Nuclear cataracts cause clouding of the lens, impairing vision. Risk factors include age, medical conditions, and lifestyle. Surgery is the usual treatment, but complications can occur. Diagnosis involves visual acuity and other tests. Cataracts worsen over time, and those with chronic conditions are more at risk. Surgery involves replacing the lens, but glasses or contacts can also help. Yearly checkups are recommended for those not undergoing surgery.
A nuclear cataract is an eye condition characterized by a centralized clouding of the lens that interferes with vision. Risk factors for this form of cataract development include older age, certain existing medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Treatment for a nuclear cataract generally involves surgery to replace the affected lens. As with any invasive medical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risks of complications, including excessive bleeding and infection.
Cataracts generally form due to a genetic predisposition or as a result of age-induced damage or deterioration of the lens. Nuclear cataracts form uni- or bilaterally, i.e. in one or both eyes, when the center of the eye’s lens thickens and loses its flexibility. Unable to focus light as it should, the affected lens tissue deteriorates, forming a cataract. While cataracts themselves aren’t necessarily a threat to your sense of vision, they can impair your ability to see properly.
The pronounced vision changes that occur with the development of nuclear cataracts will generally require a visit to the eye doctor. A diagnosis of nuclear cataract will usually be made following the administration of a visual acuity test and other diagnostic tests. The visual acuity test involves reading lines from a chart made up of letters arranged in various font sizes, usually from the largest at the top of the chart to the smallest at the bottom. Diagnostic tests may involve the use of retinal and slit lamp tests to evaluate the condition of the inner eye, including the lens, retina, and cornea.
Individuals who develop a nuclear cataract will generally notice subtle vision changes over time. Cataract formation usually induces myopia which worsens and causes the lens to adopt a yellowish hue. As your vision becomes more impaired, you may notice a persistent haze or experience double vision. Progressive discoloration of the lens usually occurs as the cataract gets worse, which can further impair vision. It is believed that individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, or those who are obese or smoke, are more likely to develop cataracts.
Treatment for a nuclear cataract involves surgical excision of the affected lens and implantation of a replacement lens. Performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, cataract surgery is generally reserved for people whose vision is significantly impaired. Those who undergo surgery can usually resume daily activities without restrictions within a few days.
If existing eye or health problems prevent the implantation of a replacement lens, correct vision can be achieved with the use of contact lenses or glasses. Individuals may forego surgery if their condition has not significantly affected their daily activities. Those diagnosed with nuclear cataracts who aren’t pursuing surgery are usually advised to have yearly checkups with their ophthalmologist to keep track of any changes in vision or the progression of the cataract.
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