Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder that occurs due to increased intraocular pressure leading to blindness if left untreated.
There is a common misconception about this severe eye issue: “Is Glaucoma Cancer?”.
Although Glaucoma and Cancer are two extremely different health conditions, there are some similarities between the two that could have contributed to this myth.
In this article, we will discover the differences and connections between Glaucoma and Cancer.
Is Glaucoma Cancer
The simple answer to this common question is no, Glaucoma is not a cancer.
Glaucoma and Cancer are two different health issues with different causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects the optic nerve, which transmits vision signals from the eye to the brain.
This damage to the optic nerve occurs due to high eye pressure.
Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and perhaps blindness if not treated on time.
On the other hand, the term “Cancer” refers to a broad category of diseases marked by uncontrolled growth and spread to the body’s abnormal cells.
These abnormal cells have the ability to spread to other body areas, develop into tumors, and obstruct regular bodily processes.
Cancer, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Hence, we can not conclude that Glaucoma is a kind of Cancer.
Understand how Glaucoma leads to blindness with our article: Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness? Understanding the Risk and Prevention
Similarities between Glaucoma and eye Cancer
Despite being different health problems, there is so much uncertainty regarding whether Glaucoma is Cancer or not.
One probable explanation is that both disorders share some common symptoms, such as blurred vision and eye discomfort.
Both conditions can result in eyesight loss.
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Glaucoma can induce a kind of vision loss known as “tunnel vision” in some circumstances, in which peripheral vision is reduced, but center vision remains intact.
This is similar to visual loss caused by certain forms of brain tumors.
Another reason behind the misconception could be the treatment of Glaucoma and Eye Cancer.
Also, just like Cancer, there are different types of Glaucoma.
Both disorders can be managed surgically.
While Eye Cancer surgery is designed to remove tumors, Glaucoma surgery reduces intraocular pressure and protects the optic nerve from further harm.
Hence, due to these factors, it is quite easy to mistake Glaucoma for Cancer.
However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before concluding anything regarding the connection between Glaucoma and Cancer.
Glaucoma may not show symptoms in the initial phase. Read our article: Understanding Glaucoma Symptoms: Signs of Silent Vision Loss to learn more about Glaucoma symptoms.
Connection between Glaucoma and eye Cancer
Source: Industrial_PhotographAlthough the exact cause of the link between Glaucoma and different types of Cancer is unknown, there are several studies that can explain the link between the two.
Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary risk factor for Glaucoma.
However, there are other significant variables as well, such as inflammation, which may establish a connection between Glaucoma and Cancer.
Increased intraocular pressure and impaired blood flow to the eye can lead to severe inflammation, which could be a factor in the development of Glaucoma.
Inflammation is a risk factor for Cancer as well and plays a role in tumor formation at every stage, including metastasis, growth, and beginning of the tumor.
Through inflammation-related pathways, chronic systemic inflammation in Glaucoma may lead to increased carcinogenesis or Cancer development.
On the other hand, Glaucoma is linked to several intraocular malignancies (Cancer of the eye).
However, Glaucoma caused by an intraocular tumor is secondary and not very common.
Still, Neovascularization of the iris and drainage angle may frequently occur in patients with intraocular Cancer.
This, in turn, results in chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma or Narrow Angle Glaucoma.
Glaucoma should be treated on time to prevent further vision loss. Read our article: A Guide to Glaucoma Treatment Options to learn about possible treatment options for Glaucoma.
Conclusion
Most people with Glaucoma have a common question: “Is Glaucoma Cancer?”.
The simple answer to this question is no.
Even though Cancer and Glaucoma may share some common symptoms like blurred vision and eye discomfort, these two conditions are completely different.
Cancer is a group of disorders marked by the uncontrolled growth of the body’s abnormal cells.
On the other hand, Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
However several studies have found a link between the two, but those links are not well-established.
Note that Glaucoma is not Eye Cancer, but it is a severe eye disorder that requires timely treatment.
You can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy for many years by being knowledgeable and taking good care of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an extremely serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss or complete blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma Cancer?
A developing melanoma in the eye might lead to Glaucoma.
The symptoms may include blurred vision, red eye, and eye discomfort.
How can Glaucoma Cancer be treated?
Glaucoma Cancer treatment depends on the type of tumor (primary or secondary), its location, and the Glaucoma mechanism.
They mostly comprise conventional pharmacologic, laser, incisional, and radiotherapy techniques.
Is Glaucoma a type of Cancer?
No, the link between Glaucoma and Cancer is not well established.
However, increased intraocular pressure and inflammation associated with Glaucoma are thought to lead to eye Cancer.
Is Glaucoma Cancer of the eye?
No, Glaucoma is not an eye Cancer. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve in the eye, leading to vision loss.
Whereas eye Cancer is a disorder where eye cells grow uncontrollably to create a tumor in the eyes.
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