Mature Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Mature cataracts are a progressive eye condition that can severely affect vision. This can make everyday tasks challenging. This advanced stage of cataract development occurs when the eye’s lens becomes completely opaque. It leads to significant vision loss. 

What is Mature Cataract?

A mature cataract is an advanced stage of cataract development where the lens of the eye becomes fully clouded. It often appears milky white. This condition can make the world look blurred, dim, or even completely obscured. 

It’s more than just a vision problem. It can deeply affect your daily life. Even simple tasks like reading or recognising loved ones may become challenging. This stage typically develops over time. 

A mature cataract significantly impacts vision. It’s important to remember that a mature cataract is not an inevitable part of ageing but a treatable condition. With timely medical intervention and proper care, the clouded lens can be replaced.

Causes of Mature Cataract

There are several factors that cause mature cataracts. Here’s a closer look at the common causes.

• Ageing: The most common cause of mature cataract is that the natural proteins in the eye’s lens break down over time. This leads to cloudiness.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can speed up the clouding process. This can cause cataracts to be more likely to develop earlier.
• Prolonged UV exposure: Regular exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays without protection may damage the lens.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption: These habits have been linked to an increased risk of cataract formation.
• Eye injuries or surgery: Trauma or complications from previous eye surgeries can contribute to cataract development.
• Certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, for example, has been associated with cataracts.

Symptoms of Mature Cataract

Mature cataracts can significantly affect vision, often making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Here are the common symptoms of mature cataract: 

1. Severely blurred or dim vision – As the cataract progresses, it may feel like looking through a foggy window, making even bright days seem dull.
2. Increased sensitivity to light – Bright lights may cause discomfort or glare. You may see halos around them, especially at night.
3. Double vision – You may notice double or multiple images in one eye.
4. Faded or yellowed colours – The world may start to lose its vibrancy, with colours appearing muted or yellowish.
5. Visible cloudiness in eye – In some cases, the lens may appear milky or white when looking in a mirror or when others observe your eye.

Types of Mature Cataracts

Mature cataracts types can manifest in different forms. Each affects the lens uniquely and influences vision in distinct ways. Understanding these types is essential for determining the right course of action.

A nuclear cataract, for instance, develops at the centre of the lens, causing a gradual hardening and yellowing of the area. This type often leads to a “myopic shift”, allowing some individuals to read without glasses temporarily. As the condition progresses, it may result in “brunescence” (brownish discolouration of the lens), which further diminishes vision and contrast sensitivity, especially in low light.

Another type of mature cataract is the cortical cataract. It begins at the edges of the lens and progresses inward, creating spoke-like opacities that distort vision. These cataracts are commonly associated with increased glare sensitivity, making it difficult to see in bright conditions or while driving at night. As the spokes advance toward the centre, they significantly impair overall visual clarity.

At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, advanced diagnostic tools and personalised care ensure every type of mature cataract is addressed effectively. Expert ophthalmologists assess the condition thoroughly, offering tailored solutions to help restore clarity and improve quality of life.

Diagnosis of Mature Cataract

Diagnosing a mature cataract requires a thorough examination by an eye specialist. The process typically involves evaluating the severity of lens clouding. It helps you understand how it impacts your vision. Advanced techniques allow doctors to identify mature cataract types and determine the most suitable course of treatment.

Tests like visual acuity measurement help assess the extent of vision loss caused by the cataract. 

Tools such as slit-lamp examination enable a detailed view of the lens. This test can reveal the specific characteristics of the mature cataract. 

Regular eye examinations are essential, especially if symptoms of mature cataracts are present.

Timely diagnosis can confirm the presence of a mature cataract. It can also also prevent further complications. Accurate evaluation lays the foundation for effective mature cataract treatment. It helps patients to regain clarity and confidence in their vision.

Treatment for Mature Cataract

Mature cataracts are best treated through surgery, as this is the only effective way to restore vision. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens. The lens is replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Advances in cataract surgery ensure a high success rate, making the treatment for mature cataracts both safe and reliable.

Phacoemulsification is the most common surgical method. This is where ultrasound waves are used to break the cataract into tiny fragments that are removed. 

Extracapsular cataract extraction may be recommended in advanced cataract cases. Both approaches aim to improve visual clarity and reduce symptoms like double vision or glare.

Conclusion

Mature cataracts can profoundly affect vision. With early detection and modern treatment options, there is hope for restoring clarity. It’s clear that timely intervention can make a world of difference. Cataract surgery, when recommended, offers a chance to regain the quality of life that was once compromised by vision loss.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mature cataracts, seeking professional advice and undergoing proper treatment can significantly improve vision and overall well-being. At Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, our team of experienced ophthalmologists is committed to providing personalised care to help you see the world clearly again.