Perhaps most people try to monitor the condition of the eyes, as they realize the importance of this organ. That is why it is necessary to know the main signs of the most common ophthalmic diseases in order to notice the pathological process at an early stage and begin its treatment. In this article, we will consider phakosclerosis of the eyes. What it is?
Age-related lens changes
The lens is a significant part of the eye, which has undergone various physiological changes since the person’s birth. For example, immediately after birth, it has the shape of a ball, is distinguished by softness and lack of color. However, with age, it becomes flat in the front of the lens. The color of the lens during this period is still transparent, however, a yellow hue gradually appears, which gets a brighter expression with age. Now the operation to replace the lens of the eye is very popular.
It must be said that not only the appearance of the lens changes, but also its elasticity, the lens becomes more and more solid over time. When a person reaches the age of forty, elasticity decreases to such an extent that there is a threat of the development of a pathology such as age-related farsightedness, commonly known as "presbyopia." After a person is sixty years old, he develops sclerosis of the lens, which affects the decrease in the functioning of this organ.
Research by scientists in this field
Scientists drew attention to this problem and began to comprehensively study it. Representatives of different age groups were specially invited for this, after which they measured the degree of hardening of the lens of the lens. Quite quickly, Australian scientists were helped by a device such as a mechanical analyzer, through which they measured at certain points. As a result, it turned out that an increase in the rigidity of the lens begins at the age of fourteen. This process is especially active in the cortical regions and in the nucleus. So, up to the age of thirty, in young people, the cortical departments are characterized by higher hardness than the core. However, as they approach the mark of thirty-five years, these indicators become the same. Subsequently, the stiffness of the core becomes higher.
Although the results were obvious, scientists were unable to substantiate this phenomenon. Only hypotheses were expressed. For example, judging by one of them, the lens acquires sufficient hardness due to compaction of the substance from which its formation occurs during dehydration. However, when conducting special analyzes of phacosclerosis of the eyes (what is interesting for many), it turned out that the amount of water that is contained in the lens does not change over time and remains the same throughout human life. This result disproved the hypothesis.
Lens functionality
Generally speaking, the functional features of the lens are determined primarily by its qualities such as softness and elasticity, which is also confirmed by the theory put forward by Hermann von Helmholtz. He argued that the human eye has such optical characteristics that when using near vision there is an increase in the curvature of the surface of the lens. However, no changes in its sphericity occur in this case, this process is carried out due to contractions of the ciliary and ciliary muscles. Symptoms of phacosclerosis of the eyes are presented below.
Since the lens must constantly undergo changes in its shape, it must maintain its elasticity. However, over the years, its rigidity is increasing more and more, and changing the shape is no longer so simple, and at a certain moment he basically loses this ability. Because of this, a person is forced to use glasses in old age.
Symptomatology
Phacosclerosis of the eyes (what it is, we explained) is such a pathological process that is characterized by a densification of the lens fibers. To identify this disease, you need to know its main symptoms, which include:
- decreased visual acuity and the occurrence of myopia;
- dry eyes or, conversely, tearing;
- eye fatigue due to prolonged overstrain;
- sharp pains appearing in the eyeballs;
- gradual loss of ability to distinguish colors;
- high sensitivity to bright light;
- loss of clear vision, letters “float” before the eyes while reading.
There is phacosclerosis in both eyes.
Causes
We have already found that in most patients the development of the disease occurs due to changes in the eye tissues due to age. But experts argue that there are other factors that provoke the appearance of this pathology:
- iridocyclitis and corneal ulcer;
- myopia of varying degrees;
- diabetes;
- glaucoma and cataract with various complications;
- predisposition in terms of heredity.
How is sclerosis of the lens of the eye diagnosed?
To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist needs to analyze the state of the lens in lateral lighting, using a lens of 20 D. In addition, the lens is also examined in transmitted light, so that you can judge about changes in its shape, if any.
A biomicroscopy procedure of the eye is also mandatory , in which a slit lamp is used. During the examination, it is possible to detect minimal changes in the color, shape and position of the lens. In addition, ultrasound A-scanning, or echobiometry, is also performed. This diagnostic method allows you to specify the place in which there was a compaction of the lens, as well as to determine the presence of opacification.
Features of the treatment of the disease
Phacosclerosis differs from other ophthalmic diseases in that it does not cause a decrease in visual acuity. That is why special treatment is not required. In most cases, the doctor prescribes correction glasses, which are selected depending on the patient's age-related changes. But in severe cases, an operation is required to replace the lens of the eye.
Since until now, specialists still could not find out the specifics of the mechanism of the appearance of phacosclerosis, there are no effective therapeutic methods. Specialists can offer only a set of measures aimed at maintaining the patient’s condition, due to which hardening of the lens and symptomatic manifestations can be slowed down. Therapy with a diagnosis of "phacosclerosis of the eyes" comes down to the following measures:
- proper nutrition of the patient;
- physical activity;
- the use of nutrients and certain vitamins;
- giving up addictions.
Folk methods
There are also alternative therapeutic methods that help maintain a healthy eye. Patients are advised to consume as much blueberries, carrots, honey and other products that have been used by healers since ancient times to improve the quality of vision. At any time, such a recommendation as caring for the necessary level of the general condition of the human body is relevant. With proper support, he will be able to attract all his resources and help the lens to maintain its elasticity up to a very old age. You also need to monitor how much sugar is in the blood, be sure to record the slightest changes in the condition of the eyes, try to prevent injuries and regularly visit an ophthalmologist.
The article discusses phakosclerosis of the eyes, what it is, is now clear.