Senile Cataract: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Senile cataract is a common eye condition in older adults. It causes blurry vision and eye discomfort. In most cases, surgery restores clear vision. Early detection and proper care can slow its progress.

What is Senile Cataract?

Senile cataract means clouding of the eye lens due to ageing. This change blocks light and causes blurred or dim vision. It often affects people over the age of 60. But in some, signs may appear earlier. 

What is senile cataract most known for? It leads to gradual, painless vision decline. Some people ignore it till late. Others notice changes in colour or sharpness. Night driving becomes harder. Reading may need brighter light. The good part is that most senile cataracts can be treated. A basic eye check can confirm the condition. Once diagnosed, regular follow-ups help plan the next step.

Types of Senile Cataract

There are three main senile cataract types seen in older adults.

• First is nuclear sclerosis. This affects the centre of the lens. Vision may become yellowish or brown. 
• Second is cortical cataract. It starts at the edges and spreads inwards. This can cause light glare and monocular double vision (double vision in one eye). 
• Third is posterior subcapsular cataract. It forms at the back of the lens. It can progress quickly and affect reading or bright-light vision. 

The stages of senile cataract vary in speed and effect. Some types stay stable for a long time. Others worsen in months. The slit lamp test helps identify each type. Early-stage cataracts may not need immediate action. But monitoring is key. Knowing which type you have helps decide treatment. Each kind shows up differently on the eye lens.

Symptoms of Senile Cataract

Vision changes is the first senile cataract symptom. It starts with cloudy or blurred sight. Colours might seem faded. You could need brighter light to read. Driving at night becomes difficult. Glare from headlights can feel harsh. There are chances of double vision in one eye. The eye may feel tired more often, but there is typically no sensation of pressure behind the eye. The lens may appear yellowish in advanced nuclear cataract, but the external part of the eye does not turn yellow. These signs usually start slowly. 

At first, you may think it is just ageing. But if ignored, vision loss can grow worse. Wearing glasses may help only for a while. Frequent changes in prescription could be a hint. Look out for these clues. They might mean you need an eye test. Cataracts do not hurt, but they reduce quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ageing is the main cause of senile cataract. But other things can also play a role. Diabetes is one of the major risks. Long-term use of steroids can also lead to cataracts. If you are a habitual smoker or drink heavily, the chances of senile cataract are high. 

Sunlight exposure without UV protection can also cause senile cataract. Poor diet over time weakens the eyes and may cause it.  

Some people may have a family history. If your parents had cataracts, you may have a genetic disposition to it. Certain eye injuries in the past may trigger early lens damage. High blood pressure and obesity may also add to the risk. 

Do note that not everyone with these issues gets a cataract. But these factors raise the chances. 

Diagnosis of Senile Cataract

Eye doctors use a few simple tests. A visual acuity test checks how clearly you see. This is done using eye charts. The slit lamp test is next. It shows the front part of your eye in detail. It helps detect cloudy areas in the lens. 

Some clinics also use dilation drops. These widen the pupil for a better view. Your doctor might shine light into the eye to check the reflection. If light scatters, it may point to a cataract. The stage and type become clearer after these checks. If your vision loss is minor, they may just observe. If it affects daily life, they will discuss treatment. Diagnosis is fast, painless, and safe for all age groups.

Management and Treatment of Senile Cataract

Most senile cataracts grow slowly. Some need only regular checks. Others need timely treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In early stages, surgery may not be required. Management of senile cataract begins with lifestyle steps. Stronger glasses can help improve clarity. Anti-glare lenses support night vision. Reading under bright light may ease discomfort. Eye drops are sometimes prescribed to manage associated symptoms or dryness, but they do not reverse or stop cataract progression. You can also wear sunglasses to reduce glare. Avoiding direct sunlight helps too. Eat foods rich in antioxidants. These may support eye health. 

Remember, these steps only manage symptoms. They do not reverse the cataract. Routine eye checks are key. If the condition gets worse, surgery will be needed. These early steps just delay the need for surgery.

Surgical Treatment Options

Eye surgery is safe and widely done. It replaces the cloudy lens with a clear one. The most common method is phacoemulsification. A small cut is made, and the lens is removed. Then, a new artificial lens is placed. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes or less. You can go home the same day. 

Most people regain better vision soon after. Some may still need glasses for reading. Modern techniques lower the risk of side effects. Infection and swelling are rare but possible. The results depend on eye health and age. Cataract surgery has helped many lead active lives again. Your doctor will suggest it when daily life is affected.

Prevention of Senile Cataract

Some steps can help delay cataracts. Eat fruits, green vegetables, and foods high in vitamin C. These help keep your eyes healthy. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Avoid long sun exposure. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol. These habits increase eye damage. Keep diabetes under control if you have it. Regular exercise and sleep support overall health. Use protective glasses when handling sharp or hot objects. Avoid self-medication with eye drops, especially steroid-based ones, unless advised by a doctor. Visit an eye doctor once a year after age 50. If you spot signs like cloudy vision or glare, seek help early. Prevention may not stop cataracts forever. But it can slow them down. That alone makes it worth trying.

Conclusion

Senile cataract is common in ageing eyes. It affects vision, confidence, and daily comfort. The good news? It is treatable. What starts as blurry sight can be fixed with timely care. Diagnosis is easy, and treatments are safe. 

While early stages can be managed without surgery, some cases need eye surgery. Knowing the symptoms, types, and stages of senile cataract helps you stay alert. A basic eye test can make all the difference. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Stay informed and act early. That’s the best way to protect your sight for the years ahead.