What visual characteristic is associated with nuclear sclerosis?

Nuclear sclerosis is a common age-related condition in the lenses of the eyes, particularly in older dogs and cats. The defining characteristic of nuclear sclerosis is the presence of a pearly haze that develops within the lens, often noted by veterinarians during an ocular examination. This haze occurs as the lens fibers become denser and more compact with age.

Unlike cataracts, which lead to complete opacity and significantly obstruct vision, nuclear sclerosis typically does not cause a complete blockage of light passage. Instead, while the pearly haze may reduce visual acuity to some extent, it allows some light to pass through, maintaining a level of vision that often doesn't severely impact the animal's quality of life. This distinction is what makes the characteristic of nuclear sclerosis recognizable and differentiates it from other conditions that could cause similar appearances in the lens.