Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts

Cataracts affect millions of people worldwide, but many people don’t realize there are actually several different types of this common eye condition. 

Cataracts can develop for different reasons and in different parts of the eye’s lens, affecting your vision in unique ways. Keep reading to learn more about the main types of cataracts and how they might affect your vision.

What Causes Different Types of Cataracts to Form?

Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. While aging is the most common cause, cataracts can develop for various reasons and in different parts of the lens.

The lens of your eye is made up of water and proteins. As you age, these proteins may clump together, forming cloudy areas that we call cataracts. 

Different types of cataracts develop depending on where these protein clumps form in the lens. Other factors that can contribute to cataract formation include eye injuries, certain medications (like steroids), and medical conditions such as diabetes. 

What Are Age-Related Cataracts and How Do They Develop?

Age-related cataracts are the most common type, affecting most people to some degree as they get older, and they typically develop gradually over years. You might not notice any vision changes initially, but as the cataract grows, you may experience:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Increased difficulty seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Fading or yellowing of colors

Age-related cataracts can take several forms, including nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts, and posterior subcapsular cataracts, each affecting different parts of the lens:

Nuclear Cataracts

Nuclear cataracts form in the center (nucleus) of the lens. This type of cataract is particularly associated with aging. As a nuclear cataract develops, the nucleus of the lens tends to turn yellow or brown, potentially affecting color perception.

People with nuclear cataracts often notice difficulty with distance vision while their near vision might temporarily improve. This is sometimes called “second sight.” However, this improvement is usually short-lived as the cataract continues to develop.

Cortical Cataracts

Cortical cataracts develop in the outer layer (cortex) of the lens. They appear as white, wedge-shaped, cloudy spots that start at the edge of the lens and work their way toward the center.

This type of cataract can cause problems with glare, especially when driving at night. People with cortical cataracts may also experience difficulty with depth perception and distinguishing similar colors.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) form at the back of the lens, right in the path of light heading to the retina. These cataracts can develop more rapidly than other types, sometimes progressing in months rather than years.

PSCs tend to interfere with reading vision and cause glare or halos around lights at night. They’re more common in people who:

  • Have diabetes
  • Use steroid medications
  • Have experienced eye trauma
  • Are younger but showing premature cataract development

Traumatic Cataracts

Traumatic cataracts develop after an injury to the eye. This can include:

  • Blunt trauma (like a ball hitting the eye)
  • Penetrating injuries
  • Chemical burns
  • Intense heat or radiation exposure

Unlike age-related cataracts, traumatic cataracts can develop rapidly. Sometimes within days or weeks of the injury. The appearance and symptoms depend on the nature and severity of the trauma.

Treatment for traumatic cataracts may be more complex than for other types because there might be additional damage to other parts of the eye that needs addressing.

Can You Be Born With Cataracts?

Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop during early childhood. These cataracts can affect one or both eyes and may be partial or complete. 

Some are small and don’t significantly impact vision, while others can cause serious visual problems if not treated promptly.

Early detection is crucial for congenital cataracts. Without timely intervention, a child’s visual development may be permanently affected. 

Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts or concerned about your eye health? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, today!