Types of Senile Cataracts
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Layers of the Lens
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The lens consists of several layers: the lens capsule that is a thin covering, the cortex of the lens and the clear core that is called the nucleus.
Nuclear Cataract
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In a nuclear senile cataract, the nucleus of the lens becomes hardened and discolored; this cataract is the most common type in older people.
Cortical Cataract
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The fibers that form the cortex of the lens become opaque (white) in a cortical cataract and often resemble "spokes" on the lens; this type of cataract often causes glare.
Subcapsular Cataract
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Subcapsular cataracts are the result of the formation of opacities on either the anterior (rare) or posterior (more common) part of the lens capsule; this type of cataract develops rapidly and is more common in people with diabetes or steroid use.
Advanced Cataracts
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With Morgagnian cataracts, the cortex of the lens completely liquifies and the nucleus of the lens dislocates in the lens capsule; this usually only happens in advanced cataract cases and rarely in the United States.
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