What Is Nuclear Sclerosis?

What Is Nuclear Sclerosis?

Nuclear sclerosis is the cloudiness, hardening, and yellowishness of the nucleus of the eye, which is the central region in the lens. This occurs due to a biochemical change in the proteins in the eye. When this condition gets severe, it is called a sclerotic nuclear cataract. This condition can affect humans and is a very common condition. Apart from humans, it can also affect dogs, cats, and horses. This is commonly seen when the person ages. A cataract is usually treated by surgery to remove the cloudiness of the lens and replace them with an artificial lens.

What Are the Symptoms of Nuclear Sclerosis?

Nuclear sclerosis affects near vision. Near vision is used for activities like reading or for working on computers. This condition alters the focus on the lens for near vision. They can be corrected by using prescription reading glasses with appropriate power. At the same time, nuclear cataracts affect distance vision more than near vision. Because of this cataract, it can be difficult for someone to see the road at a distance while driving.

The symptoms of nuclear sclerosis are mild and may take time for the person to notice them. They are listed below:

• The vision worsens over time and does not get better with glasses or contact lenses.

• The person wearing glasses will be required to update the glasses quickly.

• Cloudiness of vision.

• Blurry vision.

• Halos or ring around the lights.

• Troubled vision at night, especially while driving.

If the person has a nuclear cataract, then the patient can have the following:

• Blurry vision.

• The colors appear faded.

• Difficulty in seeing in bright light conditions.

• Difficulty in distant objects, signs boards, and pedestrians while driving.

• More than the usual glare from headlights at night.

• Sometimes, some objects may appear.

Why Does Nuclear Sclerosis Happen?

The lens of the eyes is formed of proteins and water. There are fibers in the lens of the eyes. These lenses are arranged in a uniform pattern, allowing light to pass through them. When the patient ages, new fibers are formed around the edges of the already present fibers, pushing the already existing fiber toward the center of the lens. This will cause the lens at the center to be denser and cloudier; also, there can be yellowishness of the lens. So when nuclear sclerosis is severe, it is called a nuclear cataract. In such cases, the fibers at the center will be clumping, which will cause the scattering of the lights instead of letting them pass through. Cataracts are the major reason for blindness in people around the world. Even though cataracts can occur as part of aging, they can also occur at an early age due to ultraviolet light exposure, usage of steroids, and smoking. Another reason for cataracts is diabetes.

How to Prevent Nuclear Sclerosis?

Nuclear sclerosis can happen when one goes, but this can be prevented by adopting some simple lifestyle changes, reducing the chance of developing nuclear sclerosis.

• Eat Nutritious Food:

Eating nutritious food is important to maintain a healthy life. By following a nutritious diet, one can prevent many diseases; likewise, nuclear sclerosis can also be prevented. To provide the proper nutrition needed for healthy eyes, one must include the following:

• Have five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

• Have three servings of whole grains per day.

• Have two to three servings of fish like salmon and tuna per week.

The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zeaxanthin, and lutein reduce the risk of cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. In addition, the risk of developing nuclear sclerosis can be reduced by having omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds.

The antioxidants in dark green and colorful fruits and vegetables also prevent nuclear sclerosis. Also include foods like spinach, kale, red bell peppers, kale, eggs, sweet potatoes, and carrots in the diet. Legumes, seeds, and nuts can also boost eye health. Other nutrients like folic acid and calcium can also decrease the risk of cataracts and should be included to prevent nuclear sclerotic.

• Maintain a Proper Weight:

Maintaining a proper weight impacts the overall health of the patient. There is a widespread effect of obesity on the overall health of the patient. Also, they are associated with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Excess blood sugar resulting from diabetes can affect vision and may result in cataracts. So maintaining a healthy weight is important for maintaining healthy vision.

• Take Vitamins and Supplements:

Getting all the nutrients from food alone is hard. The diet can lack important nutrients if one is not eating enough vegetables and fruits, which are necessary to protect eye health. It is advised to take supplements for essential nutrients needed for optimum eye health to reduce the risk of developing nuclear sclerosis and, thereby, cataracts in the future. Add an AREDS2-based supplement that includes ingredients required for maintaining a healthy eye, like Omega-3 from fish oil, lutein/zeaxanthin, taurine, antioxidants, vitamins A, B6, D3, and folic acid. Consult a doctor before starting with any supplements required for a healthy eye. Taking supplements specific to certain vitamins or other nutrients can have some side effects when taken in excess or may cause certain interactions with medications that have already been taken.

• Wear Eye Protection:

UV rays are of two types; they are:

• UV-A Rays- They can affect the central vision.

• UV-B Rays- They can damage the cornea and the lens on the front of the eye.

When buying sunglasses, be sure to buy sunglasses that can protect against both types of UV rays. The sunglasses have UV protection embedded in the lens, covering the entire eye, even along the sides of the eyes. Buy sunglasses after consulting an optometrist to ensure they can protect the eyes from UV rays even on cloudy days and not just when there is the sun.

Conclusion:

Nuclear sclerosis is a condition that affects the lens of the eye. The person will start having cloudiness and blurred vision when developing nuclear sclerosis. It can result in nuclear sclerosis cataracts when it gets worse, which can hinder vision. When someone starts to experience blurriness or cloudiness in vision, consult an eye specialist to take preventive measures in the initial stage.