There are three primary types of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, cortical and posterior subcapsular.
Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts: The most common type of cataracts. These age-related cataracts are caused by the hardening and yellowing of the lens over time. Nuclear Sclerotic Cataract may take years to develop and affect vision, but as the cataract progresses, it will affect the eye’s ability to focus. For some people, this type of cataract may produce the symptom of “second sight” which temporarily improves close-up vision. However, this symptom is not permanent, and as the cataract progresses, vision will continue to decline.
Cortical Cataracts: This type of cataract develops as cloudy areas in the lens cortex, causing vision problems such as blurring, glare, and depth perception due to the way that light scatters while entering the eye. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing cortical cataracts.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: These cataracts begin as a small cloudy area on the back surface of the lens, causing vision problems with reading, “halos”, and glare around lights. Subcapsular cataracts can have a rapid development and symptoms might become noticeable within months. People who have diabetes, extreme nearsightedness, or who use steroids are at the highest risk of developing this type of cataract.