Cortical cataracts are a kind of cataract that develops in the edges of the lens and then make their way towards the center in a spoke-like manner. A cortical cataract occurs in the edges of the lens – the cortex – hence the name cortical cataracts.
As the condition of the cortical cataract worsens, the light entering the eye is scattered, causing a hazy vision. Cortical senile cataract progress in two manners — they either develop slowly and stay the same for a long period or progress very rapidly.
There are two varieties of cortical cataract – posterior cortical cataract, and anterior cortical cataract.
Posterior cortical cataract is when the opacity develops in the layer that is right under the lens capsule. Similarly, anterior cortical cataract occurs in the front of the lens capsule, or inside it. It generally occurs due to a head or eye injury, rather than simply develop over time.
Some of the key causes of cortical cataract are:
Apart from the general causes, some of the risk factors which could to cortical cataract include:
While preventing the development of cortical cataracts may be difficult, you can reduce the risk factors by taking the following steps:
A doctor looking to treat a person for cortical cataracts will undertake three tests predominantly.
These are:
While surgery is often opted to treat cataracts, early stages of the disorder can be managed with prescription glasses. Getting spectacles with a stronger lens will help make the vision better for a while.
However, one cannot put off surgery for too long. While there are several kinds of procedures to resolve cataract, the method in every procedure remains the same — the cloudy lens is replaced with a normal lens to make the vision clearer. The procedure usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes and does not require admission to a hospital.
If you or someone close to you has developed a cortical cataract, do not put off an eye test. Walk into Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital for an appointment with top specialists and surgeons in the field of eye care. Book an appointment now.
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