Nuclear sclerosis
Nuclear Sclerosis
Nuclear sclerosis (pronounced: noo-klee-er skle-roh-sis) is a condition commonly found in the eyes of older animals, particularly in dogs and cats. It is often mistaken for cataracts due to its similar appearance.
Etymology
The term "nuclear sclerosis" is derived from two words. "Nuclear" refers to the central part of the eye lens, and "sclerosis" is a Greek word meaning "hardness". This condition is characterized by a hardening of the lens nucleus.
Definition
Nuclear sclerosis is a normal, age-related change that affects the lens of the eye. The lens becomes denser and appears cloudy or bluish-gray. Despite the change in appearance, nuclear sclerosis does not significantly affect vision and is considered a normal part of the aging process.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of nuclear sclerosis is a cloudy or bluish-gray appearance of the eye. This change is gradual and usually begins when the animal is about six to eight years old. Despite the change in appearance, most animals do not show signs of vision loss.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of nuclear sclerosis is typically made during a routine veterinary examination. The veterinarian will examine the eyes using a device called a slit lamp. This allows the veterinarian to view the lens and other structures within the eye.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for nuclear sclerosis as it is a normal part of the aging process. The condition does not cause pain or discomfort, and it does not significantly affect the animal's vision. Therefore, treatment is typically not necessary.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear sclerosis
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear sclerosis
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