Understanding Cataracts
Cataract, commonly known as Motiyabind, is a condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry or impaired vision. The lens, primarily made up of proteins called crystallins, helps focus light on the retina to produce clear vision. However, with age, these proteins break down, resulting in clouded patches in the lens. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and progress gradually over time.
Individuals with cataracts often describe their vision as similar to looking through a foggy window. The condition hinders the passage of light to the retina, making daily tasks such as reading, walking, or driving difficult. If left untreated, cataracts can severely impact vision and reduce the quality of life.
What is a Matured Cataract?
A matured cataract is the most advanced stage of cataract development, where the entire lens becomes opaque, obstructing light from passing through. Cataracts progress through multiple stages, starting with minor cloudiness that eventually worsens over time. In the early stages, vision changes are minimal, but as the cataract advances, symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night become prominent.
When cataract matures, the lens becomes hard and dense, significantly impairing vision. Without timely treatment, mature cataracts can lead to total blindness.
Stages of Cataract Progression
Cataracts develop gradually through four stages:
1. Early Cataract:
At this initial stage, the lens starts losing flexibility, affecting the ability to shift focus between near and distant objects. Mild blurriness or glare may be experienced, but most people may not notice significant changes.
2. Immature Cataract:
As the cataract progresses, cloudiness becomes more noticeable, leading to reduced colour vibrancy and increased difficulty seeing in low light. Glasses may help manage some vision problems at this stage.
3. Advanced Cataract:
Cloudiness becomes pronounced, and vision impairment worsens. Tasks such as driving at night or reading become challenging. Without timely surgery, the condition progresses to the mature stage.
4. Mature Cataract:
In the final stage, the lens becomes completely opaque, preventing light from passing through. Vision is severely reduced or completely lost, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
Differences Between Immature and Mature Cataracts
Several factors differentiate an immature cataract from a mature cataract:
- Cause:
Immature cataracts primarily develop due to ageing but can also result from trauma, prolonged steroid use, excessive sun exposure, smoking, or medical conditions such as diabetes. When left untreated, an immature cataract progresses to a mature stage, leading to severe vision loss.
- Symptoms:
Immature cataracts cause partial vision impairment, while mature cataracts result in total opacity of the lens, leading to near-complete or complete blindness.
- Prevalence:
Cataracts usually begin developing between the ages of 40 and 50 and mature by 55-60 years. If left untreated during the advanced stage, cataracts progress to maturity, appearing white, milky, or yellowish.
- Complications:
Immature cataracts may allow individuals to manage with assistance, but mature cataracts severely restrict daily activities, making individuals completely dependent on others.
- Treatment:
Immature cataracts may not require immediate surgery, but mature cataracts necessitate prompt surgical intervention to restore vision.
Signs and Symptoms of a Mature Cataract
Recognizing the signs of mature cataracts can help ensure timely treatment. The symptoms include:
- Opaque Lens: The lens becomes completely cloudy, preventing light from passing through and causing significant vision loss.
- Reduced Colour Perception: Colours may appear dull, and a yellowish or brownish tint may be noticeable.
- Difficulty in Daily Activities: Tasks such as reading, watching TV, or walking independently become impossible, making individuals dependent on others.
- Increased Light Sensitivity: Sensitivity to bright light increases, often resulting in discomfort or seeing halos around lights.
- Poor Night Vision: Seeing in low light becomes difficult, making night-time activities challenging or impossible.
- Blurred Vision or Blindness: As the lens becomes thicker and denser, extreme blurred vision or complete blindness occurs.
Consequences of Untreated Mature Cataracts
If left untreated, mature cataracts can lead to several complications, including:
- Complete Blindness: In both eyes, untreated cataracts can eventually cause irreversible blindness.
- Increased Risk of Injuries: Poor visibility increases the risk of falls, fractures, or fatal accidents.
- Dependency on Others: Patients become fully reliant on caregivers for daily activities.
- Increased Surgical Risks: Delayed cataract surgery may lead to complications, making the procedure riskier.
- Development of Glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure due to mature cataracts may lead to glaucoma and irreversible vision loss.
Cataract Surgery Options
Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The two most common surgical procedures are:
1. Phacoemulsification (PHACO):
A minimally invasive procedure where an ultrasound device is used to break and emulsify the cataract, making it easier to remove. A small incision is made, and the cataract is suctioned out. An IOL is then inserted to restore vision. PHACO surgery is quick, painless, and offers faster recovery.
2. Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS):
SICS involves making a slightly larger incision manually to remove the cataract-affected lens. The incision allows the lens to be removed, and an IOL is implanted in its place. Though recovery takes slightly longer compared to PHACO, SICS is a reliable method for removing mature cataracts.
Managing Patients with Advanced Cataracts
For patients with mature cataracts, eye surgeons recommend preoperative tests to evaluate the eye’s condition:
- Sonography (B-scan): This ultrasound helps assess the condition of the retina, especially when a mature cataract obstructs its visibility.
- Corneal Specular Microscopy Test: This test checks the cornea’s health to ensure it can withstand the pressure exerted during cataract surgery.
Importance of Early Treatment
Cataracts should not be left untreated. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can restore vision and improve the quality of life. Delaying surgery only worsens the condition, making the procedure riskier. When cataracts are detected early, patients can plan their surgery at a convenient time and ensure better surgical outcomes.
If you notice any symptoms of cataracts, it is essential to seek medical advice from an eye specialist and plan the surgery before the cataract matures and creates complications. Early intervention can prevent vision deterioration and help maintain an independent and quality lifestyle.
Bottom of Form
