A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. As you age, it becomes more and more likely that you will develop cataracts. It is mostly prominent amongst older people. By age 80, more than half of Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. It can occur in either or both eyes; however, it cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other common types of cataracts:
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts
This is one of the most common types of cataract. This type refers to the hardening of the nucleus, or the centre, of the lens of the eye. Sclerosis is the medical term for hardening. In the beginning stages, the lens becomes cloudy and yellow before it eventually hardens. This hardening of the lens will cause the eye to lose ability to focus. The yellowing or fogginess of the lens reduces the light that is able to enter the eye. Eventually, this type of cataract will lead to blindness. Nuclear sclerotic cataracts are generally related to aging. The symptoms could take years before they actually affect sight.
Cortical Cataract
Cortical Cataract is when areas of the white cloudiness begin to develop in the outer edges of the lens. When it spreads inward, it takes the shape of a star pattern or a wheel. Cortical Cataract causes the light to scatter when it enters the eye, causing blurred vision. There is a glare created which makes it difficult to see. It also makes it difficult to judge contrast and will impair depth perception. People that have diabetes are most likely going to be affected by this type of cataract.
Sub Capsular Cataract
This is a type of cataract that occurs at the back of the lens. People that have diabetes, as well as those taking high doses of steroid medication, have a great risk of developing this type. For individuals with near-sightedness, Sub Capsular cataracts affects the back of your lens and can progress significantly faster than other types. This can create blurriness, fogginess, or a glare.
Treatment of Cataracts
In the earlier stages of cataracts, there are various options that could help. Your eye doctor may recommend a stronger pair of glasses. The use of eye drops will widen the pupil to let more light in or help you adjust to the glares from light. If you are experiencing trouble seeing or discomfort that directly affects your daily life, it may be best to go ahead and have surgery. Luckily, cataract removal surgery is one of the most common procedures in the US. If both eyes are affected by cataracts, the surgeries will be performed on separate days.
The type of age-related cataracts are usually described by their location in the lens. Knowing the common types of cataracts may be able to help you know the difference between similar eye diseases.
Sources:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm
https://www.visionweb.com/content/consumers/dev_consumerarticles.jsp?RID=7
willseye.org/video/post-subcapsular-cataracts
https://www.visionweb.com/content/consumers/dev_consumerarticles.jsp?RID=7
{{cta(‘010124f3-c9bc-4a23-b9fc-74953e6288c9’)}}