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Types of cataract

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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There are three broad categories used to generally describe cataracts:

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts: these are formed by new layers of fibre (typically age-related) that then compress the nucleus of the lens. Typical symptoms include reduced contrast and colour intensity, difficulty in reading car number plates or recognising faces.

Cortical cataracts: in these cataracts new fibres are added to the outside of the lens, which age and produce cortical spokes. These may not produce symptoms unless on the visual axis or the entire cortex is affected. These include light scatter, problems with glare when driving and difficulty reading.

Posterior subcapsular cataracts are due to opacities in the central posterior cortex. These may occur in younger patients and may cause deterioration in near vision, problems with daytime driving and difficulty in reading.

 

Reference.

  1. Cataracts in adults: management. NICE Guideline (Nov 2017)

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