Given enough time, everyone will experience cataracts. However, not everyone will experience cataracts the same way.
There are many different types of cataracts, all of which can affect your vision and quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about cataracts, including the different types!
What Is A Cataract Made Of?
To understand the different kinds of cataracts, you need to know what exactly a cataract is. A cataract forms inside the lens of the eye.
The lens is a small, dense piece of tissue just behind the pupil that helps you focus on objects near and far. Normally, the lens is transparent and flexible.
However, as you age, the proteins inside the lens begin to break down,
and the lens starts to become cloudy. In many cases, in the initial stages, the cataract is so small you likely won’t notice a difference.
As time goes on, however, the cataract will gradually mature. It becomes larger and more cloudy until it begins to distort and block vision.
Soon, you will need cataract surgery to restore your vision.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
There are many different symptoms associated with cataracts, such as:
- Cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light
- Glare
- Frequent changes to eyeglass prescription size
- Fading colors
- Double vision in one eye
Different cataracts can also cause different symptoms.
How Can Cataracts Be Different From Each Other?
Subtle differences between types of cataracts can change what kind of synonyms are prominent, although they can share symptoms.
Three common types of cataracts are:
- Nuclear cataracts
- Cortical cataracts
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts
Nuclear Cataracts
Nuclear cataracts grow from the center of the lens. As a nuclear cataract grows, it can slightly change the shape of the lens, rounding it out.
This may temporarily cause nearsightedness, or it can actually improve your near vision. This benefit is short-lived, though, as the cataract keeps growing, darkening, and perhaps even turning yellow or brown.
Cortical Cataracts
Cortical cataracts grow from the outer perimeter of the lens inwards. Cortical cataracts feature distinct “wedges” or white spoke-like streaks that point toward the center of the lens.
As these streaks grow in size and become more defined, they can disrupt the light that passes through. It is common to experience intense glare from these kinds of cataracts.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
Sometimes cataracts form at the back of the lens. When this happens, they are known as posterior subcapsular cataracts.
These cataracts directly block the path of light entering your eye. Posterior subcapsular cataracts interfere with close-up vision and cause halos to appear around lights.
They also usually mature significantly faster than the other two types of cataracts.
How Can I Get Rid Of Cataracts?
There is only one sure way to restore vision affected by cataracts: cataract surgery. However, there are several different paths to take with your cataract surgery.
Are you experiencing symptoms cataracts? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Frantz Eye Care in Fort Myers, FL, today!
