Difference between Glaucoma and Cataract

Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects your optic nerve. It is caused when a fluid called aqueous humour builds up in the eye. The liquid usually drains through a trabecular meshwork where the iris and cornea meet. The new fluid then replaces the old one, maintaining a steady eye pressure (intraocular pressure). However, if the drainage system does not work correctly, the eye pressure may increase, causing damage to optic nerve tissue and slow vision loss. 

There are two types of glaucoma:

1. Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common kind of glaucoma that occurs when there is a buildup of intraocular pressure due to issues with the eye’s drainage system.
   1. It damages the optic nerve.
   2. The condition develops slowly and affects the side vision first. As more nerves become damaged, it advances to central vision loss.
   3. Open-angle glaucoma usually goes undetected as it causes minor or no symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular eye exams to detect optic nerve damage at an early stage. 
2. Angle-closure glaucoma: It occurs when the iris bulges and blocks the area for fluid drainage in the eye. Consequently, the fluid cannot circulate through the eye and causes the pressure to increase. In this disorder, the blockage happens suddenly, increasing the risk of blindness. It is a dangerous eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. 

A cataract is a common eye condition that develops as you age. It is characterised as the clouding of the lens of your eye. This clear lens is made of proteins and allows light to enter your eye and project images onto the retina at the back of your eye. Over time, the proteins break down and stick together, forming yellow, white, or brown clumps, called cataracts, that cloud or distort the vision. A cataract can develop in one or both eyes.  

The types of cataracts include:

1. Nuclear cataracts: Cataracts that affect the centre of the lens
2. Cortical cataracts: Cataracts that affect the edges of the lens
3. Posterior subcapsular cataracts: Cataracts that affect the back of the lens
4. Congenital cataracts: Cataracts that some people are born with due to genetics, intrauterine infection, or conditions like rubella, myotonic dystrophy, etc. 

While both glaucoma and cataracts can lead to vision loss if not treated early, they are very different conditions. Many people know these conditions exist, but only a few are aware of their difference and how they affect the eye and the vision. The following table contains the most common cataract and glaucoma differences you must be aware of. 

While the symptoms and risk factors of both these conditions may be similar, their causes are quite different. But what are the symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma that can help you understand if you have any of these conditions? The following table compares glaucoma vs cataracts based on their symptoms, causes, and risk factors. 

Apart from its causes, the diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma and cataracts also differ. The following are the differences between glaucoma and cataract based on their diagnosis and treatment. 

Both glaucoma and cataract cannot be prevented entirely. However, specific strategies can help detect, manage, and slow the progression of these conditions. 

1. Get regular eye exams: Regular eye examinations can help detect glaucoma and cataracts early before severe damage happens. As a general rule, 
   1. People below 40 should have an eye exam every 5 to 10 years, 
   2. People between 40 and 54 should have one every 2 to 4 years, 
   3. People between 55 and 64 should get it every 1 to 3 years, 
   4. People above 65 should get it every 1 to 2 years. 
2. Manage other health conditions: You should consult a doctor and follow a treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of developing glaucoma or cataract. 
3. Eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables: Adding fruits and vegetables with antioxidants to your diet will help you get vitamins and nutrients, improving the overall health of your eyes. 
4. Wear eye protection: Ultraviolet light from the sun can result in the development of cataracts. Therefore, you should wear sunglasses when outside to prevent ultraviolet rays. Additionally, you should wear eye protection while playing sports or using power tools, as serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. 

It would help if you visited your eye doctor yearly to get regular eye examinations for glaucoma and cataracts. However, do not wait until your next checkup if you experience sudden changes in your vision. Glaucoma and cataracts are both serious medical conditions. Therefore, you should consult an eye doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

1. Severe eye pain
2. Redness in the eye
3. Blurry vision
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. Sensitivity to light

While there are several differences between glaucoma and cataract, these conditions can eventually cause vision loss if not treated—glaucoma results from the buildup of fluid inside the eye, which causes pressure on the optic nerve. The treatment for glaucoma focuses on reducing this pressure in the eye. Cataracts are caused by the breaking down and accumulating of proteins in the eye lens, resulting in symptoms like cloudy vision, poor night vision, or double vision. The treatment for cataracts focuses on replacing the lens and restoring the vision. 

It is important to get glaucoma and cataracts detected early with regular eye exams. If you are wondering what the symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma are or have been experiencing those for a long time, our team at HexaHealth can help you find the best ophthalmologist in your area. Contact an HexaHealth expert TODAY for any more doubts about glaucoma vs cataracts.