A cataract is when the vision in your lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly. Cataracts get extremely common with age, leading to difficulties doing everyday work like driving, cleaning, reading, etc. Cataracts often occur in individuals over 45 years of age but it can also occur among younger individuals.
In this blog, we will talk about different types of cataracts and understand their causes, symptoms, and treatment required.
What is an eye cataract?
An eye cataract is the clouding of the eye, which hinders your vision by making it blurry. This is because it directly affects the eye lens, which enables light to enter the retina and connect it with the brain. Cataract often gets worse over time, which is easily evident by the progressive loss of vision.
Why cataract occurs? Common causes and risk factors.
Cataract can develop for many reasons, some of which are:
- Aging: As we age, the proteins in the lens of our eye can get clumped together or break apart, which leads to clouding in the eye.
- Family history: Having a family history of cataracts may increase your risk.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can also lead to cataracts.
- Eye injuries: Serious eye injuries from the past can also cause cataracts.
Understanding the reasons can help pinpoint the particular type of cataract and give insight into the most effective treatment.
Can Cataract be prevented using just eye drops?
There is no way to cure or get rid of cataracts once they’ve formed besides cataract surgery. No medication can eliminate existing cataracts, and no eye drops can completely reverse its effects. Some ophthalmologists are seeking nonsurgical solutions, but at this time, no other solution has been found.
What are the 3 types of cataracts?
Different types of cataracts are identified by their different locations within the eye, and are classified on that basis, such as:
- Nuclear cataract: Definition and characteristics this cataract is among the most common types and affects the center of the lens. It typically leads to clarity when seeing objects nearby, and makes distant objects blurry.
- Cortical cataract: Meaning and progression This cataract affects the outer layer of the lens, and then makes its progression to the middle.
- Subcapsular cataract: Identification and impact
This cataract usually appears as a small spot on the back of the eye lens, covering the path to the part where light enters the eye. It affects the vision around bright lights.
Less Common Types of Cataracts
- White cataract: Features and treatment options
This cataract is caused due to swelling of the lens due to epithelial impairment and fluid influx, and can only treated with cataract surgery with the replacement of the natural lens with IOL.
- Complicated cataract: Causes and management
This cataract makes the lens opaque and causes visual impairment. It’s caused due to Intraocular tumors like retinoblastoma, melanoma, etc.
- Senile cataract types and their specifics
This cataract is caused by the thickening of the natural eye lens, as well as aging.
All types of Cataracts are treated in different ways, so one must always consult an ophthalmologist who can plan specific treatment based on your individual needs.
At AK Institute of Ophthalmology, Cataract surgery is a common procedure, with expert surgeons and use of state-of-the-art technology that provides the most effective treatment for Cataract by performing a small cataract surgery.
How cataracts are diagnosed
Cataract diagnosis is done through various eye exams, some of which are:
- Use of eye chart to test vision
- Use of a slit lamp to test the structure, shape, and retina of the eye
- Use of fluid pressure test to measure fluid pressure in the eye.
What are the advantages of cataract surgery?
There are many advantages of getting a cataract surgery, including:
- Improvement of vision in the eye
- Better quality of life
- Improved ability to distinguish different colours
- Reduction of glare during night
Understanding cortical sclerosis of the eye
Among the many different types of cataracts lies the Cortical sclerotic cataract, which begins in the outer edge of the lens and makes its way to the center of the eye, resembling the handles of a wheel.
Cortical schlerotic cataract may lead to blurry vision, cloudy eyes, and vision loss.
Treatment options for different cataracts
For all different types of cataracts, cataract surgery is the only treatment that can help once the symptoms get worse. Typically, it replaces the natural lens of the eye with an Intraocular lens (IOL) to prevent the cataract from leading to vision loss.
Some common surgeries done for cataracts are:
- Phacoemulsification: This is when a small incision or hole is made in the eye to detect cataract, and broken by ultrasonic vibrations.
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS): This is when a laser is used instead of a blade for corneal incisions.
- Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE): This is when the circular area of the lens is removed and replaced with an Intraocular lens.
What is the life of the IOL implanted?
IOL lenses are made of materials like Collamer, hydrophobic acrylic, and silicone, which makes them extremely hard to break. They usually last a lifetime and don’t need any replacement, unless absolutely necessary.
Long-term management strategies for cataract patients
- Use of protective eyewear
- Regular eye checkups
- Using artificial tears
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Conclusion
Cataracts are a very common condition that impacts almost all individuals at some point in their life. Thus, by understanding different types of cataracts you can easily manage when you develop them and get an early treatment.
A painless, stitch-less, and bladeless procedure for Cataract surgery, with a variety of options for IOL lenses is available at our state-of-the-art eye hospital.