When most people think about cataracts, they often associate them with aging. While age-related cataracts are the most common type, there are several other factors that can cause someone to develop cataracts during different stages of life.
Understanding the various causes of cataracts can help you be more proactive about your eye health and know when to seek care from an eye doctor. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of cataracts and their causes!
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making it difficult for light to pass through properly. This cloudiness can cause blurry vision, increased glare sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night.
While cataracts typically develop gradually over time, some types can progress more quickly than others.
What Causes Cataracts Besides Age?
While aging is the primary factor in cataract development, several other conditions and circumstances can lead to their formation:
Congenital Cataracts
Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them during childhood. These cataracts can be caused by genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or certain health conditions.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing vision problems during a child’s developmental years.
Trauma or Eye Surgery
Eye injuries or surgery can damage the natural lens of the eye and lead to cataract formation. These cataracts may develop immediately after an injury or appear months or years later.
Protecting your eyes during sports and other activities can help prevent traumatic cataracts.
Certain Health Conditions
Several health conditions can increase your risk of developing cataracts earlier in life. Diabetes can affect the lens of the eye and speed up cataract formation.
People with diabetes are also at higher risk for other eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma and should visit their eye doctor for regular eye exams to monitor their eye health. Also, certain medications, particularly long-term steroid use, can contribute to early cataract development.
Certain Lifestyle Habits
Your daily habits and environmental exposures can impact your risk of developing cataracts. Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can increase your chances of developing cataracts.
Smoking can also accelerate cataract formation and make them develop earlier than they typically would. Making healthy lifestyle choices and protecting your eyes from UV radiation can help reduce your risk.
What Are the Signs You May Be Developing Cataracts?
Recognizing the early signs of cataracts can help you seek care when it’s time.
Some common symptoms include:
- Cloudy or blurry vision that develops gradually
- Increased difficulty with night vision
- Colors appearing faded or yellowed
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Frequent changes in your prescription
If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling an evaluation with your eye doctor at Hayden Vision can help determine if cataracts are the cause.
What Are the Different Types of Cataracts?
Cataracts can develop in different parts of the lens and progress in various ways.
Nuclear Cataracts
These cataracts form in the center (nucleus) of the lens. They typically develop gradually over many years and are most commonly associated with aging.
Nuclear cataracts often cause yellowing or browning of vision, making it particularly difficult to distinguish between colors.
Cortical Cataracts
These cataracts begin at the outer edges of the lens and extend inward like spokes on a wheel. They form in the lens cortex, which is the part surrounding the central nucleus.
Cortical cataracts create wedge-shaped opacities that look like white spokes extending from the outside of the lens toward the center. They can cause problems with glare and may affect distance vision more than near vision.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
These cataracts form at the back of the lens, directly in the path of light. They progress more rapidly than other types, often developing over months rather than years.
People with posterior subcapsular cataracts typically experience more difficulty reading and seeing in bright light. This type is more common in younger people and is often associated with diabetes or steroid use.
Are Different Types of Cataracts Treated Differently?
When cataracts begin to affect your quality of life, your eye doctor may recommend cataract treatment. During this procedure, the cloudy natural lens is replaced with an IOL to restore clear vision.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can help improve your visual clarity and reduce dependence on visual aids for many daily activities. Regardless of the cause of your cataracts or what type of cataracts you have, all cataracts will need to be removed and replaced with an artificial lens for you to see clearly once again.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Eye Health?
While not all cataracts can be prevented, you can take steps to maintain your eye health and potentially slow their progression:
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants
- Schedule regular eye examinations
- Manage existing health conditions
- Avoid smoking
Your eye doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific risk factors and eye health needs.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor About Cataracts?
If you notice changes in your vision or have risk factors for early cataract development, it’s important to schedule regular eye examinations. Your eye doctor at Hayden Vision can monitor any changes in your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options when necessary.
Early detection and management can help preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life. Protecting your vision is an essential part of your overall health care.
Whether you’re experiencing vision changes or simply want to be proactive about your eye health, a professional evaluation can make a significant difference. Schedule a cataract evaluation at Hayden Vision in Evansville, IN, today!