Not all cataracts are the same, and they do not affect your vision in the same way. Some cause gradual blurring. Others bring glare or halos that make it tough to drive at night.
Knowing the different types of cataracts can help you spot changes in your vision early, so you can take action before they interfere with your life.
While there are several less common forms of cataracts (such as congenital, traumatic, and radiation-induced cataracts), most cataracts fall into three primary categories: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular.
Each one affects your vision a little differently and can change the way you see the world.
This type forms in the center (or nucleus) of the lens. It is the most common type of age-related cataract.
Common symptoms include:
You might have difficulty driving, recognizing faces from a distance, or noticing color differences.
Cortical cataracts start in the lens's outer edge (cortex) and slowly move toward the center.
Common symptoms include:
Night driving can become stressful, outdoor activities might feel uncomfortable, and depth perception may be off when climbing stairs or reaching for objects.
This type develops at the back of the lens, right in the path of light entering your eye.
Common symptoms include:
Reading, working under bright lights, and enjoying outdoor activities can all become difficult much sooner than with other cataract types.
If you start noticing glare, halos around lights, blurred vision, fading colors, or sudden changes in how well you can read or see things at a distance, it is time to schedule an eye exam. These are all common cataract symptoms. Catching them early can make a big difference.
Early treatment often means less vision loss and more options for managing cataracts. In many cases, cataract surgery can be simpler, and recovery can be quicker when cataracts are found and treated before they become severe.
If your cataracts start interfering with your daily life, surgery is the only way to restore clear vision. There are a few different types of cataract surgery, and the right one for you depends on how advanced your cataracts are and what kind of replacement lens you need.
Your eye doctor will recommend the best type of cataract surgery based on your vision needs, your eye's health, and the lens implant you choose.
Cataract surgery recovery is usually smooth, but it helps to know what to expect. Right after surgery, your vision might seem blurry or cloudy. Many people notice big improvements within a few days, but complete healing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
During the early days of recovery, you will need to be careful, like avoiding heavy lifting or wearing protective eyewear during sleep or when outside.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to ensure everything is healing properly. Most people are back to normal activities quickly, with clearer, sharper vision than before.
Cataracts develop in different ways, but they all share one thing in common: they can seriously impact your vision if left untreated.
If you are starting to notice vision changes, do not wait. Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can make a big difference.
Contact Heart of Texas Eye Care to schedule your consultation or call us at (512) 213-2220 and explore your options for clear, healthy vision.
We serve patients in Dripping Springs, Austin, Kyle, Bee Cave, Marble Falls, and other surrounding areas.