Cataracts, often referred to as the “clouding of the eye’s window,” are one of the most prevalent eye conditions worldwide, impacting the lives of millions of individuals, as they journey through the natural process of ageing.
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision problems. While cataracts are primarily associated with ageing, they can also develop due to other factors, such as medications, injury, or medical conditions.
Understanding the different types of cataracts is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. To learn more about the different types of cataracts, keep on reading!
1. Age-related cataracts
The most prevalent kind of cataract is age-related cataract, which develops as individuals age. The proteins in the eye’s lens degrade with time, resulting in clouding. The opacities that from in the lens take different forms and patterns, giving rise to different symptoms.
Some patients complain of blurred vision, especially in dim lighting whilst others find their vision affected only in bright light conditions. Yet others may note increased light sensitivity or glare.
Age-related cataracts can have a substantial influence on one’s quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, cataracts are readily removed with surgery and replaced with intraocular lenses that have the potential benefit of allowing greater spectacle freedom.
2. Congenital cataracts
Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop in childhood. Genetic factors, maternal illnesses during pregnancy, or specific drugs can all contribute to them.
These cataracts have an impact on a child’s vision development and necessitate early care to prevent amblyopia or lazy eye. Congenital cataracts are frequently treated by paediatric ophthalmologists. Surgery at a very young age may require the wear of contact lenses until the child is old enough to have an intraocular lens implanted.
3. Secondary cataracts
Secondary cataracts can form as a result of other eye diseases (such as uveitis) or medical treatments. They may also form because of eye trauma, in reaction to certain drugs (e.g. steroids), or as a consequence of other eye surgery procedures such as vitrectomy.
An example of a medical treatment resulting in cataract formation is ionising radiation, such as that used in cancer treatments. The secondary cataract that forms after exposure to radiation is known as radiation cataract. These cataracts usually appear months to years after exposure and may be readily managed with cataract surgery.
Aside from cataract surgery itself, addressing the underlying cause of secondary cataracts is critical for successful therapy.
Conclusion
To summarise, cataract is a common eye condition with different causes, each requiring a unique diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is having cataract-related symptoms, it is critical that you seek the opinion of an eye care professional.
To restore clear vision, Ava Eye Clinic offers complete cataract treatment services, including innovative surgical procedures and state-of-the-art intraocular lens (IOL) alternatives. Dr Audrey Looi has over 20 years of high-volume clinical experience and has performed over 7000 cataract surgeries. Other subspecialty procedures available at Ava Eye Clinic include oculoplastic procedures such as ptosis eye surgery, blepharoplasty, epiblepharon repair and other lacrimal and orbital surgeries.
Do not let cataracts limit your vision and quality of life. We invite you to schedule an appointment with our expert team today to receive excellent eye care at Ava Eye Clinic.