Types of cataracts
Did you know that there are different types of cataracts? Cataract surgery is the most performed surgical procedure in the world. However, most people do not realise that there are different types of cataracts. Ophthalmologists classify cataracts in several ways. The most basic method of classification is according to the location of the actual opacity. Types of cataracts by location There are three basic areas in the eye that an opacity can form: the centre portion of the natural lens, the outer part of the lens and the back surface of the lens. Nuclear sclerotic cataract - The most common type of cataract. The centre portion of the natural lens of the eye – the nucleus – becomes yellow and hardens. ‘Sclerosis’ refers to the hardening of the lens nucleus. Deterioration of vision is usually gradual. Cortical cataract - A less common form of cataract that appears as a cloudy opacity in the cortex, the outer part of the lens. The cataract resembles spokes that point ...