Cataract Awareness Month: 3 Types of Cataracts and Treatment Options

In honor of Cataract Awareness Month in June, Swagel Wootton Eye Institute reminds our existing and new customers to protect their eyes. Long-term exposure to the bright summer sun increases the chance that you will develop cataracts. If your vision seems a little blurry and you see halos around lights, especially while driving, it may be time to make an appointment with our expert ophthalmologists in Mesa and Chandler.

What Are Cataracts?

Are you wondering how to tell if you have cataracts? Cataracts cloud the lens of one or both eyes. Most, but not all, people with cataracts develop them later in life.

Common cataract symptoms include:

• Blurred or double vision
• Seeing halos
• Changes in depth perception
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Difficulty reading

It’s also important to learn about the different types of cataracts.

3 Types of Cataracts

The three types of cataracts include nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular.

The most common type is known as nuclear sclerotic cataracts, which form in the center of the eye. They often progress over many years before causing vision problems. Some people with nuclear sclerotic cataracts can see better close for a short period of time, which is referred to as second sight.

Cortical cataracts most often impact individuals with diabetes. Unlike nuclear sclerotic cataracts, cortical cataracts start from the outer edge of the eye and progress inward. This type of cataract causes blurry vision and degraded depth perception.

If you have diabetes or extreme nearsightedness, you may develop posterior subcapsular cataracts. It may also afflict those who use steroids. This type of cataract affects your reading and night vision. Posterior subcapsular cataracts develop quickly.

Cataract Surgery in Mesa and Chandler

Our ophthalmologists in Mesa and Chandler can provide an accurate diagnosis and may recommend that you make changes to your lifestyle and diet to slow the progression of cataracts.

At some point, you will probably need cataract surgery in Mesa and Chandler  to restore normal vision. This isn’t something we want you to worry over. We’ll be there every step of the way, monitoring your vision and helping you make the most of your eyesight.

When it comes time for cataract surgery, your eye surgeon replaces your cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one, called an intraocular lens (IOL). During the consultation for your surgery, you learn about your options for clearer vision free of encroaching cataracts.

Most clients notice a big difference in night vision and distance vision that improves as their eyes heal.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Depending on the type of lens you choose, you may be able to limit or even eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. During cataract surgery recovery, your surgeon will instruct you to wear protective eyewear to prevent infections and other complications.

The best way to celebrate Cataract Awareness Month is to schedule a consultation at Swagel Wootton Eye Institute today. No matter what type of cataracts you have, we can help you preserve your vision.