Sclerotic cataracts are a type of cataract that affects the eyes. It is a common condition that usually occurs in older adults. Sclerotic cataracts can cause vision problems and may eventually lead to blindness. There are many different types of sclerotic cataracts, and they can vary in severity. In this blog, we will learn all about sclerotic cataracts, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is a Sclerotic Cataract?
A sclerotic cataract is a cataract that has hardened and become white. It is the most common type of cataract, and usually affects people over the age of 60. Sclerotic cataracts can cause vision problems such as blurriness, double vision, and difficulty seeing at night. They can also make your eyesight worse over time. If you have a sclerotic cataract, you will need to see an eye doctor for treatment.
Some sclerotic cataracts only affect one eye, while others can affect both eyes. Sclerotic cataracts can also be different colors, depending on their location in the eye. Sclerotic cataracts are usually not painful, but they can cause vision problems. If you have sclerotic cataracts, you may notice that your vision is blurry or distorted. You may also see “floaters” in your field of vision.
Causes of Sclerotic Cataract
There are many potential causes of sclerotic cataracts, including:
-Aging: The most common cause of sclerotic cataracts is simply aging. As we age, our bodies produce less and less protein collagen, which helps keep our lenses clear. This can lead to the formation of small clumps of protein in the lens, known as cataracts.
-Diabetes: Diabetes can also lead to the formation of sclerotic cataracts. High blood sugar levels can damage the proteins in the lens, leading to the formation of cataracts.
-Injury: An injury to the eye can also cause sclerotic cataracts. This is because when the eye is injured, it produces more of a protein called alpha B-crystallin. This protein can clump together and form cataracts.
–Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase your risk for developing sclerotic cataracts. These medications can cause the lens to swell, which can lead to the formation of cataracts.
-Exposure to UV light: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can also cause sclerotic cataracts. This is because UV light can damage the proteins in the lens, leading to the formation of cataracts.
If you are concerned that you may be at risk for developing sclerotic cataracts, be sure to talk to your doctor about your risks and what you can do to prevent them.
Symptoms of Sclerotic Cataract
A sclerotic cataract is a type of cataract that results in the hardening of the eye’s lens. This leads to difficulties with vision, as the light that enters the eye is not able to pass through the lens as easily. Sclerotic cataracts typically develop slowly and are more common in older adults.
Symptoms of sclerotic cataract include:
Blurry vision
One of the most common symptoms of sclerotic cataracts is blurry vision. This occurs as the lens hardens and begins to cloud over, making it more difficult for light to pass through.
Difficulty with bright light
Sclerotic cataracts can also make it difficult to see in bright light. This is because the hardened lens scatters light, making it more difficult for the eye to focus.
Glare
Another common symptom of sclerotic cataracts is glare. This occurs when light hits the hardened lens and is scattered, causing a glare that can be annoying and make it difficult to see.
Double vision
In some cases, sclerotic cataracts can cause double vision. This occurs when the hardened lens causes light to be scattered in two different directions, causing two images to be seen instead of one.
Difficulty seeing at night
Another symptom of sclerotic cataracts is difficulty seeing at night. This is because the hardened lens scatters light, making it more difficult for the eye to see in low-light conditions.
Decreased contrast sensitivity
Sometimes, sclerotic cataracts can also lead to decreased contrast sensitivity. This means that it may be more difficult to see objects that are not the same color as the background. For example, a white object on a white background may be more difficult to see than a white object on a black background.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation. Sclerotic cataracts can typically be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam. In some cases, additional testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
How is Sclerotic Cataract Diagnosed?
There are a few different ways that sclerotic cataracts can be diagnosed. Your doctor may be able to see the white, cloudy areas in your pupil during a routine eye exam. If you have symptoms of a cataract, such as decreased vision, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for a more thorough evaluation.
An ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, which will include tests to assess your vision and look for signs of a cataract. He or she may also use special instruments to get a closer look at your eye. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
Another diagnosis method is A-scan ultrasonography which is used when cataracts are denser. This helps the doctor determine the severity of the cataract and plan for surgery.
One can also use B-scan ultrasonography for diagnosis which is used when other eye problems make it difficult to do a thorough examination. This can help the doctor see through a cloudy lens and locate a cataract.
Treatment Options for Sclerotic Cataract
When it comes to treating sclerotic cataracts, there are a few different options available. Surgery is typically the best option for treating this condition, as it can help to improve vision and prevent further progression of the cataract. However, if surgery is not an option for you, there are a few other treatment options available. These include:
– Glasses or contact lenses: This can help to improve your vision and may be all that you need to treat your sclerotic cataract.
– Intraocular lens implants: If you cannot wear glasses or contact lenses, you may be a candidate for intraocular lens implants. This is a type of surgery where an artificial lens is placed inside of your eye to help improve your vision.
– Laser surgery: This type of surgery can be used to help shrink the size of the cataract and improve your vision. These procedures are typically reserved for people who cannot have surgery or who have other health conditions that make surgery a risk.
-Medications: Another option for treating sclerotic cataracts is to use medications. This can help to stop the progression of the cataract and improve your vision.
Prevention of Sclerotic Cataract
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and sclerotic cataracts are a type of cataract that tends to progress quickly and can lead to vision loss. While there is no cure for cataracts, there are measures that can be taken to prevent them from developing or progressing.
One of the best ways to prevent sclerotic cataracts is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. Wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim when outdoors can help to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. You should also avoid looking at bright lights, such as the sun, for prolonged periods.
It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, can help to protect against the development of cataracts. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to ensure you’re getting enough antioxidants in your diet.
If you smoke cigarettes, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health—including your eye health. Smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts, so quitting smoking is an excellent way to help prevent them. Sometimes, cataracts can be removed surgically, but this is not always possible or necessary.
Another option for prevention is to have regular eye exams so that any potential problems can be detected and treated early. If you have a family history of cataracts, you may be at an increased risk for developing them, so it’s especially important to have regular eye exams.
If you have any questions about sclerotic cataracts or how to prevent them, talk to your doctor or eye care professional.
Conclusion
A sclerotic cataract is a type of cataract that can cause your vision to become blurry and distorted. If you have been diagnosed with a sclerotic cataract, it is important to understand all about this condition so that you can make the best decisions for your eye health. With the right treatment plan, you can improve your vision and enjoy a better quality of life.
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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