Nuclear Sclerosis | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diagnosis

Nuclear sclerosis refers to the hardening and yellowing of the central part of the eye’s lens, called the nucleus. Nuclear sclerosis is very common in humans and can also occur in dogs, cats, and horses. It usually develops in older individuals, as these changes are part of the natural aging process of the eye.

When the hardening and clouding become more severe, the condition is known as nuclear cataract. In cases where vision is significantly affected by cataracts, the standard treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens.

The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex in Saudi Arabia is considered one of the best centers for treating vision problems. You are encouraged to visit and undergo comprehensive eye examinations performed by top ophthalmologists.

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What Are the Symptoms of Nuclear Sclerosis?

Age‑related nuclear sclerosis changes the focusing power of the lens for near vision. The age‑related blurring of near vision is called presbyopia. Near vision is used for tasks such as reading, working on a computer, or needlework. Presbyopia can be easily corrected with a good pair of reading glasses with the proper prescription to compensate for the stiffening of the lens.

On the other hand, a nuclear cataract affects distance vision more than near vision. One of the impacts of a cataract is that it can make driving more difficult. Symptoms related to nuclear sclerosis and nuclear cataract may include:

Nuclear cataracts can be a natural part of aging, but they can also occur earlier due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, smoking, and long‑term steroid use. Diabetes is also considered a risk factor for developing cataracts.

Read also: 6 Signs You May Have Cataracts

How Is It Diagnosed?

An ophthalmologist can detect nuclear sclerosis and cataracts by performing a thorough eye examination. Clouding and yellowing of the lens nucleus can be identified during a routine eye exam. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked every year, even if you do not notice any obvious vision problems.

Several tests are useful in diagnosing nuclear sclerosis and cataracts, including:

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Treatment of Nuclear Sclerosis

Age‑related nuclear sclerosis by itself does not require surgery. In most cases, a good pair of reading glasses is sufficient. If nuclear sclerosis progresses to a nuclear cataract, vision will gradually worsen over time, but it may take years before lens replacement surgery is needed.

Nuclear cataract surgery can often be postponed if vision is not significantly affected by following these recommendations:

Serious complications from cataract surgery are uncommon, but when they do occur, they can lead to loss of vision. Possible complications include:

Eye Health Tips

As we age, regular comprehensive eye exams become increasingly important. The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex in Saudi Arabia recommends routine checkups to detect conditions such as nuclear sclerosis and cataracts at an early stage. If you notice any changes in your vision—especially sudden changes—you should have your eyes examined promptly.

The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40, or earlier if you are at higher risk due to:

People aged 65 or older who are at average risk for eye disease should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years. These exams usually take 45 to 90 minutes and are typically covered by health insurance. To help slow age‑related changes in the lens, it is also important to wear UV‑protective sunglasses and avoid smoking.

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