Cataracts are a major cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide, especially among older adults. They occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and, in some cases, complete loss of sight if untreated. While most people associate cataracts with ageing, this condition can develop for various reasons.
This article will explore the different types of cataracts, what causes cataracts in eyes, and how cataract surgery may restore vision.
What Causes Cataracts in Eyes?
Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down and clump together, causing cloudiness in vision. This process usually occurs gradually but can happen rapidly in some cases. Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts:
Ageing: Age-related cataracts are the most common, as the natural lens deteriorates over time.
Genetics: Some individuals are born with cataracts (congenital cataracts) or may develop them early due to inherited factors.
Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye, whether from an accident or surgery, can result in traumatic cataracts.
Radiation Exposure: Prolonged exposure to radiation, such as UV rays from the sun or medical treatments, may contribute to radiation cataracts.
Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes may accelerate cataract formation due to changes in the lens structure.
Medications: Long-term use of steroids or other medications may also contribute to cataract development.
The Three Main Types of Cataracts
Cataracts can be classified into three primary types based on their location in the eye and how they affect vision:
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract
This type is the most common and is associated with ageing. It forms in the centre, or nucleus, of the lens. Over time, the lens hardens and yellows, leading to a gradual decline in vision.
Those with nuclear cataracts may experience difficulties with distance vision and may notice increased glare, especially at night.
Cortical Cataracts
Cortical cataracts form on the outer edges of the lens, known as the cortex, and progress inward toward the centre. This type often causes “spoke-like” opacities, leading to issues with contrast sensitivity, glare, and blurry vision.
People with cortical cataracts may struggle with bright lights or halos around lights at night.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
These cataracts develop at the back of the lens, near the capsule that holds the lens in place. Posterior subcapsular cataracts can progress rapidly and are often associated with steroid use or conditions like diabetes.
They may cause difficulties with reading, light sensitivity, and vision in bright environments.
Other Types of Cataracts
In addition to the three primary types, several other types of cataracts can affect vision depending on different causes and risk factors:
Congenital Cataracts:Present at birth or developing during childhood, congenital cataracts may be caused by genetic mutations or infections the mother had during pregnancy, such as rubella or chickenpox. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent permanent vision problems.
Traumatic Cataracts: These form after an eye injury and may appear immediately or years later. Traumatic cataracts are caused by blunt or penetrating trauma, chemical burns, or electric shock to the eye. Surgery may be required to restore vision.
Radiation Cataracts: Prolonged exposure to radiation, such as UV rays or radiation treatments for cancer, may lead to the formation of cataracts. Radiation cataracts typically form on the back of the lens and cause blurry vision.
Secondary Cataracts: These can occur after eye surgery, such as procedures to treat glaucoma.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
Cataracts can only be treated effectively through surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide. During surgery:
The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
The procedure typically takes less than an hour and involves minimal discomfort.
After the surgery, most patients may experience significant improvement in vision within a few days.
There are different types of intraocular lenses available, depending on the patient’s needs, including monofocal, extended depth of field (EDOF), multifocal, and toric lenses. These lenses may correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
How To Book an Assessment
To request an appointment or if you have an enquiry, please contact us via the following ways:
Cataracts can be classified into various types, but the three most common are nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. A nuclear cataract forms in the centre of the lens and is most often related to ageing. A cortical cataract affects the lens cortex, or outer layer, while a posterior subcapsular cataract forms at the back of the lens, potentially causing glare and difficulty with reading. Other cataract types, such as traumatic and congenital cataracts, are less common but can also affect vision.
What causes cataracts to form in the eyes?
Cataracts occur when the proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down and clump together, causing cloudiness. The most common cause is ageing, leading to age-related cataracts, such as a nuclear cataract or posterior subcapsular cataract. Other causes may include injuries, prolonged exposure to UV rays or radiation, genetic factors, and conditions like diabetes. Each cataract type may develop differently depending on these factors.
Can cataracts be treated without surgery?
Cataract surgery is currently the only effective treatment for cataracts once they impair vision. Non-surgical methods, such as lifestyle changes or glasses, may help patients manage. Surgery may become necessary when vision loss interferes with daily activities. During surgery, the ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens to restore clear vision. Surgery is often considered for treating age-related cataracts, such as nuclear and cortical cataracts, as well as posterior subcapsular cataracts.
How long does cataract surgery take and what is recovery like?
Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure, usually lasting about 30 minutes to an hour. Most patients can return home the same day, and vision may improve within a few days. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which time the ophthalmologist will provide guidance on aftercare. Most people may experience significant improvement in vision after surgery.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
Once cataract surgery is performed and the cloudy lens is removed, the cataract cannot return. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can develop, where the lens capsule holding the intraocular lens becomes cloudy. This is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract” but it may be treated with a quick laser procedure. This condition can occur in cases of nuclear or posterior subcapsular cataracts and is usually addressed quickly by your ophthalmologist.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
Meet Dr Kumar
Dr Nikhil Kumar is a highly qualified ophthalmologist with a degree in Medicine from the University of Newcastle, which he obtained in 1998. Following his graduation, he completed his ophthalmology specialty training at the Sydney Eye Hospital in 2008.
His expertise in the field of ophthalmology includes cataract surgery, refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and laser vision correction. His passion for the eye and its intricacies inspired him to pursue Ophthalmology as a specialty.
How to book an appointment
For your first appointment, you must have a referral letter from your General Practitioner or Optometrist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate for the consultation and any tests/procedures you may have performed at the clinic.
If you don't have a referral letter, you can still be seen at the practice, but you won't be able to claim a Medicare rebate.
Sunglasses or a hat as your eyes may be dilated during the consultation, resulting in possible sensitivity to light and blurred vision. You may not be able to read or drive for 4 hours after your appointment.
A list of current medications and details of your medical history
Your Medicare card, private health fund card and pension card if you have them.
Our location in Sydney
We are located in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales. Our physical address is Level 6, Suite 605, 229 Macquarie St., Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Before you go, why not snag a little something extra? Download this free brochure! We’ve got answers that will make your decision easier and better informed. It’s your last chance to grab this gem before you click away!
