Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition that can affect anyone but are most commonly found in older adults. A cataract occurs when the transparent eye lens begins to cloud with proteins in the eyes. This leads to light being unable to enter the lens and creates a foggy appearance. It can cause vision impairment and even blindness in some circumstances.

However, with early detection and treatment, cataracts can be managed effectively. But not all cataracts are the same. There are a few different types and they come with different symptoms and treatment options.

Types of Cataracts

There are three main types of cataracts. They are each located in a different part of the eye and come with different symptoms. They include:

Nuclear Cataracts

With nuclear cataracts, your lens gradually becomes clouded and densely yellow. At first, it might improve your vision, but over time, it will eventually make it much worse.

If the cataract is left untreated, the lens could even turn brown. This can lead to the inability to tell the difference between different shades of color.

Cortical Cataracts

Cortical cataracts affect the outer edges of the lens (also known as the lens cortex). These cataracts usually form as white, wedge-shaped clouds or streaks that start at the edges of the lens and move toward the center as time goes on. These streaks can interfere with light passing through the center of the lens and lead to glares, halos around lights, and difficulty with depth perception.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts affect the back of the lens and they often develop and progress more quickly compared to other cataracts. They affect your reading vision quite a lot.

They can cause blurred or distorted vision, reduce your vision in bright light, cause halos or glares around lights at night, and make it difficult to see in dim light.

Cataract Symptoms to Look For

The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on the type of cataract and the stage of development. Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts include:

Blurry or Cloudy Vision

Blurry vision is one of the most common symptoms of cataracts and as you might imagine, can make it quite difficult to see clearly.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Difficulty seeing at night or in places with low light can also be a problem with cataracts. It can cause problems with driving and make it harder to navigate in unfamiliar places.

Sensitivity to Light

Whether you’re in a brightly-lit room or outside on a particularly sunny day, cataracts can also make you more sensitive to light. This sensitivity could cause headaches or simply make it more difficult to go about your daily routine.

Changes in Color Perception

As discussed above, cataracts can also cause changes in color perception. Especially if you’re dealing with nuclear cataracts. Colors may appear duller or you may not be able to tell the difference between two colors at all. This often happens with colors like blue and purple.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’ve been struggling with cataracts or are starting to experience symptoms, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation with Eye Associates of Tucson. Our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists can perform a comprehensive eye exam and provide you with treatment options best suited to your unique needs.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Tuscon, AZ offices at 520-888-6600 or use our online scheduling form to book an appointment.