A sutural cataract is a type of cataract that forms on the sutures, or joints, of the bones in the skull. The condition is also known as craniosynostosis. While sutural cataracts are not common, they can cause serious problems if left untreated. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about sutural cataracts, from symptoms to treatment options.
What is Sutural Cataract?
A sutural cataract is a type of cataract that develops in the tiny space between the bones of the skull, called the suture. Sutures are fibrous joints that hold the bones of the skull together and allow for growth during childhood. The most common type of sutural cataract is yellowish and usually appears in both eyes.
Sutural cataracts are relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cataracts. They tend to run in families and often develop in middle age or later. People with sutural cataracts typically have no symptoms other than a gradual worsening of vision.
There is no medical treatment for sutural cataracts. However, they can be removed surgically, just like any other type of cataract. Surgery is typically safe and effective, with most people experiencing an improvement in vision afterward.
Types of Sutural Cataracts
There are four main types of sutural cataracts: central, nuclear, lamellar, and total.
Central Sutural Cataract
A central sutural cataract is a small, round cataract that develops in the center of the lens. It is usually asymptomatic and does not cause vision problems. Central sutural cataracts are not common and makeup only about 5 percent of all sutural cataracts.
Nuclear Sutural Cataract
A nuclear sutural cataract is a large, round cataract that forms in the nucleus (center) of the lens. It can cause vision problems and is the most common type of sutural cataract, making up about 60 percent of all cases. Nuclear sutural cataracts tend to progress slowly and may not need treatment for years.
Lamellar Sutural Cataract
A lamellar sutural cataract is a thin, crescent-shaped cataract that forms in the lens cortex (outer layer). It can cause vision problems and is the second most common type of sutural cataract, making up about 30 percent of all cases.
Total Sutural Cataract
A total sutural cataract is a rare type of sutural cataract that covers the entire lens. It is usually asymptomatic and does not cause vision problems. Total sutural cataracts are not common and makeup only about 5 percent of all sutural cataracts.
Risk Factors for Sutural Cataract
Several risk factors may contribute to the development of sutural cataracts, including:
• Family history. If someone in your family has had a sutural cataract, you may be at increased risk for developing the condition.
• Ethnicity. A sutural cataract is more common in certain ethnic groups, such as Asians and Native Americans.
• Age. The older you are, the greater your risk of developing sutural cataracts.
• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Prolonged exposure to UV light, such as from the sun, may increase your risk of developing sutural cataracts.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to get regular eye exams so that your doctor can monitor your eyes for signs of sutural cataracts.
Symptoms of Sutural Cataract
Sutural cataracts are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered during a routine eye examination. However, in some cases, sutural cataracts can cause vision problems. Symptoms of sutural cataract include:
Blurry vision
One of the most common symptoms of sutural cataracts is blurry vision. As the lens becomes cloudy, it becomes more difficult to see.
Glare and halos around lights
Sutural cataracts can also cause light sensitivity and make it difficult to see in bright conditions. People with sutural cataracts may experience glare and halos around lights. In some cases, driving at night may become difficult due to the increased sensitivity to light.
Dimming of colors or change in color perception
As sutural cataracts form, the lens may begin to take on a yellowish tint. This can lead to colors appearing dimmer or even changing altogether. If left untreated for long enough, sutural cataracts can cause colors to appear as if they are fading away or even disappearing altogether. This symptom is often one of the first noticeable signs that something is wrong with the eye’s lens.
Eye fatigue or strain
People with sutural cataracts may experience eye fatigue or strain. This is due to the eye having to work harder to see through the cloudy lens. If left untreated, sutural cataracts can cause headaches and migraines from the increased eye strain.
Difficulty seeing at night
An advanced sutural cataract may make it difficult to see at night. This is due to the pupil getting larger in dim light, which allows more light to enter the eye. The extra light can cause glare and halos around lights, making it difficult to see.
Double Vision
Sometimes, sutural cataracts can cause double vision. This is due to the cloudiness of the lens, which makes it difficult for the eye to focus properly. If left untreated, double vision can become permanent.
Diagnosis of Sutural Cataract
A sutural cataract is a type of cataract that develops in the tiny fibers (sutures) that join the bones of the skull together. The sutures are located in the front and back of the head, just above the ears. Sutural cataracts are rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cataracts.
Sutural cataracts typically develop slowly and may not cause any symptoms for many years. In most cases, they eventually result in vision problems such as blurry vision, difficulty reading, and increased sensitivity to glare.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor can determine if you have a sutural cataract by looking at your eyes with a special magnifying lens (a slit lamp). He or she will also check your visual acuity (ability to see clearly) using an eye chart.
Once diagnosed, treatment for a sutural cataract usually involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one (intraocular lens). Surgery is generally successful in improving vision and restoring normal sight.
Treatment Options for Sutural Cataract
The most common treatment for sutural cataracts is surgery. During this procedure, the eye surgeon will make an incision in the eye and then remove the cloudy lens. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to treat any underlying conditions that may be causing the cataract.
If you have a sutural cataract, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove the cloudy lens. This is typically done as an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight.
During surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in your eye and then carefully remove the cloudy lens. In some cases, they may also need to treat any underlying conditions that are causing the cataract. After surgery, you’ll likely need to wear glasses or contact lenses to help correct your vision.
In most cases, surgery is successful in treating sutural cataracts and no further problems occur. However, there is a small risk of complications such as infection or bleeding. If you experience any problems after surgery, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
Glasses or contact lenses
If the sutural cataract is not causing any vision problems, glasses or contact lenses may be all that is needed to correct vision. Glasses or contact lenses can help to compensate for the cloudy lens and improve vision. In some cases, specially tinted contact lenses may be needed to help with light sensitivity.
Prevention of Sutural Cataract
Prevention of sutural cataracts can be difficult, as the underlying cause is often unknown. However, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition. Some of these are:
– Wearing protective eyewear: If you participate in activities that put you at risk for head injuries, wearing protective eyewear can help reduce your risk of developing sutural cataracts. This includes activities such as contact sports, riding motorcycles, and skiing.
– Managing medical conditions: If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk for inflammation or trauma to the head, working with your doctor to manage your condition can help reduce your risk of developing sutural cataracts. Conditions that may increase your risk include arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
– Avoiding smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing sutural cataracts. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting can help reduce your risk of developing this condition.
Conclusion
A sutural cataract is a condition that can be treated with surgery. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a sutural cataract, it’s important to consult with an experienced ophthalmologist to discuss your treatment options. With the right care, sutural cataracts can be managed and their effects minimized.
Cataract surgery is a safe and painless procedure. At EyeMantra we have a team of experienced eye surgeons, who will be happy to answer any questions on cataract surgery, cataract surgery cost, cataract lens cost for different cataract surgery types- Phacoemulsification, MICS & Femto Laser Cataract. Call us at +91-9711116605 or email at [email protected] for inquiries.
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