Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and discolored. It is common in older pets and is often mistaken for cataracts.
Nuclear sclerosis does not affect vision severely in most animals. However, it is important to visit your veterinarian if your pet has cloudy eyes so more serious conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma can be ruled out.
Causes of Nuclear Sclerosis
As animals age, fibers on the outer edge of the lens compress the inner lens causing it to harden and become opaque. This aging change of the lens is known as nuclear sclerosis.
Symptoms of Nuclear Sclerosis
The most common symptom of nuclear sclerosis is cloudiness and bluish discoloration in the eye. Although both eyes are usually affected, pets with the condition rarely experience severe loss of vision.
Diagnosis of Nuclear Sclerosis
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset of their symptoms. They will then examine your pet’s eyes with a tool called an ophthalmoscope to check for clinical signs of nuclear sclerosis.
During the examination, your pet’s eyes will be dilated. This will allow your veterinarian to rule out cataracts or other eye conditions. Once other causes of your pet’s symptoms have been eliminated, nuclear sclerosis is usually fairly simple to diagnose.
Treatment of Nuclear Sclerosis
Since nuclear sclerosis does not cause pain or discomfort, treatment of the condition is unnecessary. However, pets with nuclear sclerosis should be regularly monitored as they can be prone to developing cataracts. Please consult with your veterinarian immediately if you notice any changes in your pet’s vision.
Prevention of Nuclear Sclerosis
Nuclear sclerosis develops as part of the normal aging process, and there is no reliable way to prevent the condition. The best way to protect your pet’s overall health is by scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian.
