight. Cataracts are these clusters that resemble clouds.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Blurry vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Yellowing or fading of colors
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Double vision
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy in any person with diabetes. The following factors may raise your risk of getting the eye condition:
- having long-term diabetes
- inadequate management of your blood sugar
- elevated blood pressure
- elevated cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Use of tobacco
- Being black, Hispanic, or Native American
How to Diagnose and Treat Cataracts
A cataract is diagnosed with a simple dilation test during a routine eye test. An ophthalmologist will dilate your pupil with drops which can make it easier to see any cataracts on your lens.
Treatment typically revolves around cataract surgery when the condition significantly impacts daily life, wherein the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This surgery is generally safe and effective, with postoperative care involving the use of eye drops and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision improvement.
Early stages of cataracts may be managed with prescription changes or lifestyle adjustments, but surgery remains the definitive treatment to restore clear vision in affected individuals.
How to Prevent Cataracts?
You can take several steps to reduce the risk of cataracts:
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun
- Quit smoking
- Stop alcohol consumption
- Follow regular eye check-ups
- Control diabetes
The Main Difference Between Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cataracts are caused by the accumulation of broken-down proteins in the eye and glaucoma is caused by the increased pressure of fluid inside the eye. The results of both conditions are different. Cataracts can be treated and restore clear vision but if someone loses vision from glaucoma, then your vision loss is permanent. Glaucoma treatment focuses on decreasing the pressure of fluid inside the eye and saving your vision from further damage.
It’s essential to have routine eye check-ups at the best eye hospital in India to detect any diseases or conditions at their initial stage by which you can start your treatment early and keep your vision healthy.
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