What is a Nuclear Cataract?
A nuclear cataract is when there is excessive yellowing, cloudiness, or hardening in the center of the lens, that is, the nucleus.
This happens when the proteins in our eyes clump together. These proteins are layered and permit light to pass through them.
The clumping of proteins can be accelerated due to old age, a poor lifestyle, and excessive exposure to UV light.
According to Harvard Eye Associates, this is one of the most common types of cataracts in people over the age of 60.
Keep reading the article to learn more about Nuclear cataracts.
Classifications
Doctors grade nuclear cataracts on a scale of 1 to 5 based on color and cloudiness.
A preview of this classification is given below:
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 (Nuclear Sclerosis Cataract) | 1. It is the initial stage of nuclear cataracts 2. The lens starts to harden and become yellowish |
| Grade 2 (Incipient Nuclear Cataract) | It is the stage at which nuclear sclerosis advances to nuclear cataracts |
| Grade 3 | The nuclear cataract is well-established with increased density |
| Grade 4 (Cataracta Bruscens) | The lenses start turning brown |
| Grade 5 (Cataracta Nigra) | 1. The lens becomes very hard and dark 2. The lenses become opaque, usually with no transparency |
Symptoms of Nuclear cataract
Symptoms of nuclear cataracts include
- Blurry Vision
- Double vision (seeing two images of the same object)
- Difficulty in driving at night
- Difficulty reading things from a distance
- Colors appearing faded or dull
- Severe glare from lights
- Poor night vision
- Frequent changes in eyewear prescriptions
Causes of Nuclear Cataract
The proteins in our eyes keep our vision clear by letting the light pass through.
But when these proteins clump together in the nucleus, it blurs our vision.
Here are some of the reasons that might cause clumping in the eyes and lead to nuclear cataracts.
Aging
A nuclear cataract is mainly associated with aging.
This occurs due to the regular changes in our eyes as we age.
Around age 40, the proteins in our lenses start breaking down and clumping together.
Due to this, our vision starts getting blurry, and the colors begin to fade.
This process begins to accelerate as we age.
UV light exposure
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can also contribute to nuclear cataracts.
A study found that exposure to the sun’s UV rays increased the risk of developing nuclear cataracts.
The UV rays clump the proteins in our lens, which leads to the yellowing and hardening of the nucleus.
Poor lifestyle habits
Poor lifestyle choices, like a lack of physical activity and unhealthy food, may lead to nuclear cataracts.
These habits may quicken the process of protein breakdown in the lenses, which leads to blurring, hardening, and yellowing of the lenses.
Risk Factors
The risk factors of Nuclear Cataracts include
Diabetes
People who have diabetes are often at risk of cataracts.
The eyes’ lenses might swell and undergo structural changes if the sugar level increases.
This can lead to the development of cataracts.
Hypertension
Hypertension is the most frequent risk factor for all types of cataracts.
It may cause proteins in lens capsules to change conformation, increasing the development of cataracts.
Smoking
Smoking increases the number of free radicals in our eyes.
Free radicals harm the lipids and proteins in the eyes.
They cause deposits on the eye lens’ surface, leading to blurry vision.
Diagnosing Nuclear Cataracts
Some tests that can help diagnose nuclear cataracts are
Dilation
Drops are put into the patient’s eye by the doctor, which causes the retina to enlarge.
The doctor can inspect the eye’s interior, including the lens, through this process.
Slit lamp test
In this test the doctor examines the cornea, iris, and lens, including the nucleus of the lens, using a special microscope-like apparatus with a light on it.
Red reflex test
The doctor uses a special magnifying glass to examine the eye in the reflection of the light.
If the eyes are healthy, they appear red.
Treatment of Nuclear cataract
Treatments like wearing corrective eyeglasses or antiglare sunglasses is temporary.
But, due to aging, the nuclear cataract can also increase and must be removed by cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery
Nuclear cataracts can be removed by cataract surgery.
It is one of the safest and most efficient techniques available.
The process often uses a laser and may be finished in under 15 to 20 minutes.
In this process, the doctor removes the clouded and hardened lens and then replaces it with an artificial lens.
The improved lens helps seeing clearly without any problems.
Takeaway
A nuclear cataract is one of the most common age-related cataracts.
Symptoms may include blurry vision, difficulty driving at night, difficulty reading from a distance, etc.
The primary cause of Nuclear cataracts is aging, which breaks the proteins in the nucleus and makes the lenses hard and yellowish.
Understanding the cause can help properly diagnose and treat the cataract.
Cataract surgery is the only treatment for nuclear cataracts.
Consult your doctor to know more about cataract surgery and whether you might need it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nuclear cataract caused by?
Aging and exposure to UV lights can break the proteins and make them clump together, leading to blurry vision. The lenses in the eyes are made up of proteins called crystallins. It helps us see clearly by keeping the lens clear and letting the light pass through.
What is the difference between a cataract and a nuclear cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy or blurry area in the eye’s lenses. A nuclear cataract is a type of cataract that occurs in the central part of the eye, which is the nucleus. It leads to the yellowing or hardening of the lens, which causes our eyes to get cloudy.
Are nuclear cataracts common?
Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts, occurring in people over 60. The proteins in our lenses start breaking down, due to which the lenses become hard and yellow. This leads to our vision being blurry.
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