Both glaucoma and cataracts are physical conditions which cause loss of vision. Cataracts are progressive and painless and appear by a loss of openness; glaucoma on the other hand can be either quick and painful or slow and subtle.
Main Differences Between Cataract and Glaucoma
The optical system of the eye allows us to see. When light enters the eye, it is focused by the lens onto the retina, which perceives the image, much in the same way a camera lens focuses light onto the film torecord a picture. As we age, the normally clear lens begins to thicken and gradually becomes discolored. This condition is called a cataract. This results in a loss of vision, and occurs at different rates in different individuals. Vision loss in glaucoma occurs because of damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Because of its similarity to the nerve cells (called neurons) of the brain, once it is injured it cannot be repaired. The loss of nerve cells is irreversible.
Cataracts and glaucoma may occur together in the same person. For most people, these two disease processes are separate and distinct and may progress at different rates. It is important to remember that a cataract is a reversible form of vision loss and that glaucoma is not. Permanent loss of vision from glaucoma, however, can be prevented in most people by early detection and careful follow-up examinations to detect early signs that the eye is being damaged, followed by appropriate, timely intervention should these signs develop.
Difference in Feeling
A cataract is a modification in the lens of the eye; the outcome is cloudiness as light is avoided from getting in the eye effectively. Glaucoma is a condition where a buildup of pressure in the eye triggers damage to the optic nerve which is the crucial link of the eye to the brain which processes visual details. Cataracts are unlikely to be the cause of blindness, not so with Glaucoma; it can cause irreparable loss of sight and should be treated.
Difference in Complications for Human
Glaucoma and cataracts are more common in individuals who struggle with diabetes. Although glaucoma may be worse in one eye than the other, normally both eyes are affected. There are a number of various types of glaucoma, the most regular is called “open angle”; it develops gradually. The cause is fluid which gathers in the chamber in the front of the eye; under normal scenarios this fluid drains away as new fluid is produced to change it. When it comes to glaucoma, this fluid is avoided from flowing out when the minute drains pipes ended up being blocked, as new fluid continues to be made, pressure develops in the eye and eventually the optic nerve is damaged.
Glaucoma Treatment vs. Cataract Treatment
Both cataracts and glaucoma can be treated surgically however sadly the loss of vision caused by glaucoma can not be reversed whereas it can be reversed with cataract surgery. When cataracts begin to have a detrimental impact on daily life, it is time to have them surgically got rid of. With glaucoma, the symptoms are very various; it can take place unexpectedly and can be the cause of fast loss of sight along with sharp pain, nausea and blurred vision.
Cataract surgery is various than the surgery utilized to deal with glaucoma. When it comes to cataracts, the lens of the eye is eliminated and replaced with a synthetic lens; glaucoma surgery often includes the use of a laser which is utilized to open the small canals which are obstructed, stopping the fluid from escaping from the front of the eye. When the conditions are captured and correctly dealt with, the outcome can be favorable. When it comes to cataracts, there often is no degree of seriousness, with glaucoma early medical diagnosis and intervention is essential.
