Cataracts are a very common eye condition as you get older and can also lead to blindness if it remains untreated.
In this condition, a cloudy area develops in the lens of one’s eyes and causes vision problems.
There are several types of Cataracts and they may develop due to several factors like trauma, age, or radiation exposure.
Since it can cause vision loss, receiving proper treatment upon experiencing its symptoms is necessary.
This article will discuss the types, symptoms, causes, and available treatments of Cataracts.
Common Types of Cataracts
There are several types of Cataracts which can be divided into the most common types and the uncommon ones.
The common types of Cataracts include early Cataracts, Cortical Cataract, Nuclear Cataract, and Posterior Subcapsular Cataract.
Some people might experience less common types of the condition like Cerulean Cataract and Congenital Cataracts.
This section will discuss the several types of Cataracts in detail.
Incipient Cataracts
Source: Siganture_imagesEarly Cataracts are also known as Incipient Cataracts and usually happen before a person ages.
In this condition, the eyes can slowly become cloudy and cause symptoms like halos, glare, and blurry vision.
The most common cause of early Cataracts is trauma to the eyes or an injury.
Cortical Cataract
In Cortical Cataracts, the Cataract develops as white or wedge-shaped spots or streaks at the edges of the lens.
One of the most common symptoms of Cortical Cataracts is glare, especially during night driving.
This Cataract can develop slowly over time and can affect both the near and distant vision.
Nuclear Cataract
In Nuclear Cataracts, the opacity or the cloudiness develops in the center of one’s lens.
It can slowly affect one’s reading vision, and the lens slowly turns yellow or brown, worsening the vision.
Some of the contributing factors of Nuclear Cataracts other than aging include UV radiation, Diabetes, and smoking.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
When the Cataracts develop at the back of the lens in a person, it is known as a Posterior Subcapsular Cataract.
In this type of Cataract, the progression is quite rapid, and one’s vision can worsen sooner.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts can change color perception, creating halos and glare sensitivity.
Less Common Types of Cataracts
There are several uncommon types of Cataracts, which include Congenital Cataracts, Sunflower Cataracts, Cerulean Cataract, Senile Cataract, and Incipient Cataract.
Congenital Cataracts refer to the Cataracts that a person is born with or may develop as a child.
In the Sunflower Cataract, the Cataract develops in a sunflower petal-shaped manner.
People who have Cerulean Cataracts experience a distinctive blue tint on their eye lens.
Age-related Cataracts are often called Senile Cataracts, the first stage of which is called Incipient Cataract.
Some people may experience Secondary Cataracts, also known as Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO).
Sometimes, there is a development of a new Cataract which happens after the Cataract surgery and results in a Secondary Cataract.
Another rare type of Congenital Cataract is the Posterior Polar Cataract, which affects the posterior capsule present at the back of one’s lens.
What are Cataract Symptoms
Source: Aniaostudio_from_Getty_ImagesAccording to research, people might not notice any symptoms at the early stage of Cataracts.
However, as the Cataract progresses, individuals may start experiencing symptoms like blurry or cloudy vision, fading colors, and changes in contrast perception.
Some people may experience sensitivity to glare, halos, and difficulty with their night vision.
Others may face double vision and difficulty with near and distant vision as a symptom of Cataracts.
When the Cataract symptoms progress fully, it ultimately results in vision loss.
What Causes Cataracts
In most cases, aging is the most common reason for the development of Cataracts.
However, there are risk factors for Cataracts, which include Diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to UV radiation.
A study states that Corticosteroids and anti-seizure medications can also cause Cataracts.
Eye conditions like Uveitis and Glaucoma can increase the risk of Secondary Cataracts.
People may also experience Cataracts due to trauma or injury to their eyes.
Some children may develop Cataracts which is passed down from their mother due to genetics or hereditary factors.
If you want to learn more about the causes of Cataracts, read What Causes Cataracts: An Overview of the Causes and Risk Factors.
How to Prevent Cataracts
Since Cataracts in the eyes can result in blindness, it is natural to wonder, ‘How to prevent Cataracts?’
Quitting smoking and drinking, managing one’s Diabetes, and using eyeglasses to reduce UV exposure can reduce the risks of Cataracts.
If a person maintains a healthy diet, includes omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, and avoids Obesity, it can help prevent Cataracts.
However, sometimes, these preventive measures may not be enough and can require immediate attention.
Cataract Eye Drops
It is common to ask for eye drops to reduce Cataracts, but there are no effective eye drops available for the treatment.
However, research found that Lanosterol is a compound that can potentially reduce Cataracts.
Although it has the potential, more research is needed to understand its effectiveness and safety.
To learn which eye drops serve as an alternative to Cataract surgery in detail, read Cataract Eye Drops: Are They Any Alternatives to Surgery?
Cataract Surgery
Source: PixelshotSince there are no proven effective eye drops for Cataracts, doctors suggest undergoing Cataract surgery.
A study states that Cataract surgery is the most effective and approved treatment for the condition.
There are three surgical procedures for Cataracts, which include Phacoemulsification, Extracapsular Cataract Extraction, and Intracapsular Cataract Extraction.
In Phacoemulsification, ultrasound energy is used to break the Cataracts, and then it is cleaned.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) involves the removal of only the affected part of the lens, which is replaced with an artificial lens.
In the Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE), the entire affected lens is removed during the surgery.
However, this relatively old procedure is now replaced with modern Cataract surgery procedures.
Conclusion
Cataracts cause opacities in the eye lens and often result in blindness if it remains untreated.
The common types of Cataracts include early Cataracts, Cortical Cataracts, Nuclear Cataracts, and Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts.
Some people may experience rare Cataracts like Sunflower Cataracts, Congenital Cataracts, or Secondary Cataracts.
People with Cataracts may notice symptoms like blurry and double vision, halos, glare, and changes in color perception.
A person can get Cataracts due to UV exposure, aging, Diabetes, Uveitis, genetics, and Glaucoma.
Doctors usually suggest Cataract surgery since there are no proven eye drops for Cataract treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Cataract cause blindness?
Yes, a Cataract can cause blindness in an individual. Although in the earlier stages of Cataracts, a person might only experience blurry vision and halos, leaving it untreated may cause total vision loss.
Is there any self test for Cataracts?
Yes, there are several self-tests for Cataracts. Individuals can use eye charts to check their visual acuity, asses their contrast sensitivity, or perform online Cataract eye tests to monitor their eye health.
Can Cataracts come back after surgery?
No, Cataracts cannot come back after surgery but can produce complications like Secondary Cataracts. It does not come back because the affected lens of the individual is replaced with an Intraocular lens (IOL) during the surgery.
Is there any connection between Vitamin C and risk of Cataracts?
Yes, there is a connection between Vitamin C and risk of Cataracts. Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to cause Cataracts, and hence, adequate Vitamin C intake can reduce the risk of getting a Cataract.
How long does Cataract surgery take?
The approximate time for Cataract surgery ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The time depends on the severity of one’s condition and the surgical procedure that the doctor is using.
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