Cataract development is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, limiting the patient’s ability to see clearly. Most cataracts happen as a person ages and are referred to as “age-related cataracts.” Age-related cataracts are broken into three types, based on how and where they develop: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular.
Getting older is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, getting older means getting wiser, being more aware of the value of friends and family, and enjoying more time with loved ones. And, maybe most importantly, getting older means you’re still alive!
On the other hand, aging does have its downsides – including cataracts. This month, we’re taking a deep dive into this age-related condition that impacts almost 2 million Americans a year and exploring the three types of cataracts.
What Are Cataracts?
Your eyes are tiny little miracles. They are essentially organic cameras, focusing light and resolving it into clear images, which your brain then processes – we call it “eyesight.”
Just like the familiar mechanical camera, your eyes contain lenses. Each eye’s lens is a clear, protein-filled capsule that rests just behind the iris, or the colored part of your eye. Tiny muscles in your eye constantly make microscopic adjustments to the position of the lens to ensure that your vision remains clear and in focus.
Over time, the proteins inside the lens begin to break down. As they do, they transition from their natural transparent state to opaque. As the degradation of the protein continues, the lens gets more and more opaque until it finally blocks all light, rendering the patient blind.
The Three Types of Cataracts
Age-related cataracts are divided into three classes, depending on how they develop and where in the eye they start. The three types are:
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract
The name “nuclear sclerotic” refers to the fact that these cataracts start in the center, or nucleus, of the lens and progress to an eventual hardening, or sclerosis, of the lens itself. Patients who are suffering from a nuclear sclerotic cataract will usually start to notice trouble focusing on objects and seeing things clearly.
Cortical Cataracts
Cortical cataracts start in the edge, or cortex, of the lens and appear as areas of white cloudiness spreading inward in a star- or spoke-like pattern. Cortical cataracts scatter light, causing blurriness, glare, and trouble with judging distance or seeing contrast.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract
These rapidly developing cataracts appear on the back of the lens, behind the lens’s membrane known as the capsule. Patients who develop posterior subcapsular cataracts can start seeing symptoms within just a few months. The usual symptoms for this type of cataract are glare, a halo effect around lights, and difficulty with reading and other close-in work.
What Causes the Three Types of Cataracts?
There are dozens of reasons why someone might develop cataracts. Some can be controlled through lifestyle changes; others are entirely out of anyone’s control. Among the most common reasons for cataracts are:
- Heredity – There is a hereditary risk factor for some types of cataracts.
- Other eye conditions – A number of common eye conditions can lead to cataracts.
- Medications – Some medications, particularly steroids, can accelerate the growth of existing cataracts.
- UV exposure – The proteins in your lens break down faster the more they’re exposed to the harmful effects of UV radiation.
- Smoking – Tobacco use is a risk factor for almost everything, including cataracts.
- Alcohol use – Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Diabetes – In addition to the common diabetic retinopathy, diabetes can also cause lenticular issues like cataracts.
Can the Three Types of Cataracts Be Cured?
If you develop cataracts, the damage to the lens cannot be reversed. But not all is lost – if you begin to develop cataracts and they’re detected early, you can take a number of steps to slow their progression and maintain your sight for as long as possible:
- Wear UV sunglasses to reduce your eyes’ exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Talk with your eye doctor about your prescriptions – some medications can speed up cataracts, even if the drug doesn’t cause cataracts.
- Eat a healthier diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish such as salmon.
- If you smoke, quit. If you don’t, don’t start!
- If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s orders and carefully control your blood sugar.
Even if the cataracts progress to nearly completely opaque, there’s still a possibility of recovering your vision with lens replacement surgery. These minimally invasive outpatient procedures involve an ophthalmologist making a tiny incision in your eye, removing the clouded natural lens, and replacing it with an artificial lens made of acrylic or silicone.
How Do I Find Out if I Have Cataracts?
Most cataracts progress slowly over a long period of time. You may have cataracts for a year or longer before they begin to noticeably impact your vision, so waiting until you see symptoms isn’t the way to go.
When you visit your eye doctor for your regular annual eye exam, they’ll check your eyes for signs of cataracts. If they see any early signs, they’ll begin working with you right away to help preserve your vision for as long as possible. If you’re not currently getting your eyes checked every year, don’t let it go another 12 months. Get in touch with an eye doctor and schedule an appointment soon.
Don’t Let Cataracts Turn Your World Into a Grey Blur – Let Eyesight Associates Help You Maintain Your Vision.
Call 478-923-5872 to learn more or make an appointment.
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