A cataract is an eye condition in which the protein in the eye’s natural lens breaks down, forming a cluster in front of the lens. This clouded lens causes a foggy, hazy view, resulting in blurry vision and eventual vision impairment. Cataracts can occur for various reasons, including aging, eye trauma, diabetes, or genetic predisposition. They progress through several stages, and early intervention is crucial in managing their progression.
Stages of Cataracts Development
There are four stages of cataract development, gradually moving from early cataracts to immature, mature, and hyper-mature cataracts. Cataracts grow increasingly more prominent with each progressive stage, occupying more space on the lens. As cataracts progress, patients experience increased severity of symptoms, with the final stage leading to significant vision loss and impairment.
The cataract located in the center of the lens is called a nuclear cataract. The cataract occupying the peripheral area of your lens is called a cortical cataract. The cataract in the back and outer layer of the lens is called the posterior capsular lens.
Early Cataracts
Early cataracts are the first and mildest stage, usually found in younger people. Even though the lens is transparent, the increasing strain and slight glare compromise the ability to see. Patients with this stage of cataract might experience blurry vision and difficulty shifting focus between near and far vision.
Early Stage Cataract Treatment
Using sunglasses helps reduce glare. Brighter light for reading can also relieve symptoms for patients experiencing eye strain.
Immature Cataracts
When early cataracts start to grow with more noticeable symptoms, that stage is termed immature cataracts. Broken proteins cluster and cloud the lens, making it slightly opaque. The patient experiences intense glare, increased blurring, fading of colors, low night vision, and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Immature Cataracts Treatment
Your eye doctor may recommend contact lenses and upgraded eyeglasses to manage symptoms, or you can consider cataract removal surgery at this point. The progression of cataracts will continue regardless, though development to the next stage can take several years.
Mature Cataracts
This advanced stage of cataracts usually has intense symptoms. The cataract has matured and covered the entire lens surface, making it opaque, visibly white, and milky. The patient may experience significant vision loss, intense glare, double vision, difficulty distinguishing colors, and an inability to perform daily activities requiring focus.
Mature Cataracts Treatment
If cataracts make your life difficult, your doctor may prescribe you to undergo cataract surgery. The procedure will depend on how bad your stage 3 cataract is. Surgical intervention will remove the cloudy lens, which a synthetic intraocular lens will replace.
Hypermature Cataracts
The most severe and dangerous stage of cataracts is when the patient experiences significant vision impairment as the cataract has grown dense and complex. At this stage, cataract surgery is necessary as early as possible. If left untreated, premature cataracts may cause inflammation or intense pressure in the eye, possibly leading to glaucoma or lens dislocation.
Hypermature Cataracts Treatment
Cataract surgery is critical for disease control, vision restoration, and prevention of further eye complications. Our ophthalmologist will replace the clouded lens with an intraocular lens.
How Quickly Do Cataracts Progress?
For most people, cataracts progress slowly over the years, though this can vary for individual cases. Cataract progression due to natural eye aging is slower, while cataracts caused by medical conditions like diabetes can develop quickly.
Which Stages of Cataracts Are Treatable With Eyeglasses?
Symptoms of early cataracts can be treated with corrective eyeglasses, but the eventual solution is cataract surgery. Our doctor will prescribe eyeglasses with an anti-glare coating or a high prescription to manage symptoms.
How Do You Know What Stage Your Cataract is?
Assessing the stage of your cataract is a crucial step in your treatment journey. Your eye doctor will evaluate your symptoms and the severity of cataract growth on your lens. From mild blurriness and slight eye strain in the early stages to more severe symptoms in the later stages, your doctor will guide you through the process.
At What Stage Should Cataracts Be Removed?
Early intervention is key in cataract treatment. If the cataract starts to impact your quality of life and hinders daily activities, it’s time to consider removal. The sooner you act, the better your chances of restoring your vision. Always consult an eye specialist for an informed decision.
When to Opt for Cataract Surgery?
An eye doctor will suggest cataract surgery if the cataract has reached the early stages and is causing significant vision loss or impairment. The following are the most common procedures for treating advanced-stage cataracts.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
This cataract treatment procedure involves using a laser to make corneal incisions and break the cataract on the surface of the eye’s lens. Laser-assisted cataract surgery provides better vision correction than conventional surgery.
Phacoemulsification
Cataract surgery, like phacoemulsification, uses ultrasound to emulsify cataracts. The cataract pieces are surgically removed, and an intraocular lens is deposited in the lens capsule.
Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE)
When a damaged lens can not be emulsified, your ophthalmologist will make a large incision to extract the cataract. The recovery process for ECCE can be longer than for other surgery options.
Types & Causes of Cataract Development
Different reasons, including age-related conditions, certain diseases, or eye traumas, can cause cataracts.
Congenital Cataracts
Congenital cataracts cloud the eye lens at birth. Their severity can grow with age and eventually lead to vision impairment.
Pediatric Cataracts
Pediatric cataracts are damaged, and cloudy lenses are present in young children. They can be present at birth or may develop later in childhood.
Traumatic Cataracts
When the eye experiences severe trauma or survives a wound or incision, the proteins surrounding the eye lens can break down, forming a cataract on the lens.
Age-related Cataracts
Your body’s natural aging process may cause cataract development and progression due to conditions like AMD.
Diabetic Cataracts
Cataracts can form and quickly progress due to high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. If left untreated, diabetic cataracts can lead to vision loss or total blindness.
Conclusion
A cataract is a serious eye disease, but modern medical science is helping millions of people regain their vision through successful cataract surgeries. Remember, early intervention can prevent vision loss and significantly improve your quality of life. If you notice any cataract symptoms, are unsure about your stage, or are considering removal surgery, don’t hesitate to consult an expert eye doctor today for the best possible outcome.
Bagan Strinden Vision: Your Trusted Eye Care Partner
Contact Bagan Strinden Vision today for all your eye care needs. We can help with Glaucoma, general eye care, eyelid procedures, laser eye surgery, and cataract surgery. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped over 30,000 people with cataracts and 15,000 with LASIK surgeries. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for top-notch assistance.
