Cataracts develop gradually as the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing changes in vision over time. Understanding the different stages of cataracts can help you recognise symptoms early and know when to seek professional eye care.
Cataracts generally progress through four stages: early, immature, mature, and hypermature. Let’s look at each stage, its symptoms, and how it can affect your vision.
Stage 1: Early Cataracts
Early cataracts are usually not severe. It occurs at a young age and causes minimal symptoms such as slightly blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and mild or frequent eye strain. In early cataracts, the lens remains mostly clear and the symptoms can be managed using brighter lighting when reading and wearing sunglasses to reduce glare.
Stage 2: Immature Cataracts
Immature cataracts occur when an individual starts experiencing partial clouding. It happens when proteins in the eye start to group and cause more noticeable symptoms, such as fading or dulling of colours, difficulty seeing in low light or at night, more blurred vision, increased flare or halos around lights that begin to interfere with daily activities. In this case, eye doctors may prescribe eyeglasses with anti glare features. While using brighter lights at work and home reduces eye strain, wearing contact lenses may also help improve night vision. However, cataracts will continue to progress.
Stage 3: Mature Cataracts
At this stage, the lens becomes visibly cloudy and light doesn’t pass through, causing severe vision impairment. With symptoms such as significant vision loss, difficulty reading or driving, trouble distinguishing colours, halos around lights, and double vision, the quality of life is severely compromised. And unlike immature cataracts, at this stage, the eye doctors recommend cataract surgery rather than prescribing eyeglasses. Consulting with an eye surgeon can help determine the best treatment options and intraocular lens (IOL) selection to support your vision goals.
Stage 4: Hypermature Cataracts
Hypermature cataracts are more complex and can cause potential complications like glaucoma or lens dislocation if not addressed soon. In this condition, the cataract becomes dense and the lens may begin to shrink, causing inflammation and increasing intraocular pressure. Also, eye surgery is critical at this stage to restore vision. However, hypermature cataracts are not easy to operate. Symptoms of hypermature cataracts include reduced vision acuity, eye pain or redness, severely impaired vision, and a white or milky appearance of the pupil.
When Should You Seek Cataract Treatment?
Cataracts can gradually worsen and affect everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognising faces. Regular eye examinations can help monitor cataract progression and determine when treatment may be needed.
If you notice worsening vision, glare, halos, or difficulty seeing clearly, consult an experienced to discuss your cataract and suitable treatment options.