How Different Types of Cataracts Present Different Symptoms

Cataracts are a common eye condition, resulting from the clouding of your eye's naturally clear lens. They are primarily associated with aging but can also come about due to other causes like injury, certain medical conditions, or even some medications.
 

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are not a disease that suddenly appears. Instead, they develop slowly over time. You might not even realize you have a cataract, as they initially don't cause any vision problems. However, as the cataract grows larger, you may start to notice your vision becoming blurred or less colorful.
 

Cataracts occur when the proteins in your eye's lens clump together, forming opaque clusters. These clusters scatter light as it passes through the lens, preventing a sharply defined image from reaching your retina. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.
 

Different Types of Cataracts and their Symptoms

There are several different types of cataracts, each presenting different symptoms.
 

Nuclear cataracts form in the center of the lens and cause it to darken, turning yellow or even brown.
 

This type of cataract can cause you to become more nearsighted. However, as the cataract continues to develop, it will eventually blur your vision. You may also experience double vision in the affected eye, an unusual improvement in near vision, or a significant impairment of color perception.
 

Cortical cataracts are characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start at the edge of the lens and work their way to the center. These cataracts begin as whitish streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex.
 

As they gradually progress, they can appear like spokes pointing towards the center of your eye. Your vision may become hazy, and you might have trouble with glare, contrast, and depth perception. You'll likely notice that your vision is clouded, blurred, or dim. You might have difficulty with bright lights and night vision, and you may also see halos around lights.
 

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens and tend to progress more rapidly than other types. They can interfere with your reading vision, reduce your vision in bright light, and cause glare or halos around lights at night.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Check-ups in Early Detection of Cataracts

The key to managing cataracts is early detection. Regular eye examinations are essential to identify early signs of cataracts and to monitor their progression. It's generally recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for eye disease.
 

These check-ups allow your optometrist to detect signs of cataracts before you even notice any symptoms. They can then discuss treatment options with you, which could include lifestyle adjustments, glasses or contact lenses, or even surgery.
 

Conclusion

Cataracts are a common condition that present different symptoms depending on their type. While they can certainly cause significant changes to your vision, it's important to remember that they are a manageable condition. With regular eye check-ups, early detection is highly possible, allowing you to manage the condition effectively.
 

For more information on different types of cataracts and their symptoms, visit Lakeview Optometry in our Monticello, Indiana, office. Call (574) 583-5531 to schedule an appointment today.