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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Cataract

Moderate
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Diabetes Insipidus

Unknown
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye. As the lens becomes cloudy, less light reaches the retina and vision may become blurred, dim, or less sharp. Cataracts usually develop gradually and are most common with increasing age, although they can also occur after eye injury, surgery, certain diseases, or prolonged exposure to factors that damage the lens. Cataracts may affect one or both eyes but do not spread from one eye to the other.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of water balance characterized by excessive urination and intense thirst. It occurs when the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone, does not respond properly to the hormone, or, in some cases, has excessive water intake that produces similar symptoms. Unlike diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus is not primarily a disorder of blood sugar regulation. The amount of urine can be very large and dilute, and inadequate fluid replacement can lead to dehydration and disturbances in blood sodium levels.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blurred Vision Eye Discharge
Only in Right Disease
Anxiety Heat Intolerance

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
Chronic Disease Hormonal Imbalance

Diagnosis

Cataract
Cataracts are diagnosed through an eye examination and assessment of vision. An eye care professional may test visual acuity and examine the lens and other structures of the eye using a slit lamp or other instruments. The pupils may be dilated so that the back of the eye can be examined and other causes of vision loss can be assessed. Additional tests may be used when another eye condition is suspected or when surgery is being planned.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diagnosis involves assessing excessive urination and thirst while determining the cause of the water-balance abnormality. Tests may include measurement of urine volume and concentration, blood sodium and osmolality, urine osmolality, and other laboratory studies. A supervised water-deprivation test may be used in selected cases, sometimes followed by administration of a medicine that mimics antidiuretic hormone. Additional imaging or hormone evaluation may be needed when a central cause involving the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is suspected.

Prevention

Cataract
Not all cataracts can be prevented, especially those related to aging. Measures that may help reduce risk include protecting the eyes from ultraviolet light with appropriate sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding smoking, protecting the eyes from injury, and controlling medical conditions such as diabetes. A healthy diet containing fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains may support overall eye health. Regular eye examinations can help detect cataracts and other causes of vision changes.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus cannot always be prevented because some forms result from inherited conditions or unavoidable damage to the brain or kidneys. Preventing head injuries and obtaining appropriate treatment for conditions affecting the pituitary gland or kidneys may reduce the risk of some acquired cases. People taking medicines that can affect kidney function or water balance should have appropriate medical follow-up. Persistent excessive thirst or urination should be evaluated rather than assumed to be ordinary increased fluid intake.

Risk Factors

Cataract
Older age is the most important risk factor for cataracts. Other factors include diabetes, a family history of cataracts, previous eye injury or eye surgery, long-term use of corticosteroids or certain other medicines, smoking, radiation exposure, and prolonged ultraviolet light exposure. Some inflammatory eye diseases and other medical conditions can also increase risk. Risk generally increases as the lens is exposed to these factors over time.
Diabetes Insipidus
Risk factors depend on the type of diabetes insipidus. Central disease may be associated with head injury, brain or pituitary surgery, tumors, infections, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or inherited disorders. Nephrogenic disease may be associated with chronic kidney problems, inherited abnormalities, high blood calcium, and medicines that interfere with the kidney response to antidiuretic hormone. Some cases have no clearly identified cause.

Treatment

Cataract
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Diabetes Insipidus
Treatment comparison will be available soon.