9 types of cataracts and their stages that you need to be aware of

Cataract is a condition when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. People with cataracts will feel like their vision is like a foggy window. Cataracts usually occur as you get older. Generally, cataracts occur in both eyes simultaneously. However, cataracts can also occur in one eye and cause a more severe condition. More clearly, see the explanation of the types of cataracts below.

What are the types of cataracts?

The types of cataracts are divided into classifications based on:

• Age: Cataracts occur with age. This condition is also known as senile cataract.
• Traumatic: Cataracts occur as a result of injury or trauma to the eye.
• Metabolic: Cataracts result from an underlying metabolic disease, such as diabetes.

Age-related cataracts are the most common type. Cataracts can also be classified according to the part of the lens that is damaged. Here's the explanation:

1. Nuclear cataract

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, nuclear cataract is a classification of cataracts that occur in the middle eye lens. People with nuclear cataracts will experience a change in the eye's previously transparent lens that turns yellow and hardens slowly over the years.

When the center of the lens (lens core) hardens, you may experience nearsightedness (minus eye). This is why some people no longer need reading glasses (plus eyes) when this type of cataract begins to form.

These cataracts can also cause the colors you see to fade, although this symptom is often not recognized. This happens because the lenses are getting yellow or become brown.

The following are the symptoms caused by nuclear cataracts:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Monocular diplopia (double vision that occurs in only one eye)
• Bad eyesight when it's dark
• The ability to distinguish colors is reduced
• Dazzled

2. Cortical cataracts

Cortical cataracts occur when parts of the lens fibers that surround the nucleus become opaque. This type of cataract begins with a cloudy, scratch-shaped cloud on the outer edge of the lens.

Symptoms that are usually caused by cortical cataracts include:

• Glare eyes
• Reduced near vision
• Become contrast insensitive

3. Posterior subcapsular cataract

Posterior or subcapsular cataract posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) is the cloudiness that occurs in the back of the eye lens. This type of cataract tends to occur in younger patients than cortical or nuclear cataracts.

Symptoms that are usually caused by this type of cataract are:

• Dazzled
• Difficulty seeing long distances
• Vision ability diminishes rapidly

4. Congenital cataracts

Congenital cataract is a type of cataract that occurs as a result of birth. This can appear in newborns or appear during childhood.

Cataracts in children are genetic or they can be the result of an infection during pregnancy or trauma. Certain conditions can also cause cataracts in children, such as myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, neurofibromatosis type two, or rubella.

Congenital cataracts don't always affect vision, but if they do, they usually go away as soon as they are detected.

5. Subcapsular anterior

Another form of cataract is the subcapsular anterior cataract. Anterior subcapsular cataract can develop without a specific cause (idiopathic, aka unknown cause). This condition can also occur as a result of trauma or misdiagnosis (iatrogenic).

6. Diabetic snowflake

This type of cataract causes shaped cloudiness snowflake (snowflake) is gray white. Often times, this condition develops rapidly and makes the entire lens glow and white.

Cataract diabetic snowflake often occurs in diabetic patients of a younger age. Generally, this condition is found in diabetic patients with very high blood sugar, especially those with type 1 diabetes.

7. The posterior pole

This cataract is characterized by a well-defined white opacity in the center of the posterior capsule (the layer to cover the fibers of the lens of the eye). This type of cataract is asymptomatic or causes few symptoms. However, as they develop, posterior polar cataracts may affect the quality of your vision.

8. Traumatic cataracts

Traumatic cataracts occur after an eye accident, such as eye injuries from blunt objects, electric shocks, chemical burns, and radiation exposure. Symptoms of this condition include clouding of the lens at the site of the injury which can extend to all parts of the lens.

9. Polychromatic

Quoted from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polychromatic cataracts are also known as "Christmas tree" cataracts. These cataracts are characterized by colored crystals in the lens of the eye. This condition is referred to as a rare type of senile cataract development and usually occurs in patients with myotonic dystrophy.

10. Complications

Complicated cataracts are cloudy eyes due to a history of chronic or recurrent uveitis. This condition can be caused by uveitis itself or medication to treat uveitis.

Cataract maturity level

Apart from the cause, there is also a classification of cataracts based on the level of maturity or stage of development. Here are the steps:

1. Early stage cataracts

This is the beginning of cataract disease. This condition occurs when the lens's eye is still clear or transparent, but the ability to change focus between near and far vision has begun to decrease.

In this condition, your vision may be blurry or cloudy, the glare of light. You may also feel eye strain increasing.

2. Immature cataracts

Immature cataracts, also known as incipient cataracts, are characterized by proteins that start to cloud the lens and make your vision a little blurry, especially in the middle. At this point, your doctor may recommend new glasses or anti-glare lenses. The development of immature cataracts can take up to several years.

3. Adult cataracts

Adult cataracts mean that the level of turbidity has increased significantly enough to appear milky white or yellow. This state has spread to the edge of the lens and has a sizeable effect on vision. If cataracts interfere with your daily activities, your doctor may suggest cataract removal surgery.

4. Hypermature cataracts

A hypermature cataract means that the cataract has become very congested, has significantly impaired vision, and has hardened. At this point, cataracts will interfere with vision to an advanced stage.

This condition can be more difficult to get rid of. Left untreated, hypermature cataracts can cause inflammation of the eye or increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to glaucoma.

5. Morgagnian cataracts

Morgagnian cataract is a form of hypermature cataract, when the core or middle lens is damaged, submerged, and melted. At this stage, cataract surgery may be done immediately after the vision is paralyzed.

Knowing the types, symptoms, causes of cataracts can help you detect the disease more quickly. That way, you can undergo proper cataract treatment. You can also check your symptoms here or contact your doctor.