What are the 3 Types of Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common eye condition that causes blurred or dim vision, and there are actually three types of cataracts. Medstar Clinic is a leading private ophthalmology clinic in London, and we are here to explain the differences between the three types of cataracts and how they can be treated.

As a private health clinic in London, Medstar Ophthalmology (Eye) Clinic has helped thousands of patients effectively manage cataracts and restore their vision. 

In this article, we will explore the three types of cataracts—nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular—their distinguishing symptoms, and the treatment options available, including cataract surgery. So if you have noticed changes in your vision that could indicate cataracts, keep reading to learn more.

What is a Cataract? How Is It Treated?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. As we age, proteins in the lens can clump together, and the lens thickens and clouding results. Cataracts are very common; nearly all people will have some degree of lens opacity if they live long enough. 

Thankfully, modern cataract surgery is highly effective and routinely performed. The main causes of cataracts are age, genetics, eye injuries, chronic exposure to sunlight or radiation, chronic illness such as diabetes, and use of certain medications like steroids. 

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of cataract but commonly include hazy or blurred vision, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colours, and increased sensitivity to glare.

Cataract treatment depends on how much the cataract is affecting one's daily activities and quality of life. Early stage cataracts may be successfully managed with new prescription eyeglasses. For advanced or symptomatic cataracts, surgery is usually recommended. 

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. Modern surgery is typically same-day, minimally invasive, and highly effective.

Most people experience a notable improvement in vision after surgery. Through advances in technology, multifocal or toric IOLs can even allow patients to be free of glasses following surgery.

What are the Symptoms of Cataract?

The most common cataract symptoms include:

• Blurred or hazy vision that can make it difficult to see clearly either far away or up close

• Increased sensitivity to glare, such as needing sunglasses even on mildly bright days

• Faded or washed out colours due to the clouding of the natural lens filter

• Double vision or shadowy second images in one eye

• Need for frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions

• Difficulty driving at night or in bad weather conditions

• Seeing halos around light sources like lamps or headlights

Symptoms of cataract tend to develop slowly over time and vary depending on the type and location of the cataract within the eye's lens. See an ophthalmologist if vision problems cannot be improved with glasses or contact lenses, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and potential vision loss.

Medstar London Eye Clinic: Ophthalmology Services is here for you in this regard. Our doctors are experts in their fields and offer tailored treatment solutions with extended care. Make sure to check out “Ophthalmology, Eye Health, and Eye Diseases in London” to learn more about our eye clinic.

What are the 3 Different Types of Cataracts?

The three primary types of cataracts are:

1. Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract

• Begins forming in the lens nucleus or centre

• Causes the lens to become yellowed and cloudy starting at the core

• Symptoms of nuclear sclerotic cataract include blurry distant vision and the "second sight" phenomenon of improved near focus.

• Develops slowly over several years.

2. Cortical Cataract

• Forms on the outer edges of the lens known as the cortex

• Appears as white, spoke-wheel shapes radiating inward

• Leads to glare, light scattering, and issues with contrast/depth perception

• More common in diabetics and caused by excessive sun exposure

3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataract

• Forms beneath the lens rear membrane or capsule

• Appears as a small, opaque cloud close to the back of the lens.

• Fast developing, causing glare/halos and difficulty reading

• Associated with steroid use, diabetes, and prior eye injuries/surgery

Knowing the type of cataract helps ophthalmologists determine progression and the best treatment approach for individual patients. Surgery remains the only option once vision is significantly impaired.

Best Private Health Clinic for Cataract Treatment in London

Medstar Clinic has been London's premiere private provider of comprehensive eye care and eye surgery. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expertly trained ophthalmologists ensure the highest quality of patient outcomes. You can check our “Clinic Excellence” page for more information.

When sight is compromised by cataracts, Medstar Clinic offers a full range of treatment options. For mild cases where vision can be partially corrected with new glasses or light-boosting aids, lifestyle modifications may suffice for a period of time. However, when cataracts advance to impacting daily life, our surgeons are highly skilled in cataract removal and new lens implantation.

The procedure carries minimal risks and achieves lifelike vision restoration in the majority of patients. Post-operative visits allow careful monitoring of healing and correction of any residual refractive error with new glasses or contact lenses as needed. 

For the most trusted cataract care in London, rely on Medstar Clinic's board-certified ophthalmologists and comprehensive support services. Our friendly team is ready to answer enquiries and ensure a smooth treatment experience.

Our dedicated staff are also available to schedule clinic visits or surgically book online appointments in London via call, email, WhatsApp, our user-friendly website portal, and our app that is available both on the Google Play Store and App Store.

Online Appointment in London for Eye Cataracts

If cataracts are interfering with your sight, Medstar Clinic makes it convenient to seek the expert evaluation and treatment you need. Utilising our easy online appointment scheduling portal is a simple way to take the first step towards clearer vision.

To book online, simply visit the Medstar website and click "Book an Appointment." From there, you can select "Ophthalmology" as your department and choose between new patient and follow-up visits. Next, indicate your preferred appointment date and time before providing your contact details.

Our system will send a confirmation email with your appointment details. We aim to accommodate most requests within 1-2 weeks, depending on clinic availability. You can also cancel or reschedule online as needed with reasonable notice.

On the day of your visit, our welcoming reception staff will check you in efficiently. Then, our ophthalmologists will examine your eyes, discuss any concerns, check for signs of cataract formation, and recommend the next steps. This may include further testing, lifestyle modifications, prescription changes, or, in some cases, discussing surgical intervention.

Medstar Clinic is dedicated to empowering our patients through information and access. Do not let deteriorating vision hold you back—book your online appointment in London for eye cataracts today and take control of your eye health and sight with London's top specialists. You can also contact us for your questions related to our services!

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