Having an impaired vision will undoubtedly bring challenges to your daily life. When medical intervention is not given in a timely manner, your chances of losing your eyesight may be permanent. Two of the most common eye conditions that affect many Singaporeans are cataracts and glaucoma. These eye problems have certain similar symptoms, so the chances of mistaking one for the other is high. This is why you should have your eyes evaluated by one of the best cataract doctors in Singapore (https://www.drchelvinsng.com/heres-how-you-can-better-protect-your-eyes-from-cataracts/).
In this article, we will put cataracts and glaucoma under the lens to know more about their causes, compare key distinctions, and explore effective treatments.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eyes become obstructed with a build up of proteins and fibres, which causes the vision to become cloudy. This hazy blockage disables the eye’s ability to properly focus light, making images appear blurry or lackluster. Cataract surgeon Brett Mueller, MD from Fort Worth, TX confirms that cataracts can be cured when detected early as it usually advances
Common Causes of Cataracts:
- Ageing
- Alcohol use
- Diabetes
- Eye injuries
- Extended use of corticosteroids
- Exposure to UV radiation
- Smoking
Primary Symptoms of Cataracts:
- Blurred or foggy eyesight
- Difficulty seeing during night time
- Regular replacement of prescription glasses
- Seeing faded or yellowed colours
- Seeing halos around light
- Sensitivity to light and glare
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged due to an unusually high intraocular pressure (IOP). This group of eye disease normally starts with the loss of peripheral vision and aggravates to total vision loss when left untreated. Unlike cataracts, glaucoma can make you completely and permanently blind.
Common Causes of Glaucoma:
- Ageing – particularly in individuals 60 years old and above
- Elevated intraocular pressure – this condition occurs when there is too much aqueous humor contained in the eye, which heightens the pressure between the cornea and the lens
- Ethnicity – African, Asian, and Hispanic races are more prone to this condition
- Family history of glaucoma
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Severe farsightedness or nearsightedness
- Thin corneas
Primary Symptoms of Glaucoma:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision gradually (initial stages)
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the eyes
- Seeing halos around lights
- Tunnel vision (advanced stages)
Diagnosis: How do we correctly identify cataracts and glaucoma?
Getting an accurate diagnosis is critical to be able to provide the right treatment for cataract and glaucoma. Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect the symptoms of these conditions early.
- Methods to diagnose cataracts:
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- Retinal exam following pupil dilation
- Slit-lamp examination to check the lens
- Visual acuity test
- Methods to diagnose glaucoma:
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- Gonioscopy – examines the angle of the eye’s drainage
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – evaluates the optic nerve
- Tonometry – measures the pressure in the eye
- Visual field test – checks the peripheral vision
Treatment Options: Cataracts vs Glaucoma
Cataract Treatment
Lifestyle adjustments and visual aids. The progression of cataracts during its early stages can be delayed by adapting lifestyle changes and using visual aids.
Surgery. Cataract surgery is recommended when the condition has worsened and no longer responds to any alternative treatments. To remove the cataract, your ophthalmologist will take out the cloudy lens and replace it with an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, has a high success rate and fewer complications or risks. Undergoing cataract surgery will restore your clear vision, improve your perception of colours, and possibly reduce your need for prescription glasses.
Glaucoma Treatment
There is no permanent cure for glaucoma, but there are available treatments that can delay its advancement and protect your current level of vision. Routine eye appointments and following your ophthalmologist’s strict treatment plan is crucial for glaucoma management and prevent irreversible loss of vision.
Laser Treatments. Glaucoma can be treated using lasers, specifically laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma and laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma.
Medicated Eye Drops. Prescription eye drops can decrease the pressure in the eye by promoting proper fluid drainage or reducing the production for aqueous humor.
Oral Medications. Medicines may be given if the eye drops alone cannot provide relief.
Surgery. Trabeculectomy, or tube shunt surgery, can help improve the outflow of fluid. For moderate conditions, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) can be performed.
Cataracts vs. Glaucoma: A Side-by-side Comparison
| Characteristics | Cataracts | Glaucoma |
| Root Cause | Breakdown of proteins and fibres in the lens | Damage to the optic nerve caused by pressure |
| Symptoms | Blurred vision, faded colours, glare | Eye pain, loss of eyesight, tunnel vision, |
| Onset | Slow and progressive | Can either be slow (open-angle) or sudden (acute) |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes and visual devices for mild to moderate conditions; Cataract surgery for severe stages | Prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, eye surgery |
| Preventable | Yes, given timely intervention during its early stages | Progress can be delayed, but symptoms are irreversible |
| Vision Loss | Happens over time and can be cured | Incurable and permanent |
Cataracts + Glaucoma: Can they happen at the same time?
Yes, you can potentially be diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma at the same time. Cases like this are more prominent in older adults. To manage both conditions, eye surgeons may recommend a combination of cataract and glaucoma surgeries to achieve more effective results and shorten the time needed for recovery.
Prevention Tips for Cataracts and Glaucoma
There are several ways that you can do cataract and glaucoma prevention, although it is not a full guarantee that these conditions can be avoided. The following tips can lower your risk for both conditions:
- Eating a balanced diet: Consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Exercise on a regular basis: This does not only help your eye health, but your overall well-being.
- Keep chronic conditions under control: Ensure that treatment plans for underlying medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension are in place in order to lower your risk of exacerbating symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma.
- Minimise alcohol consumption: Excessive amounts of alcohol can affect your central nervous system and cause dehydration as well as proper nutrient absorption, which is detrimental to your eye’s health.
- Quit smoking: Cigarettes and vapes contain toxic chemicals, which can raise oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Why choosing the best cataract doctor in Singapore is important
Choosing the best cataract doctor in Singapore is important because you can be sure that they have undergone specialised training and are experts in treating this condition. They can make the right diagnosis by being able to distinguish cataracts from glaucoma and prescribe an effective treatment plan, so you do not have to worry about losing your vision entirely.
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Dr Chelvin Sng
38 Irrawaddy Road
Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialty Centre #06-25
Singapore 329563
Tel: +65 6334 2282
Whatsapp: +65 8129 6328
