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Types of Cataracts
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Age-related cataract:
This is the most common type, which relates to aging. The term “age-related” is a little misleading. You do not have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract. People can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that the opacities in the lens become more prevalent.
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Congenital cataract:
Infants can be born with cataracts or develop them in childhood. This condition is caused by either heredity or by possible problems during pregnancy, usually during the first three months. If vision is affected, the cataract may need to be removed.
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Secondary cataract:
Cataracts can be caused or aggravated by certain other health problems, such as diabetes. Also, cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use, previously long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight, smoking or previous eye surgery.
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Traumatic cataract:
Cataracts can develop soon after an eye injury, or many years later. When a sharp object like a pin, needle, knife or scissors pointed accidentally penetrates the lens, the injury can cause a cataract. Such penetrating injuries are especially common in children and industrial workers.
Tags: age-related eye disease
