What Are the Three Types of Cataracts?

By far the most common type of cataracts are the ones that form as we get older. Termed, age-related cataracts, these fall into three distinct categories. They’re determined by their location on the eye lens, with each type having slightly different symptoms and speed of progression. 

Ultimately, the treatment for each is the same—monitoring and surgery at the appropriate time. However, knowing which category your diagnosis falls into provides you with important information about what to expect.

The Three Categories of Age-Related Cataracts.

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts

Cortical cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts 

These are the most common of the three types of cataracts. All cataracts are caused by proteins within the vitreous (the jelly-like substance within the eye) clumping together on the lens. In the case of nuclear sclerotic, the cataract begins to form on the center of the lens—the nucleus. 

The word ‘sclerotic’ means tissues that begin to harden. As the cataract increases in size, this is exactly what happens. It’s this that causes vision to deteriorate. As the cataract progresses, more fibers form around the edges, pushing the already hardened older tissues into a dense central location.

Symptoms of nuclear sclerotic cataracts include:

• Blurred vision.
• Yellowing of vision.
• Colors appear muted and faded.
• Difficult focusing—especially on objects at a distance.

This type of cataract forms slowly. It generally takes a while—perhaps years—for any visual symptoms to occur after a diagnosis.

Cortical cataracts

Cortical cataracts form on the outer edge of the lens. As they progress, lines—a bit like wheel spokes—extend from this towards the center. This type is more commonly seen in those with diabetes. They can also be due to excessive sun exposure.

Symptoms of cortical cataracts include:

• Blurred vision.
• Seeing blurry lines.
• Issues with glare, both from natural and artificial light.
• Reduced vision when driving at night.

Cortical cataracts can progress quite quickly, with symptoms worsening over months.

Subcapsular posterior cataracts

As the word “posterior” suggests, these begin to form at the back of the eye. The “sub-capsular’ element means it sits below the capsule that houses the lens. It’s more commonly seen in those with a very high near-vision prescription or in those with diabetes. Radiation exposure and steroid use can increase the likelihood of developing this type.

Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision.
• Seeing halos around light sources.
• Difficulty seeing in bright light.
• Issues with very close-up vision, such as reading.

Subcapsular posterior cataracts advance faster than the other two types. 

While each cataract is different, ultimately, the treatment is the same—an operation to remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial one. Recovery for each is similar too, with most people taking 6-8 weeks to heal and benefiting from much-improved vision afterward.

You can help reduce the chance of early cataract formation by:

• Not smoking.
• Drinking alcohol in moderation.
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Taking regular exercise.
• Keeping your weight within a healthy range.
• Protecting your eyes from UV rays (wearing good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outside).
• Having regular eye checks.
• Take any prescription medication as instructed by your doctor.

Get “What are the Three Types of Cataracts” & Answers to Other FAQs at the WBEC

Ensuring you’re fully informed about every aspect of your eye health is just one of the reasons people entrust their visual health to the West Boca Eye Center. Clinical expertise, exceptional patient care, academic-grade facilities, and some of the most talented eye doctors in the country—indeed, the world—are some of the others.

We lead the way for advanced cataract treatment. Whether you have age-related cataracts or another, rarer form, we can help.

Find out more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ and call today to book a consultation.