Definition

Noun: A type of cataract characterized by clouding and hardening that begins in the central core (nucleus) of the eye's lens. This opacity typically causes a gradual yellowing or browning of the lens and primarily affects distance vision.

Usage

This is a medical term used in ophthalmology to describe a specific form of age-related cataract. It is used by healthcare professionals when diagnosing and discussing eye conditions. - The term is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a nuclear cataract, bilateral nuclear cataracts). - It describes the location and nature of the lens opacity.

Examples

• The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with a nuclear cataract that was causing significant blurring of his distance vision.
• Nuclear cataracts often develop slowly and are associated with the aging process.
• Surgery is considered when a nuclear cataract progresses to the point of impairing daily activities.

Advanced Usage

• Nuclear sclerotic cataract: This is a more precise, synonymous term often used in clinical settings, emphasizing the hardening () of the lens nucleus.
  • The patient's visual acuity decline was due to a progressive nuclear sclerotic cataract.

Variants and Related Words

• Cataract (n): The general term for clouding of the eye's lens.
• Cortical cataract (n): A cataract affecting the outer layer (cortex) of the lens.
• Posterior subcapsular cataract (n): A cataract that forms at the back of the lens, just beneath the capsule.
• Nuclear sclerosis (n): The hardening and yellowing of the lens nucleus, which may or may not progress to a visually significant nuclear cataract.

Synonyms

• Nuclear sclerotic cataract
• Central cataract (less common)

Antonyms

• Clear lens
• Phakic (adj): Referring to an eye with its natural, clear lens intact.

Noun

1. a cataract that affects the nucleus of the lens