Cataracts is an eye condition that results in clouding or milking of the natural eye lens.
This eye condition may be caused due to various factors, such as genetics, medical conditions, or eye injuries.
However, aging is the most common cause of Cataracts worldwide. These age-related Cataracts are known as Senile Cataracts.
Let us begin with the article to learn about the causes, risk factors, and stages of Senile Cataracts.
What is Senile Cataract
To put it simply, a Senile Cataract is a Cataract caused due to the natural aging process of the body.
As our body ages, the proteins within the lens of the eye may start to degrade and form clusters, leading to the formation of clouding.
Symptoms of Senile Cataracts
Source: PixeloitGenerally, the progression of senile cataracts is gradual, and symptoms may be noticable slowly over the years.
Some common symptoms of Senile Cataract include:
- Reduced visual clarity
- Light sensitivity
- Glare in bright lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Halos around eyes
- Difficulty seeing in low light
It is worth noting that the exact symptoms of Senile Cataracts may vary among individuals depending on their eye condition.
Stages of Senile Cataract
As Senile Cataracts typically advance gradually over time, they often follow a predetermined progression.
The development of Senile Cataracts can be marked by four distinct stages- incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature stage.
Let us proceed and discuss these stages in detail.
Incipient Cataract
The Incipient Cataract is the first stage of the development of Senile Cataracts.
This stage usually does not have any noticeable visual symptoms and is often detected through slit-lamp examination.
Incipient Cataract indicates the beginning of protein clumps development in the eye lens.
Immature Cataract
This is the second stage of Senile Cataracts, in which the eye lens may detect observable clouding of varying densities.
Individuals in the immature stage of Senile Cataracts may complain of significantly reduced vision, glare, or double vision.
Mature Cataract
In this stage, the clouding due to Seline Cataract matures and turns completely opaque, often brown or white in color.
A person at this stage may experience serious visual discomfort and should seek immediate medical attention.
Hypermature Cataract
Hypermature Cataract is the stage where the Cataract reaches the prime stage of its development.
This stage is often associated with partial or total vision loss along with changes in the consistency of the eye lens.
Risk Factors for Senile Cataracts
Besides the prime aging factor, several other factors may increase the risk of developing Senile Cataracts.
A family history of Cataracts is considered a major risk factor.
Although Cataracts may not be inherited directly, genetic mutations may play a role in developing age-related cataracts.
Furthermore, certain conditions, such as Diabetes, may accelerate the aging process, increasing the risk of Cataracts.
Additionally, excessive alcohol and smoking are also linked with early Cataract development.
It is essential to manage these risk factors well in order to reduce your chances of developing Senile Cataracts.
Senile Cataract Treatment
Source: Elena_SoftonicAt present, lens extraction through surgical procedures is the only proven Cataract treatment.
However, since age-related Cataracts usually progress slowly, Cataract surgery may not be required for the initial stages of Senile Cataract.
For instance, Incipient Cataracts are often treated through non-surgical methods such as corrective eyeglasses or medications.
But for other serious stages, the removal of the Cataract-affected lens may be necessary through surgical procedures.
To determine if you need surgery, it is important first to analyze the rate of progression of your Cataract.
Therefore, it is best to consult your eye doctor to determine the effective treatment for Senile Cataracts accurately.
Conclusion
Senile Cataracts are the Cataracts formed in the eye lens due to aging.
Some common symptoms of Senile Cataract include reduced visual clarity, light sensitivity, and glare in bright lights.
This type of Cataract often progresses in four stages: Incipient, Immature, Mature, and Hypermature Cataracts.
In the Incipient stage, Cataracts are at their earliest, while the Immature stage shows noticeable clouding.
Mature cataracts result in opaque, often white or brown clouding, and in the hypermature stage, individuals may experience near-total vision loss.
The risk factors for Senile Cataracts include genetics, excessive smoking and drinking, and other medical conditions such as Diabetes.
To treat Senile Cataracts, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures for eye lens extraction.
However, Cataract surgery may not be needed at the early stages of Senile Cataract development.
Therefore, it is recommended to consult your eye doctor about the appropriate treatment method for Senile Cataracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Senile Cataracts?
Senile Cataracts are caused as a natural part of the body’s aging process. As we age, the proteins present in the eye lens start to form clumps.
These clumps then result in the clouding of the lens, leading to Senile Cataracts.
At what stage should Senile Cataracts be removed?
Seline Cataracts are generally removed when the eye discomfort starts disrupting an individual’s everyday activities.
However, it is best to consult your doctor to determine when to remove your Cataracts.
What age does Senile Cataract start?
There is no specific age for the development of Senile Cataracts, as the formation of Cataracts varies depending upon different factors.
However, age-related Cataracts are generally noticeable between the ages of 40 to 50 years.
What are the stages of Senile Cataract?
There are a total of four stages of Senile Cataracts- Incipient, Immature, Mature, and Hypermature Cataracts.
All these stages mark the various levels of severity of Cataract in an individual.
Is Senile Cataract curable?
Yes, Senile Cataracts can be cured through Cataract surgery. This involves removing the Cataract-affected lens and replacing it with an artificial eye lens.
It is recommended to consult your ophthalmologist at the earliest to promptly treat your SEnile Cataract.
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