Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness and occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, mostly due to aging. The clouding makes it hard for light to pass through the lens and focus on the retina, causing blurry vision, faded colors, and difficulty seeing at night. Cataract surgery is an effective treatment for cataracts, replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial intra-ocular lens. Here are five main types of cataracts:

1. Age-related Cataracts

Age brings various changes to a person’s body, and the eyes are not exempt. As we age, the proteins in our lenses break down and clump together, causing them to become cloudy or yellowish. Age-related cataracts form gradually over time and are the most common cataract type. Some risk factors for age-related cataracts include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of cataracts. You may also develop this cataract type if you have diabetes or use certain medications like steroids. Cataract surgery can help restore vision in people with age-related cataracts.

2. Congenital Cataracts

While cataracts are often associated with aging, they can also occur in kids and babies. Congenital cataracts are present from birth or develop in the first few years of a child’s life. These cataracts may occur due to genetics or some infections during pregnancy, such as rubella. Other reasons for congenital cataracts include illnesses or an injury to the eye. In some cases, congenital cataracts do not cause significant vision problems and may not require treatment. The child may only need monitoring to be sure the cataract does not interfere with their vision development. Cataract surgery may be necessary if the cataract affects vision and causes other complications.

3. Traumatic Cataracts

These cataracts result from an injury or trauma to the eye. They may occur immediately after an injury or develop over time due to damage to the lens. Trauma or injuries disrupt the normal arrangement of lens fibers, causing them to clump together and form a cataract. Depending on the severity of the injury, traumatic cataracts can range from minor clouding in one area of the lens to significant clouding that significantly affects vision. While cataract surgery is an effective treatment, prevention measures can help avoid traumatic cataracts. Wearing protective eyewear during activities or sports that pose a risk of eye injury can help reduce the chances of developing this cataract type.

4. Secondary Cataracts

These cataracts usually happen after cataract surgery. Sometimes, the cells that make up the lens capsule can become cloudy over time and affect vision after the surgery. This condition is known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO can cause blurred or hazy vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. An eye specialist can correct this condition through a simple procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy. This procedure involves using a laser to create an opening in the cloudy lens capsule, allowing light to pass through and restore clear vision.

5. Radiation-induced Cataracts

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for various cancer types. Exposure to high radiation levels can lead to cataracts, particularly if the radiation is directed towards the eye area. Radiation-induced cataracts may form months or even years after the radiation exposure. If you are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy, regular eye exams can monitor for potential cataract development. Early detection can lead to timely treatment and vision preservation. Ultraviolet rays from the sun may also cause cataracts. Consider wearing sunglasses with UV protection while outdoors.

How Cataracts Are Treated

Cataract surgery is the most effective and common treatment for cataracts. The procedure starts with phacoemulsification, where the eye surgeon uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens. They then remove the fragmented pieces and replace them with an artificial intra-ocular lens. The new lens is clear and helps focus light onto the retina, restoring clear vision. The surgery is outpatient, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few days. One eye undergoes treatment at a time, with the second eye scheduled for surgery a few weeks later. Cataract surgery is safe and has a high success rate in improving vision. 

Contact an Eye Surgeon To Discuss Cataract Surgery

Cataracts can disrupt daily activities, causing symptoms like double vision, faded colors, poor night vision, vision distortion, and frequent prescription changes. If you have cataracts, consult an eye surgeon for a comprehensive eye exam and discuss cataract surgery as a treatment. The procedure is safe, and most people experience improved vision without complications.