Symptoms of Senile (Old Age) Cataract
Categories:
Diseases of The Eye and Ear
Blurred vision, flashes and
streaks of light, dark spots, double vision. There is no pain. Eye strain
due to imperfect sight. Sometimes the first symptom is ability to read
without glasses (second sight). This is due to the increased refractive
power of the lens from swelling. The lens looks a little whitish through
the pupil opening and looks more so as time goes on.
Course. The progress is slow. It usually tak
s a number of years before
it is "ripe" for operation. They may remain in the same condition
sometimes. In this kind of cataract both eyes are affected sooner or
later, although one eye may be fully matured before the other is much
changed.
The result of an operation depends upon the condition of the eye. The eye
should be free from evidence of disease. "The anterior chamber should be
of normal depth. The pupil should react to light. There should be a
homogeneous (all alike) white or gray opacity immediately back of the
pupil, with no shadow from the edge of the pupil (except in cases of
sclerosis, already mentioned). A candle carried on all sides of the
patient while the eye is fixed, should be properly located by him. The
tension of the eyeball should be normal."
The operation is very frequently done and it is very successful. The
patient should be ready and willing to place himself in the charge of the
operator and do as he says.