Cataract is one of the most common eye conditions in India or worldwide, especially among adults above 50. In Bihar too, a large number of people experience blurred vision, cloudy eyesight, and difficulty seeing at night—often without realising that these symptoms might point toward cataract. While many people think cataract is a single condition, in reality, there are different types of cataract, each with its own causes, symptoms, and impact on someone’s vision.
Understanding the types of cataract is crucial because early identification helps ensure timely treatment and prevents unnecessary vision loss. With modern surgical methods available even in small towns across Bihar, cataract is fully curable, and vision can be restored safely.
Let’s explore some common types of cataracts, how they develop, and what they mean for your eye health.
Cataract Introduction
Inside the human eye, there is a natural lens that focuses light onto the retina. This lens must remain clear for proper vision. A cataract occurs when this lens becomes cloudy due to protein clumping—usually caused by age, diabetes, injury, or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
The clouding can affect different areas of the lens, which is why there are multiple types of cataract, each influencing vision differently.
1. Nuclear Cataract
A nuclear cataract forms in the central part of the lens, known as the nucleus, and is one of the most common age-related cataracts. In Bihar, people often describe it as “dheere-dheere nazar kam hona” or “chehre dhundhle dikhna.” As the lens center becomes harder and turns yellow or brown, vision gradually becomes blurry and less sharp. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects, hazy or blurred vision, faded colors, increased nearsightedness (sometimes allowing temporary reading without glasses, known as “second sight”), and poor night vision. Older adults, smokers, and those with prolonged sun exposure are at higher risk.
2. Cortical Cataract
A cortical cataract starts at the outer edges of the lens (the cortex) and slowly moves inward, creating wedge-shaped streaks that resemble the spokes of a wheel. This type is especially common in people with diabetes, making it more frequent in Bihar where diabetes rates are rising. Symptoms include glare and light sensitivity, difficulty driving at night due to scattered light from headlights, vision that appears streaky or distorted, and frequent fluctuations in eyesight. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or long-term steroid use are at greater risk.
3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC)
Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens, just beneath the capsule, and tend to progress faster than other types. They can significantly impact vision in a short span of time and may even affect people in their 40s. PSC develops when abnormal cells collect at the back of the lens, causing clouding. Symptoms include difficulty reading fine print, trouble seeing in bright sunlight, severe glare from lamps or headlights, and rapidly worsening vision. Individuals with diabetes, long-term steroid users (commonly for asthma or skin allergies), or those who have received radiation therapy are at higher risk.
4. Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop during early childhood. In Bihar, delayed diagnosis is common due to limited early eye screening, making parental awareness extremely important. These cataracts can arise because of genetic factors, maternal infections during pregnancy (such as rubella), nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic disorders. Signs include a white reflex in the eye (often noticeable in photos), lack of response to visual cues, crossed eyes, and delayed visual development. Early treatment is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
5. Traumatic Cataract
A traumatic cataract results from an injury to the eye and is relatively common in rural Bihar due to farming activities, construction work, or accidental impacts. It may develop from a blunt injury, a penetrating wound, or chemical burns. Symptoms usually include sudden cloudy or blurred vision, a visible white or gray spot inside the eye, difficulty focusing, and light sensitivity. Treatment varies depending on the extent of injury but often requires surgery.
6. Secondary Cataract (PCO)
A secondary cataract occurs when the lens capsule becomes cloudy after cataract surgery. It is not a new cataract but a natural thickening of the membrane that holds the artificial lens. This haze can develop months or even years after surgery. Symptoms include blurry or foggy vision and increased sensitivity to glare. Treatment is simple—a painless YAG laser procedure that clears the clouding within minutes without the need for stitches or recovery time.
7. Age-Related Cataract
Age-related cataracts occur when multiple types of cataracts develop together due to natural aging, which is extremely common in Bihar among people above 60. Symptoms include a gradual decline in vision, glare and halos around lights, difficulty performing daily tasks like reading or walking outdoors, and colors appearing dull. These cataracts are easily treatable with modern surgery.
Why Understanding the Types of Cataract Matters
Knowing the types of cataract helps you:
- Recognize symptoms early
- Get timely treatment
- Avoid complication-driven blindness
- Understand which factors (diabetes, injury, aging) may be contributing
In Bihar, many people delay treatment due to fear or lack of awareness, but cataract surgery today is extremely safe, quick, and restores vision almost immediately.
Treatment Options Available in Bihar
Modern cataract treatment includes:
- PHACO: No stitches, faster healing
- SICS: Painless and stitchless procedure and preferred for mature cataract
These services are available in many hospitals and eye-care centers across Bihar including Patna, Saran (Chapra), Purnea, Samsastipur, and more.
