Understanding Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: All You Need to Know
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC) is a fast-progressing opacity. It is present in the back part of your eye lens.
This cataract occurs very commonly in people having diabetes or those taking steroids.
According to a study, PSC is the least dominant of the three common types of cataracts.
The three types are Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts, Cortical, and Nuclear Cataracts.
The presence of PSC was 3 percent in the right eye. The incidence of cortical and nuclear cataracts was 8 and 13%, respectively.
The symptoms of posterior subcapsular cataracts can develop in a few months.
Symptoms might include light sensitivity, decreased vision, and glare.
This may be caused by trauma, exposure to radiation, diabetes mellitus, and many more.
You can prevent your eyes by using thick and bi-focal lenses, but surgery is necessary after some time.
Symptoms
You may start seeing the symptoms of posterior subcapsular cataracts within a few months of the condition.
A posterior subcapsular cataract develops faster than all other cataracts.
The symptoms might include the following:
- Blurry vision
- Defects in the near vision
- Halos and glares when eyes are exposed to bright lights
- Diplopia or polyopia, also known as double vision
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
Causes
The clumping of protein fibers in the back of the lens causes posterior subcapsular cataracts.
This buildup and clumping occur naturally as an individual age.
The clumping of protein fibers in front of the lens can disrupt the transparency, which results in opacity.
Vision quality decreases because the light gets scattered, and very few light rays reach the retina.
A posterior subcapsular cataract is a cataract that affects the back of the lens capsule in the eye. Here are some possible causes of posterior subcapsular cataracts:
- Age: As we age, the proteins in the eye’s lens can break down and clump together, leading to the formation of cataracts
- Genetics: Some people may be more disposed to developing cataracts due to genetic factors
- Eye injury: Trauma to the eye can damage the lens and increase the risk of cataract formation
- Long-term use of corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroids can raise the risk of cataracts
- Diabetes: Diabetic people are at higher risk of developing posterior subcapsular cataracts
- Ultraviolet radiation exposure: Exposure to UV rays from the sun can harm the lens. This can increase the risk of cataract formation.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts
- Certain medical conditions: People with conditions such as atopic dermatitis or down syndrome may be at higher risk
- Previous eye surgery: Previous eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery or retinal detachment repair, can increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract formation.
It is important to note that these factors may increase the risk of cataract formation. But not everyone with these risk factors will develop cataracts.
Treatment
Thick eyeglasses or good-quality bifocals may work for some time. You can even try the latest visual aids or use a magnifying lens.
However, using these lenses and eyeglasses can only last for a while.
You will have to go for surgery. The surgery used to remove cataracts is phacoemulsification.
- Modern cataract surgery or phacoemulsification involves the usage of an ultrasound probe
- The sound emitted from it suffices to shatter up (emulsify) the cataract
- The doctor removes all the pieces and bits with tubing attached to the phaco machine. This suctioning tube behaves like a vacuum cleaner
- Once the cataract within the capsule gets cleaned, the surgeon places a foldable intraocular lens into it
- The entire surgery takes about 15 minutes and is done under topical anesthesia. It is a no-injection, no-stitch cataract surgery. The patient walks in and walks out of the operation theatre themselves
- This is a daycare procedure; the patient can return within a few hours. Also, the patient might be prescribed eyedrops for three weeks after the Cataract surgery
- The patient may or may not need prescription glasses after surgery, depending on the type of lens used in the Cataract surgery
The cost for standard cataract surgery is around $3000 to $5000. However, treatment costs $4000 to $6000 for laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Complications
Some complications of posterior subcapsular cataract surgery are as follows:
Vision loss
The most significant complication of PSC is vision loss.
It can range from mild to severe depending on the size and location of the cataract.
PSC can cause blurry vision, contrast sensitivity, and increased glare, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Increased risk of falls
People with PSC are more likely to experience falls due to their decreased visual acuity.
The reduced perception of depth and increased light glare also confuse them, making them tumble.
Secondary Glaucoma
In rare cases, PSC can lead to the development of secondary Glaucoma.
It is a condition in which increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss.
Difficulty with activities of daily living
PSC can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as reading, driving, and cooking.
It can have a very significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
Need for surgery
If PSC causes significant vision loss or interferes with daily activities.
In that case, surgery may be necessary to remove the cataract and restore vision.
Cataract surgery is generally safe and effective but carries some risks like any other surgical procedure.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of posterior subcapsular cataract involves the following:
- Medical history of the patient
- Visual acuity test
- Slit lamp examination
- Dilated eye exam
- Contrast test
- Lens imaging
Conclusion
In conclusion, Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC) is a type of cataract that affects the back of the lens capsule in the eye.
The development of PSC is linked to various risk factors, including aging, diabetes, steroid use, and radiation exposure.
PSC treatment options include surgery. The surgery procedure includes cataract removal and replacement of the intraocular lens.
Regular eye exams and early detection of PSC can improve outcomes and prevent complications.
You can contact your doctor in case of any severe complications of the Cataract surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Is posterior subcapsular cataract hereditary?
No, Posterior Subcapsular Cataract is not hereditary. A cataract is generally caused due to increasing age, exposure to UV radiation, or overuse of corticosteroids.
What is the most serious type of cataract?
Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PCS) often progresses faster than other types. It can interfere with reading vision, reduce vision in bright light, and cause halos and glare around the lights.
How long is posterior subcapsular cataract surgery?
The surgery of Posterior Subcapsular Cataract is a common surgery with very low risk. The surgery generally takes about 15 minutes, and you can go home that day. The surgeon removes the natural cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
