Dr. Chirag Mittal
Cornea Surgeon & Eye Specialist
Dr. Himani Mittal
Newborn & Child Specialist
Superspeciality Centre for Eyes & Childhood Diseases
Types of Cataract – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options Explained
Cataract is a common eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or reduced vision. While cataract is often associated with ageing, it can occur in different forms depending on the location and cause of lens opacity.
Understanding the different types of cataract helps patients recognize symptoms early and seek timely treatment. At AMVision Eye & Child Care, we provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced cataract treatment for all types of cataract.
👉 If cataract is affecting your daily activities, consult our cataract specialist for personalised advice.
Factors Affecting Cataract Surgery Cost
Cataract surgery is advised when the cataract starts interfering with daily activities such as reading, working, or driving.
Modern cataract surgery is safe, quick, and highly effective, and delaying surgery unnecessarily can affect quality of life.
Main Types of Cataract
Nuclear Cataract
Nuclear cataract is the most common age-related cataract. It forms in the central part (nucleus) of the lens.
Common symptoms:
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Gradual blurring of distance vision
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Difficulty driving at night
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Increased sensitivity to glare
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Yellowing or fading of colours
Who is at risk:
Older adults, smokers, and people with long-term sun exposure.
Cortical Cataract
Cortical cataract develops in the outer edges of the lens and gradually spreads towards the centre.
Common symptoms:
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Glare and halos around lights
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Difficulty with contrast
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Vision fluctuation in bright light
Who is at risk:
People with diabetes and those exposed to UV light.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC)
Posterior subcapsular cataract forms at the back of the lens and often progresses faster than other types.
Common symptoms:
Poor vision in bright light
Difficulty reading
Rapid vision deterioration
Who is at risk:
Younger individuals, diabetics, steroid users, and people with eye inflammation.
Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataract is present at birth or develops during early childhood.
Possible causes:
Genetic factors
Infections during pregnancy
Metabolic disorders
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent vision loss in children.
Secondary Cataract (After Cataract Surgery)
A secondary cataract is not a true cataract. It occurs when the lens capsule becomes cloudy after cataract surgery.
Good news:
It is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure (YAG capsulotomy).
How Are Different Types of Cataract Treated?
Regardless of the type, cataract surgery is the only permanent treatment once vision is significantly affected.
Modern cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
👉 Learn more about Cataract Surgery in Delhi for advanced treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main types of cataract?
The main types of cataract include nuclear cataract, cortical cataract, posterior subcapsular cataract, congenital cataract, and secondary cataract.
2. Which type of cataract progresses fastest?
Posterior subcapsular cataract usually progresses faster than other types and can affect vision significantly in a short time.
3. Can different types of cataract be treated differently?
Diagnosis may differ, but cataract surgery is the definitive treatment once vision is affected, regardless of cataract type.
4. Is congenital cataract treatable?
Yes. Congenital cataract can be treated with surgery, especially when diagnosed early, to prevent permanent vision problems.
5. Can cataract be prevented?
While cataract cannot always be prevented, protecting eyes from UV light, controlling diabetes, and regular eye check-ups can reduce risk.