Understanding the Different Types of Cataracts 

Cataracts are a common condition that affects most of us as we age. However, it’s not solely an age-related condition—cataracts can form at any time of life, albeit somewhat more rarely. 

The following looks at the different types of cataracts and provides an overview of the treatment options available. 

What are the Different Types of Cataracts? 

• Age-related cataracts
• Congenital cataracts
• Traumatic cataracts 

Age-related cataracts 

The most common type of cataract is associated with advancing age. In fact, by 80 years old, virtually everyone will either have them or have had them removed. Cataracts are caused by proteins within the eye clumping together on the lens and blocking the light flow through the eye. As the human lifespan increases, so too do the incidences of age-related conditions, such as cataracts.

Cataracts can be classified into three sub-types:

• Nuclear cataracts: These affect the center of the lens and, bizarrely, can even improve near vision during the early stages. However, as they increase in size, they cause eyesight to become cloudy. A common symptom as they progress is the inability to distinguish shades of color.
• Cortical cataracts: These begin to form at the outer edge of the lens, slowly edging towards the center as they grow.
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts: These form at the very back of the lens. They typically cause a reduction of vision in bright light, seeing halos around a light source, and reading difficulties. This kind often progresses more quickly than the other types. 

Congenital cataracts 

These are cataracts that are present from birth or that develop during the early childhood years. They might be genetic or due to an intrauterine infection during gestation. Other causes include health conditions or diseases, such as rubella (German measles), myotonic dystrophy, and galactosemia. 

Traumatic cataracts 

Traumatic cataracts occur after some kind of injury to the eye. This could be from blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, chemical trauma, head injury, exposure to infrared light, electrical sparks, radiation, or even excessive or long-term UV light exposure. Treatment is dependent on the extent of the damage and primarily focuses on lens preservation, where possible. 

How Cataracts are Treated 

• Traditional and laser cataract treatment 

Traditional and laser cataract treatment

Traumatic cataracts aside, the other types are generally treated with a simple surgical procedure. This takes minutes and is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you have the operation and return home the same day. The success rate is extremely high, and recovery is fast. It’s usual to expect a return to totally normal activity within weeks.

There are two different types of surgery: Traditional and laser.

• Traditional cataract surgery: This involves the surgeon making a tiny incision in the cornea and another in the lens capsule. A laser is then used to fragment the diseased lens and suction it out. This is then replaced by an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
• Laser cataract surgery: The process is basically the same, but involves a digital map being made of the anatomy of the eye and the laser being guided by the resulting software program. The advantages of this include pinpoint accuracy, meaning that more advanced IOLs can be inserted—such as those that have bi-focal or varifocal attributes. Another advantage is that astigmatism can be treated at the same time.

Both types of cataract surgery have similar recovery times and can only be carried out by an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract treatments.

Worried About Cataracts? Get World-Class Treatment at Modern Cataract Surgery

Treatment for cataracts is constantly evolving. The latest lasers and procedures offer surgical solutions that, even a short decade ago, were nowhere near as cutting-edge. Such advances are nothing short of revolutionary, brought to us courtesy of skilled academic clinicians who dedicate their lives to such treatment and technology.

One such person is Brent Bellotte MD., founder and head of Modern Cataract Surgery. This globally renowned surgeon offers the ultimate cataract treatment to his patients, including ground-breaking techniques often available elsewhere.

Find out more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com and get in contact to book a consultation.

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