Understanding the different types of cataracts is critical for early detection, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Each type affects different parts of the eye’s lens and is usually caused by natural changes due to ageing.
The good news is that cataracts can be treated permanently with the right surgery. It’s quick, safe, virtually painless, and guaranteed to significantly improve both your vision and your quality of life.
In this article, we’ll talk about the common types of cataracts, along with their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye that prevents it from sending clear images to the retina, resulting in cloudy and dim vision. It’s common in the elderly and is caused by a buildup of dead cells on the lens, which is considered an inevitable part of ageing.
The proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down around the age of 40, but cataract symptoms typically don’t appear until the age of 60 or later. Certain conditions, like diabetes, can cause symptoms to develop much sooner.
The four common types of cataracts are nuclear sclerotic, cortical, posterior subcapsular, and congenital.
Nuclear sclerotic
This is the most common type of cataract among the elderly, primarily affecting the centre of the lens (called the nucleus). It begins with the gradual hardening and yellowing of the nucleus, which can eventually spread to other parts of the eye.
The condition progresses slowly and often takes several years before the first symptoms appear.
Common symptoms of nuclear sclerotic cataracts include visual distortion, blurry vision, dull colours, and increased glare. The most effective treatment is cataract surgery, a widely performed and highly successful procedure for cataract patients.
Cortical cataracts
While nuclear sclerosis affects the centre of the lens, cortical cataracts develop on the outer layer of the lens, known as the cortex.
The first signs of cortical cataracts appear as white, wedgeQ-shaped opacities that connect and gradually spread toward the centre of the lens, blocking more light from reaching the retina. They can develop and progress quickly, generally over a period of a few months.
In addition to ageing, risk factors such as genetics and diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing cortical cataracts. Common symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and problems with contrast and depth perception.
Many surgeons consider phacoemulsification the best and standard surgical treatment for this type of cataract because it can effectively remove the clouded natural lens.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC)
PSC develops at the back of the lens, just beneath the lens capsule. It’s more common among younger people who have had previous eye surgeries, undergone steroid treatments, have diabetes, or suffer from extreme nearsightedness.
It develops and progresses faster than age-related cataracts, sometimes leading to significant vision loss within just a few months. Since PSC can be asymptomatic in its early stages, it’s important to schedule regular eye checkups, especially if you’ve had eye treatments in the past.
Common symptoms of PSC include blurred vision, glare, difficulty driving or reading at night, and trouble seeing in bright light.
The most effective and recommended treatment is cataract surgery, which involves removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial cataract lens if necessary.
Congenital cataracts
Less common than age-related cataracts, congenital cataracts are either present at birth or develop during early childhood. The cause may be hereditary or related to metabolic problems during pregnancy.
In addition to cataract surgery, other therapies may be recommended to help a child overcome cataracts and support their visual development.
