Cataract Surgeons Highlight the Three Primary Types of Age-Related Cataracts

January 17, 2018

Cataract Surgeons Highlight the Three Primary Types of Age-Related Cataracts

As you age, your risk for cataracts increases. It is also very likely that you will develop any one type or a combination of any types of cataract over time. Therefore, understanding the different kinds of cataract is of utmost importance. Being privy to such vital information can help both you and your doctor determine the best treatment option for you.

Cataract surgeons categorize age-related cataracts into three primary types: nuclear sclerosis, posterior subcapsular, and cortical. Each one differs from the other in terms of anatomical location, appearance and underlying conditions.

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Nuclear Sclerosis Nuclear sclerotic cataract is considered to be the most common among all age-related cataracts. It gradually forms deep within the central zone or the nucleus of the lens, hence the name. It initially presents as a central yellowing and hardening of the lens, accompanied by opacification. Nuclear sclerosis is also known to progress slowly and may take years before it can affect your vision.

As it develops, this type of cataract can hinder the eye’s ability to focus when reading or other activities that require close work. Close-up vision or what is commonly referred to as “second sight” may improve it, however, it is not a permanent solution.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataract On the other hand, a posterior subcapsular cataract occurs at the back surface or the posterior of the lens. It affects the small sac or membrane located beneath the lens capsule that encloses the lens and holds it in place.

Diabetic patients, people who are taking high doses of steroid medications, nearsighted individuals and those with retinitis pigmentosa have a higher risk of developing this particular type of cataract. Given this, they can occur in much younger patients or people not over 60.

Unlike nuclear sclerosis, posterior subcapsular cataracts tend to develop rapidly. Symptoms like the ever familiar halo effect around around sources of light can become noticeable within months.

Cortical Cataract Cortical cataracts start in the periphery of the lens where white, wedge-like opacities or cloudy areas work their way to the center of the eye. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex that surrounds the central nucleus.

A cortical cataract changes the water content of the lens fibers to create the distinctive fissures that look like spokes of a wheel. These clefts cause light entering the eye to scatter, resulting in 2|P a g e

blurred vision, glare and problems with contrast and depth perception. As with posterior subcapsular cataract, people with diabetes are susceptible to cortical cataracts as well because they do not produce glucose normally.

If you are over 40, ophthalmologists highly recommend visiting a clinic, such as Excel Laser Vision Institute for cataract screening and eye health evaluation. Doing so will help minimize the impact of any eye condition on your life.

About Excel Laser Vision Institute Excel Laser Vision Institute is a laser eye treatment and care provider serving Los Angeles, Orange County and other areas of Southern California. Our resident board certified ophthalmologist and laser eye surgery specialist, Dr. Ferzaad Moosa, has personally performed tens of thousands of successful procedures.

Sources: Types of cataracts and their underlying conditions, ModernMedicine.com Are There Different Types of Cataracts?, VisionAware.org

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