An anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) is a progressive eye condition that affects the area near the front of your eye’s lens, leading to progressive changes to your vision.

Cataracts are an umbrella term describing a group of conditions that cause cloudiness in the eye lens due to the breakdown of proteins, which then clump together. These can be small and unnoticeable, or large enough to interfere with your daily vision and overall quality of life.

There are also many types of cataracts that can develop, with some affecting children and others developing with age. Certain subcapsular cataracts can develop in children, but ASC mostly affects adults.

Unlike posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC), which affect the back portion of your eye lens, ASC impacts the front portion. When left untreated, ASC can lead to a range of vision problems.

If you’re concerned about the possibility of ASC in yourself or a loved one, it’s crucial to see an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

  • light sensitivity
  • increased difficulty seeing in the dark
  • needing extra lighting when reading
  • blurry vision
  • double vision
  • problems with seeing bright colors, in which they look faded or even yellow

ASC may also cause issues with glare and seeing halos in the affected eye(s).

ASC can lead to symptoms in one or both eyes. Most cases of ASC in younger adults that develop in one eye only are connected with injuries. On the other hand, bilateral ASC is most often associated with medications or medical conditions.

ASC affects the eye’s lens. Located behind your pupil, the lens is responsible for helping your eye focus on objects and to focus light effectively. When in its natural, unaltered state, the lens is clear. However, conditions like ASC can make the lens appear cloudy.

There isn’t a single known cause of ASC. Like other types of cataracts, the risk of developing this condition can increase with age. Cloudy lenses typically occur after the age of 60, although it’s possible to go several years without any associated problems with your vision.

However, ASC is not the same as age-related cataract. Instead, it is most often linked to trauma, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions you already have.

In some cases, ASC may even be idiopathic in nature. This means that there’s no identifiable underlying cause of the condition.

Age is a risk factor for most types of cataracts, including ASC. Other known risk factors for ASC development include:

It’s important to keep in mind that having any of the above risk factors doesn’t mean you will automatically develop ASC. However, these can help your eye doctor determine the next steps in diagnosing and treating any current eye symptoms you’re experiencing.

ASC may be diagnosed by either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

First, your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam. One such test is called a slit-lamp exam, which helps your doctor get a detailed look at the front part of your eye. This includes the lens area.

Depending on their findings, your eye doctor may then order a retinal exam to confirm the presence of a cataract. This test may also help them diagnose other possible eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

You will also undergo several vision tests to determine your overall ability to see and read clearly.

Collectively, these tests can help your eye doctor confirm ASC. Once diagnosed with this eye condition, they can recommend treatment options to help you see better.

Technically, a cataract can only be removed via surgery by an ophthalmologist. This is a relatively common procedure with an estimated 97% success rate, but it’s important to discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor beforehand.

It’s also possible you will need a capsulotomy at some point in the future to correct haziness attributed to your new intraocular lens.

Still, not all cases of ASC require cataract surgery. Surgical removal is typically reserved for severe cases in which your vision is seriously impaired and interferes with your daily quality of life.

In lieu of surgery, your eye doctor may prescribe glasses or contacts. Keep in mind that these prescriptions might help you see better in the short term, but they cannot correct the underlying cataract caused by ASC.

Other possible treatments in the future might include specialized eye drops that may help dissolve cataracts. Such modalities are currently being explored in clinical trials.

Like other types of cataracts, ASC is considered a progressive disease. This means that your symptoms may gradually worsen without treatment. Over time, untreated ASC may lead to poor vision.

ASC is a type of cataract that affects the lens of the eye. While many types of cataracts are age-related, ASC can also develop from injuries, underlying medical conditions, and taking certain medications.

If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, such as blurriness, glare, or sensitivity to light, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. They can determine whether your symptoms are caused by ASC or another condition and recommend the best possible treatments.