Over half of the people aged 80 and older in the US have been affected by Cataracts or Cataract surgeries.
Cataracts are a common eye condition that results in clouding of the eye lens.
Generally, most cases of Cataracts develop with age.
However, people may experience Cataracts at various stages of their lives due to different reasons.
Some common types of Cataracts include Nuclear, Cortical, Posterior Subcapsular, Secondary, and Congenital Cataracts.
In this article, we will discuss these various types of Cataracts and their symptoms, along with the appropriate treatment options.
Types of Cataracts
Cataracts are broadly classified on the basis of two factors – the location of the Cataract and the factors that lead to its development.
It can be categorized into three types depending on where the clouding occurs in the eye: Nuclear, Cortical, and Posterior Capsular Cataracts.
Whereas on the basis of the cause of Cataract, it can be categorized into five types: senile or age-related, congenital, traumatic, radiation-induced, and secondary cataracts.
Let us learn about all these types of Cataracts in detail.
Based on Where They Form
There are three types of Cataracts based on the location of eye clouding – Nuclear, Cortical, and Posterior Capsular Cataracts.
Nuclear Cataracts
In this condition, the central nucleus of the eye lens develops a Cataract. This clouding due to cataract may turn yellowish or brownish with time.
Nuclear Cataracts are the most common type of Cataracts and often result in near-sightedness due to the increased refractive power of the eye lens.
Other symptoms of Nuclear Cataracts include blurry vision, reduced night vision, and decreased color contrast.
Cortical Cataracts
Source: kate_sept2004_from_Getty_ImagesCortical Cataracts are the type of Cataract that develops near the edges of the lens.
Generally, the distance of the cataract from the lens center determines the severity of the symptoms.
The most prevalent symptom of Cortical Cataracts is glare due to bright lights. Other symptoms may include blurry vision and visual color desaturation.
Posterior Capsular Cataracts
In Posterior Capsular Cataracts (PSC), the back layer of the lens turns opaque. This type of Cataract is more commonly found among younger individuals.
Some common symptoms of PSC include blurry or hazy vision, glare, and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Generally, PSC progresses faster than Nuclear and Cortical Cataracts.
Based on How They Form
Various factors may lead to the development of Cataracts among individuals.
Based on these factors, Cataracts can be classified into five categories – senile or age-related, congenital, traumatic, radiation, and secondary Cataracts.
Senile Cataracts
The most common reason for developing Cataracts is aging. Such Cataracts are called age-related or Senile Cataracts.
Due to the natural aging process of our eyes, the lens may gradually turn milky and opaque.
Additionally, excessive smoking, alcohol, or having a family history of Cataracts may increase your chances of developing age-related Cataracts.
Congenital/Pediatric Cataracts
At times, infants are born with Cataracts or develop them within a year of their birth. These Cataracts are known as Pediatric or Congenital Cataracts.
This type of Cataract usually runs in the family.
Furthermore, certain injuries or complications during pregnancy may increase the risk of developing Congenital Cataracts.
Traumatic Cataracts
This type of Cataract is formed after a serious injury to the eye lens.
Traumatic Cataracts can either develop shortly after the injury or have a delayed onset, sometimes taking a few years to develop.
Radiation Cataracts
Radiation Cataracts are formed due to over-exposure to harmful radiation such as UV rays.
These types of Cataracts might also be an after-effect of radiation treatment for cancer.
Secondary Cataracts
Some people may also develop Cataracts due to secondary factors such as ocular conditions or surgical procedures. These Cataracts are known as Secondary Cataracts.
Eye conditions, such as Glaucoma might cause Secondary Cataracts.
Additionally, individuals may also experience Secondary Cataracts after a Cataract surgery. This may happen if scar tissue forms within the eye lens after surgery, leading to a recurrence of cloudiness in the lens.
Treatment For the Different Types of Cataracts
Source: Zarina_Lukash_from_Getty_ImagesAt present, Cataract surgery is the only effective method of the treatment of Cataract.
Phacoemulsification is one such procedure, in which the UV rays are used to break the Cataract into smaller particles and then remove them.
Besides this method, your doctor may suggest undergoing Extracapsular extraction. This surgery involves removing and replacing the natural eye lens with an artificial eye lens.
To learn more about the different Cataract surgeries, read Types of Cataract Surgery: Which One is Right for You?.
Generally, these surgeries are considered safe and highly effective. But in certain rare cases, individuals may observe some side-effects after Cataract surgery.
However, if you cannot undergo surgery, your doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses or magnifying glasses to manage your symptoms.
Conclusion
Cataract is an eye condition characterized by milking or clouding of the eye lens. It may occur in individuals due to various reasons.
Based on the location of clouding, Cataracts are of three types – Nuclear, Cortical, and Posterior Subcapsular.
Nuclear Cataracts develop in the center of the lens, cortical Cataracts form around the edges, and Posterior Subcapsular Cataract develops at the back of the eye lens.
Besides location, Cataracts can be divided into five types depending on the underlying factors.
These include senile, congenital, traumatic, secondary, and radiation Cataracts.
Fortunately, all these kinds of Cataracts are treatable.
However, surgical procedures are the only proven methods for effective and complete treatment of Cataracts.
Note that it is essential to seek immediate medical care from a certified ophthalmologist if you have a Cataract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 types of Cataracts based on their location of formation?
The three types of Cataracts based on the location of clouding are Nuclear, Cortical, and Posterior Capsular Cataracts.
Nuclear Cataract develops in the center of the eye lens. Cortical Cataracts are formed around the edges of the nucleus, whereas Posterior Capsular Cataracts develop at the back of the eye lens.
What are the 3 types of Cataracts based on their location of formation?
In general, Nuclear Cataracts are considered the most serious type of Cataracts. This is because these Cataracts form at the center of the eye lens and have a greater impact on the vision.
However, the seriousness of a Cataract depends on its specific characteristics and the severity of the eye symptoms.
Which is the most common Cataract in age old patients?
In elderly patients, the most common type of Cataract is the Nuclear Cataract. These Cataracts are often associated with the natural aging process and develop in the central region of the eye’s lens.
What are the 5 types of Cataracts?
The five types of Cataracts based on the cause of clouding are Senile Cataracts, Congenital Cataracts, traumatic Cataracts, secondary Cataracts, and radiation Cataracts.
How many stages of Cataracts are there?
There are no definite ‘stages’ of Cataract as such. The severity of symptoms among individuals may vary from mild to severe.
For more information on this subject, it is recommended to contact your eye doctor.
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