31Cataracts are an extremely common eye condition among middle-aged and older adults. In fact, more than 22 million American adults over the age of 40 suffer from them. Not all cataracts are the same though. There are actually three distinct types of cataracts.
In this blog post, we will focus on “cortical cataracts.” This type of cataract is named because it occurs in the cortex of the lens, which is the shell layer. Cortical cataracts come with opaque, white, wedge-like tendrils that start on the edges or periphery of the lens and work their way toward the center like spokes on a wheel.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of a Cortical Cataract?
Each of the three types of cataracts comes with its own set of symptoms, so don’t be fooled into thinking what you’re experiencing isn’t a cataract because it doesn’t meet the symptoms you’ve read about for other types of cataracts.
The typical symptoms that come with cortical cataracts include:
- Increased difficulty driving at night
- Blurry lines that affect vision
- Blurred vision
- A loss of vision (or an increased loss in vision)
- Vision that only occurs in one of your eyes (this is technically known as monocular diplopia)
- Glare from the sun or from artificial lighting
Someone with a cortical cataract may experience just one, a handful, or all of these symptoms. Any time you experience changes in your vision, it is important to have your eyes examined to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan.
What Does Cortical Cataract Treatment Involve?
Cataracts are usually treated either through the use of prescription glasses or through surgery.
Prescription eyeglasses or bifocals are usually the first step to help improve a cataract sufferers vision. If you already have glasses, your prescription may be updated to a greater power in an attempt to help you see more clearly. Cataracts, left untreated, will continue to grow and change, so getting a new pair of glasses is usually a short-term solution at best.
Cataract surgery, performed by a skilled eye surgeon, is the next step when prescription glasses aren’t doing the trick anymore, and your cataracts are impacting your everyday life. Surgery can remove the cloudy lens, leaving an artificial lens in its place. Cataract surgery is common, with more than three million Americans having the procedure every year. Of those who opt for surgery, nine out of ten report their vision is between 20/20 and 20/40 post-surgery.
New Vision Eye Center Can Help
If you are concerned that you or someone you love has developed a cortical cataract, it is important to take that first step toward seeing more clearly by contacting New Vision Eye Center. Our trained, experienced eye surgeons and friendly, professional staff have helped many patients just like you improve their vision through a variety of methods including, advanced, retina care, laser vision correction and more.
To schedule an initial appointment at our world class eye care office, contact us today at (772) 257-8700, or fill out our easy online contact form.