Through the Lens: 4 Stages of Cataract Development

More than half of Americans will have a cataract by the age of 80. Unfortunately, the prevalence of this condition will continue to rise as people have difficulty recognizing it early.

Cataracts are a subtle and gradual process. And many people are unaware of the changes taking place until they are almost blind.

To reduce the risk of this happening to you, you need to understand the stages of the condition. This way, you will know when the best time for cataract surgery is and be proactive about it, and can seek treatment as early as possible. Don’t let cataracts limit your quality of life when the best laser eye surgery in London can restore clear vision. With advancements in technology, cataract removal through laser eye surgery has become safer and more effective than ever before.

So keep reading to learn about the 4 stages of cataract development.

1. Early Cataract

Early cataracts can produce blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, and a halo effect around lights. It is most often found in people over the age of fifty, but can happen at any age, due to injury, medication, or disease.

With proper diagnosis, an early stage cataract can be treated with corrective lenses or surgery for precise vision. It is important to have regular vision services to catch cataracts in their early stages for the best outcome. Without early diagnosis and treatment, the cataract will continue to cloud the lens, further reducing vision.

2. Immature Cataract

At this stage, the cataract is fully formed but does not block vision. It is characterized by softening of the lens, reduced clarity, and a yellowish-brown coloration of the central region.

Symptoms include blurry vision, glare, and shortness of sight. These visual changes can cause people to have difficulties driving, reading, or visual activities.

Treatments for this phase include spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and special medications. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to have surgery to remove the cataract to restore vision. Taking preventive measures, such as abstaining from smoking, can also help reduce the chances of progression to a later stage.

3. Mature Cataract

The mature cataract stage is where a person’s vision is usually most affected. The posterior portion of the interior lens of the eye is completely opaque, restricting light from passing through. The lens can be seen to be whitish or yellowish.

This stage is typically reached over several years and can occur in one or both eyes. Common symptoms include spots floating in vision, changes in the vision of colors, and light sensitivity. If you’re at this stage or approaching it, it’s important to read about cataract surgery to understand how surgery can restore vision by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one. Treatment for mature cataracts is the removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

4. Hypermature Cataract

The last progression of cataracts is hypermature cataract, which is the most severe form of cataract. It is characterized by a whitish color throughout the lens with particles that appear to look like snowflakes.

Other signs of this stage are a ring of yellow around the pupil, an inability to see clearly through the lens, and a sensitivity to light. Treatment options available for this stage of cataract include a full extraction of the lens. People with his condition can also opt for a refractive procedure known as phacoemulsification.

It’s Important to Understand the Different Stages of Cataract Development

Cataracts can be managed effectively with timely intervention. And the first step towards that is to be aware of the different stages of cataract development.

If you suspect you or someone you know might have cataracts, seek the advice of an eye care practitioner without delay. Don’t let the condition get worse.

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