The posterior or back part of the crystalline lens becomes opaque in a cataract called a posterior subcapsular cataract. This cataract can develop on its own or in conjunction with other cataracts. However, there are fewer cases of posterior subcapsular cataracts overall. Due to the posterior subcapsular cataract’s central location within the papillary area, it can significantly reduce vision.
A rapidly expanding opacity at the back of the normal lens is called a posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Most frequently, those with diabetes or who take steroids will develop cataracts. PSC signs can appear gradually over several months. They include sensitivity to light, glare, and reduced vision, particularly up close.
PSC is a result of numerous different medical problems and risk factors. PSC affects younger individuals more frequently than other kinds of cataracts.
Compared to the other two common types of cataracts, PSC is the least common. The Beaver Dam Objective Assessment found that the prevalence of PSC in one eye was roughly 3%. Nuclear cataracts occurred in around 13% of cases, and cortical cataracts in about 8% of cases.
Causes of PSC Cataract
PSC is brought on in front of the anterior lens capsule, toward the backside of the lens, where protein fibres accumulate and clump together. Because the protein clumps interfere with the visibility of the lens fibres, the lens becomes opaque. Because of light scattering and reduced light reaching the retina, visual quality suffers.
As we age, lens proteins naturally accumulate and cluster together. Other elements that may play a role in the emergence of PSC include:
- 1. Long-term use of corticosteroids
- 2. Health issues like diabetes
- 3. Ocular diseases like uveitis-related inflammation, retinitis pigmentosa, trauma, and radiation exposure
- 4. Pathological myopia, as well as high myopia
- 5. Smoking
- 6. Several skin conditions include atopic dermatitis
- 7. High levels of UV light exposure
Symptoms of PSC Cataract
The posterior subcapsular cataract is the form of cataract that develops the quickest. In order to be aware of any signs, it is important to be on the lookout for them. Among the signs of posterior subcapsular cataract is
- 1. Visional haziness
- 2. Halos and glare are most noticeable when exposed to strong lights, such as headlights at night.
- 3. Faulty close-range vision
- 4. Is sometimes known as polyopia or diplopia.
- 5. Decreasing the sensitivity to contrast
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PSC cataract Ttreatment
Cataract surgery is used to treat posterior subcapsular cataracts. It is a routine procedure with little danger. The hazy natural lens is removed by the surgeon, and it is swapped out for an intraocular lens (IOL), which is a clear artificial lens. You can leave the hospital after the procedure, which lasts about 15 minutes.
Surgery is the cornerstone of care for PSCC patients. These patients may benefit from phacoemulsification surgery, in which a collapsible intraocular lens is placed inside the eye after the cataract is broken up, and the lens material is removed from the eye throughout a small incision (between 2 and 3 mm) using an ultrasound probe. Only slightly, and in very early situations, can spectacles be helpful.
How can I prevent posterior subcapsular cataracts?
Your doctor can assist you in controlling illnesses that could increase your risk of getting a PSC, including diabetes, ocular inflammation, and trauma.
You can also take the following actions to lessen your risk of getting a PSC:
- 1. Increase your consumption of vitamins C, D, and E by taking supplements and eating more fruits and vegetables.
- 2. Reduce your alcohol intake.
- 3. Limit your exposure to UV.
- 4. By keeping a healthy weight, you can prevent obesity.
- 5. Give up smoking.
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A system for grading cataracts by the PSC
At the moment, cataract cannot be avoided. Surgery now allows for the restoration of vision, however, as a result of technological improvement. The grading and classification of cataracts are extremely important for the assessment of possible anti-cataract medications. To stimulate ophthalmology studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has streamlined the grading system.
When a cataract is posterior subcapsular (PSC), it frequently has a feathery appearance. The pupillary edge is obscured, and only the retro illumination attenuation is graded while the PSC is in focus. The vertical diameter is used to grade posterior subcapsular cataracts. Only the most prominent opacities with identifiable borders should be taken into account for numerous PSCs.
You can hear from your doctor that your PSC ranges from 1 to 3. According to the cataract’s size, measured in millimeters, the following classification scheme is used:
- 1. PSC 1+ – 1 to 2 millimeters
- 2. 2 to 3 mm for PSC 2+
- 3. PSC 3+ – 3+ millimeter
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PSC is a rapidly developing cataract that can advance from PSC 1+ to PSC 3+ rather soon. Your doctor will keep an eye on the PSC and advise the best course of action, which may include surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does PSC mean in ophthalmology?
Adolescents with retinitis pigmentosa may experience the condition known as a posterior subcapsular cataract. We know very little about the adverse outcomes of PSC development in RP. The investigation of PSC risk factors was the aim of this study.
How fast do subcapsular cataracts develop?
A rapidly expanding opacity at the back of the normal lens is called a posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Most frequently, those with diabetes or who take steroids will develop cataracts. PSC signs can appear gradually over several months.
What are the 3 different types of cataracts?
- 1. Nuclear cataracts with sclerosing.
- 2. Cataracts in the cortex.
- 3. Cataracts in the posterior subcapsular.
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How is a PSC cataract diagnosed?
Slit-lamp examination is the most effective method for making a posterior subcapsular cataract diagnosis. A posterior subcapsular cataract can also be diagnosed with an ophthalmoscopic examination.
What are the primary factors that lead to posterior subcapsular cataracts?
- 1. The most frequent risk factor is age.
- 2. Radioactive contamination
- 3. Type 2 diabetes, for example, is another systemic disease.
- 4. Excessive usage of corticosteroids
- 5. Electricity jolt.
- 6. Those who have retinitis pigmentosa, uveitis, or other ophthalmic irritation.
- 7. Sharp injury to the eye.
- 8. Abnormally close-sightedness.
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