Cataracts are a major reason behind vision loss, especially in the aged population, accounting for about 3.8 million cases of blindness every year. The natural eye lens gradually turns cloudy, resulting in reduced visual clarity. Based on their maturity, cataracts may be classified as immature cataracts and mature cataracts. Understanding the differences between the two can help you get timely diagnosis and the right treatment.
What is a Cataract?
Cataract is a progressive eye condition that results in the natural lens of the eye losing its clarity and turning opaque. When this happens, light does not get proper passage in the eye. One may experience symptoms like blurred vision, light sensitivity, fading of colours. With the passage of time, total vision loss may also happen. Risk factors include old age, diabetes, genetics, and exposure to UV rays of the sun.
What is an Immature Cataract?
When cataract is still in its early stage and the lens has turned just a little cloudy, it is an immature cataract. Light is not completely blocked out, and the patient has partial – not total vision loss.
Symptoms of an Immature Cataract
- Natural eye lens looks partially cloudy
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Light sensitivity
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Frequent changes in eye glasses prescription
- Patient can still carry on with daily activities
Causes of an Immature Cataract
- Rising age (the most common cause)
- Diabetes mellitus (linked to fast progression of cataract)
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays of the sun
- Smoking
- Consuming alcohol
- Eye injury
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
What is a Mature Cataract?
When the entire natural lens of the eye becomes opaque (cloudy), it is referred to as a mature cataract. It indicates an advanced stage of cataract and requires surgery to restore clear vision.
Symptoms of a Mature Cataract
- The eye lens becomes completely opaque
- Seriously affected vision
- Change in colour of the eye lens (becomes white or grey)
- Red or fundus reflex goes missing
- Reading, driving, and other daily tasks seem impossible
Causes of a Mature Cataract
- Untreated immature cataract
- Diabetes and other systemic health issues
- Eye trauma
- Prolonged exposure to UV or medical radiation, industrial chemicals
- Exposure to vehicular emissions and cigarette smoke
Visual Symptoms – Immature Cataract vs Mature Cataract
| Feature | Immature Cataract | Mature Cataract |
| Cloudiness of eye lens | Partial | Total |
| Vision Clarity | Blurred but functional | Seriously impaired vision – even blindness |
| Sensitivity to light | High | Restricted to perception of light |
| How colours appear | Yellowed, faded, or dull | Severe or complete loss of colour perception |
| Red (fundus) reflex | Weak but present | No longer there |
| Speed of progression | Generally slower | Generally faster |
*Read More: How Cataracts Affect Your Vision Over Time
Treatment Options – Immature and Mature Cataracts
Immature Cataract Treatment
- Getting regular eye examinations (Helps keep track of cataract progression to decide the right time for treatment)
- Getting updated prescription glasses for temporary vision clarity
- Managing underlying health conditions (e.g. diabetes)
- Giving up smoking and alcohol
- Wearing UV-sunglasses when outdoors
- Improving lighting to get bright, well-lit environments
Mature Cataract Treatment
The only treatment for a mature cataract is cataract surgery. The surgery replaces the clouded natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens. You can choose from a range of cataract surgery options.
Why Choose Sohana Eye Hospital for Cataract Surgery
Sohana Eye Hospital, the most trusted eyecare institution in North India, specialises in advanced cataract eye surgery with:
- Cutting-Edge Cataract Surgeries: Get MICS (Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery), FLACS (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery), or the latest AI Robotic Cataract Surgery. No injection, no pain, see clearly in 24 hours!
*Read More: What Are the 3 Types of Cataract Surgery? Explained by Experts
- Expert Eye Surgeons: Led by Dr. Amanpreet Kaur, a highly experienced and acclaimed cataract surgeon in Mohali known for delivering outstanding results.
- Precise Diagnostics: A number of eye tests are conducted before the surgery. These tests include visual acuity test, slit lamp examination, retinal examination, and other related tests.
- Personalised Care: Tailored cataract eye surgery according to your eye condition.
- Premium IOL Options: We offer the best quality lenses – monofocal, advanced monofocal, EDOF, multifocal, trifocal, and toric for exceptional visual outcomes. You can get clear near, intermediate, and distant vision, which may eliminate your need for spectacles altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mature and immature cataract?
It is mainly about their stage:
In case of immature cataracts, the eye lens has just started getting cloudy. So, some light still passes through, and there is only partial impairment of vision. In case of mature cataracts, the eye lens is totally clouded or opaque, allowing almost no light to penetrate. So, there is considerable loss of vision.
How do the symptoms of mature and immature cataracts differ?
Prominent symptoms of immature cataract include blurry vision, faded colours, and glare. However, patients can continue to perform daily activities with a little discomfort. Contrarily, with mature cataracts, one may suffer significant loss of vision, making it almost impossible for patients to read, drive, and perform other routine activities.
How is treatment for mature and immature cataracts different?
While immature cataract can be managed with non-surgical interventions like prescription glasses, brightly-lit surroundings, and lifestyle changes, it is not so for mature cataract. The only treatment for mature cataract is surgery.
Find advanced cataract surgery options, including MICS ((Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery), FLACS (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery), and AI Robotic Cataract Surgery at Sohana Hospital, Mohali – the most trusted eye hospital in North India.
Can an immature cataract be reversed?
No. A cataract cannot be reversed. However, you can slow it down by taking proper care of your eyes, eating the right kind of diet, and avoiding risk factors like smoking and UV exposure.
What is the difference between early cataracts and mature cataracts?
It is mainly about their stage:
In case of early cataracts, the eye lens has just started getting cloudy. So, some light still passes through, and there is only partial impairment of vision. Mature cataracts signal an advanced stage of cataracts wherein the eye lens is completely opaque. So, there is considerable loss of vision.
What is the difference between mature and immature cataracts?
An immature cataract partially affects vision while a mature cataract results in serious loss of vision.
How to differentiate mature and immature cataracts?
An immature cataract causes partial clouding of the eye lens so that you can still manage to see – although with some discomfort. Contrarily, mature cataracts may significantly obstruct vision, so that patients can no longer continue their normal activities. Eye examinations are necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Is cataract surgery necessary for an immature cataract?
Not necessarily. If a patient can manage with eye glasses and better lighting, surgery might be delayed.
What happens if a mature cataract is not treated?
In case mature cataract is not surgically treated, the patient may suffer total loss of vision in the affected eye. The cataract-affected eye(s) may also get inflicted by other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. Moreover, when surgery is finally performed, it may be complicated. In India alone, cataract accounts for about 3.8 million cases of blindness every year.
