Unlike what is typically thought of as a cataract, a Subcapsular Cataract – also referred to as a “secondary cataract” or an “after cataract” – occurs behind the eye’s lens.
Causes of Subcapsular Cataracts
- In certain situations, a Subcapsular Cataract can develop after surgery for a lens cataract.
- People with diabetes, high farsightedness or retinitis pigmentosa, or those taking high doses of steroid medications have a greater risk of developing a Subcapsular Cataract.
- Subcapsular cataracts have also been linked to aging, steroid use, diabetes, and other health conditions.
This type of cataract develops slowly, and significant symptoms may not occur until the cataract is well developed. Once this happens, however, a Subcapsular Cataract can cause numerous vision problems.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Subcapsular Cataracts
- Reduced vision and difficulty seeing in bright, glaring lights, especially when driving at night
- Decreased close-up vision capabilities, also known as farsightedness or hyperopia
- The development of “halos” around lights, especially at night
- Rapidly progressing vision changes
If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Any sudden change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention from your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
A consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable Ophthalmologist will help determine if you have cataracts and, if necessary, guide you through your cataract treatment options.
To learn more about Subcapsular Cataracts and Proper Eye Health, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision.
Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
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Subcapsular Cataract Symptoms that Shouldn’t Be Ignored
It’s interesting that you mentioned how cataracts can make seeing in bright light difficult. I’ve been having some problems driving at night because the bright headlights of oncoming traffic blur my vision. Maybe it would be a good idea to visit an eye professional to see if I have cataracts forming that I need to have removed.
can subcapsular cataracts be treated or removed like other cataracts?
Yes, a subcapsular cataract is removed in much the same way that a standard cataract is. Dr Samuel Boles has over 30 years of experience in their treatment and removal. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to us at 410.224.2010 so we may schedule a cataract evaluation for you and discuss treatment options.
Hi was informed that I have subcapsular cataract in my right eye. She said I shouldn’t be alarmed and gave me eye drops. This was at Wal-mart. Should I be doing anything else?
If you are concerned about this treatment, we recommend you make an appointment with another eye doctor to discuss your specific case. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us, please call 410-224-2010 and we’d be happy to help.
Can a anterior subcapsular cataract cause blurred vision or cloudy vision?