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.