More than 2.5 million Americans are currently living with cataracts. A dynamic condition typically associated with aging populations, cataracts can lead to significant visual impairment and, in extreme cases, total vision loss. They are the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Cataracts develop and worsen over time. The normally clear lens of the eye begins to harden and yellow, causing visual clouding. As the condition progresses, the clouding obstructs the retina, making it harder for light to reach it. This is why many individuals do not notice visual disturbances until their vision becomes significantly impaired.
Nuclear cataracts are the most common type and are frequently age-related. This type of cataract develops gradually over many years, making its onset harder to detect.
Cortical cataracts form around the edges of the lens, within its cortex. The cortex, composed of water and proteins, undergoes changes that can cause cracks, scattering light as it enters the eye and leading to blurred vision. This type of cataract often occurs in patients with diabetes.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts begin as small cloudy areas on the back surface of the lens, beneath the lens capsule. This type of cataract is most common in individuals with diabetes, severe nearsightedness, or retinitis pigmentosa. It can progress rapidly, sometimes within months.
