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What are the types of cataracts?

There are different types of cataracts. You might be wondering why you need to know the types of cataracts. Apart from the fact that knowing the types of cataracts is educative, informative, and instructive, it also helps one to understand the possible causes of cataracts that one is battling with. For instance, do you know some families can’t live up to forty years without having an issue with their eyes? Of course, we have countless of them. So, that’s a congenital cataract. So, once you notice that as a child you are feeling the way your mother or your father felt a few years back and they undergo cataract surgery, then you should know the next step to take. I am trying to show you the essence of knowing the types of cataracts.

What are the types of cataracts?

But before we move further to the details, it would be nice to start this write-up with the meaning of cataracts. Now, what is a cataract? Cataracts occur when there’s a solid or cloudy area in the eye’s lens. This eye problem usually begins when the protein in the eye creates clumps that prevent the lens from sending or transferring clear images to the retina. Don’t forget that the work of the retina is to convert the light that comes via the lens into signals. Also, the retina sends signals to the optic nerve before the brain receives them. One thing about cataract is that it occurs gradually and if one joke with it, it could result in total blindness. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary spending on cataract surgery, you need to know its symptoms and the necessary steps you need to take.

To overcome a cataract, one needs to undergo cataract surgery. Of course, not in all cases. If you see some cataract symptoms, and you have it in mind to rise to do the needful, you might only need a corrective measure and not necessarily undergo cataract surgery. That is if you know the symptoms and you could identify them at an early stage. But once you neglect the aspect of taking the necessary steps, there’s no other way to restore your vision except through cataract surgery.

Types of cataracts 

  1. Congenital cataract
  2. Nuclear cataract
  3. Cortical cataract
  4. Traumatic cataract
What are the types of cataracts?
  • Congenital cataract: From the word “congenital,” you should know what this type of cataract entails. It is a type of cataract that is hereditary. Of course, one may be born with a cataract. It depends on the strength of the genes. Countless people underwent cataract surgery in Sydney, and the root cause is that they inherited it from their parents. Congenital cataracts could occur when one is still a child. If the mother of a child is fighting cataracts, there’s a tendency that the traces of cataracts will show up in the child. Of course, I don’t want you to misquote me. It’s not in all cases. However, the child might not undergo cataract surgery at his tender age, but with time, as the cataract grows bigger in him, he will have to do cataract surgery later. Children at their formative stage can take some parts from their parents to form who they are. This is common during pregnancy. Therefore, as a child could easily pick some behavior in the mother, he could also choose a cataract. 
  • Nuclear cataract: The only way to restore one’s vision if one suffers from this cataract is to undergo cataract surgery. It is otherwise known as a sclerotic nuclear cataract. When there’s a form in the middle of one’s lens, one suffers from a nuclear cataract. Furthermore, sclerotic nuclear cataract is common among older adults. Some of them assumed that you don’t need to go for cataract surgery if you have trouble or concern in your vision at an old age. But the fact remains that not all adults in their old age have an issue with their sight. One thing about these symptoms is that it also starts gradually. And if it is left uncared for, it becomes more complex, and one must undergo cataract surgery to restore one’s vision. What are the symptoms of nuclear cataracts? If you have this type of cataract, you might find it hard to see tiny things, colors get less wealthy, and inability to read.
  • Cortical cataract: When a shape occurs outside the edge of your lens, you have a cortical cataract. Remember, the shape-outside one’s lens is called the cortex. The moment you notice something like triangles pointing toward the center of your lens, you need to visit an eye doctor for a necessary checkup. What cortical does is scatter light as they grow. Then, once cortical scatters the light, glare sets in. That is why glare is the only symptom of this cataract. The ray of light from other vehicles can block your sight at night, and you may find it hard to drive at night. Once you see this symptom, you need to see your doctor. Your surgeon will carry out some tests on you, and the result might be that you need to undergo cataract surgery. 
  • Traumatic cataracts: Traumatic cataract occurs due to injury in the eye. If your eyes are close to some chemicals or particles, you can get this type of cataract. Another way of getting this cataract is if a stone or hard materials hit you. One thing about this type of cataract is that it might not show after two years. Therefore, I implore you to stay safe and protect your eyes from being injured. Once a traumatic cataract is detected, the only way to come out of it is by undergoing perfect cataract surgery. Although, it depends on what your eye doctor prescribes to you. 

On a final note

This article is educative, instructive, and informative. It is expedient for you to know these types of cataracts. This write-up consists of four common types of cataracts. Finally, please feel free to drop your question regarding this topic in the comment box.