Understanding the 3 Main Types of Cataracts 

Although cataracts can affect newborns, the condition is rare. Cataracts are mainly an age-related condition. Your eyes age just like the rest of your body. 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrist with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, can detect cataracts even before you have noticeable symptoms. We inform you when cataract surgery is needed based on the issues you’re having with your vision. Often, we tell patients that they’ll know when the time is right. 

What are cataracts? 

Cataracts form on the lens of your eye, a clear structure behind your pupil that focuses light on your retina, enabling you to see objects clearly at different distances. Your lens contains important proteins that keep your eyes healthy. 

As you age, those proteins lose their power, and their structure breaks down. Now you have cataract symptoms: cloudy and/or blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, glare or halos around lights, and increasingly strong prescription glasses.  

Three types of age-related cataracts

The three main types of age-related cataracts include: 

Nuclear sclerotic cataract

This type of cataract occurs in the center of your lens, called the nucleus. Think of the nucleus as the stone in the middle of a peach. 

This part of the lens is thicker and harder when a nuclear sclerotic cataract develops. Protein buildup over the years causes the nucleus to turn yellowish, and less light passes through the lens to the retina. You experience blurry vision, increased glare from lights, and have difficulty seeing at night. 

The use of tobacco and alcohol places you at increased risk for this type of cataract, as well as autoimmune diseases, being obese, and having diabetes. 

Cortical cataract

The cortex of your lens surrounds the nucleus. This part is akin to the part of the peach that you enjoy eating. A cortical cataract clouds the cortex of your lens. Your doctor sees white opaque shapes on your lens. You may have a problem with glare from lights, increased light sensitivity, and blurry or double vision.  

Posterior subcapsular cataract

This type of cataract forms on the back of your lens, next to your retina, on the edge of your lens. You experience glare, halos around lights, blurry vision, and difficulty seeing close objects. 

This type of cataract can occur with the other types of cataracts. Unlike the other types, it can progress very swiftly, so early identification is critical. Eye trauma, steroid use, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and diabetes are some of the major risk factors. 

Cataract surgery 

Once your cataracts impede your ability to perform normal daily tasks or make reading and driving at night too difficult, it’s time for cataract surgery. After all, you don’t want to be responsible for causing a motor vehicle accident. 

When your ophthalmologist performs cataract surgery, we replace your cloudy lens with a new, clear lens that enables you to see more clearly. Cataract surgery is safe and effective. We help restore your sight. 

Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or request an appointment through our online portal today if you’re experiencing vision problems.