What Are the Stages of Cataract Development?

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and have noticed your vision getting cloudier over time, you might be wondering at what point these changes require professional treatment. Understanding the stages of cataract development can help you recognize specific symptoms and know when it’s time to consider cataract surgery. 

Keep reading to learn about how cataracts progress and what to expect at each phase.

What Are Cataracts?

Your eye’s natural lens is the clear, flexible part of your eye that focuses and transmits light to the retina. This lens is made mostly of proteins called crystallins. As you age, these proteins may break down and clump together, creating cloudy patches known as cataracts.

This process typically begins around age 40, though you may not notice symptoms for years. Age-related cataracts are the most common type, but they can also be caused by trauma to the eye, genetic factors, and environmental factors.  The good news is that cataract surgery can restore your clear vision when symptoms start interfering with your daily life.

The Stages of Cataract Development

Early-Stage Cataracts

Early-Stage Cataracts are the initial phase in which lens proteins just begin to clump together. At this stage, you probably won’t notice any vision changes.

Your eye doctor may detect early cataracts during a routine exam, but they’re not yet affecting your ability to see clearly. Many people remain in this stage for several years without needing treatment.

Immature Cataracts

Immature cataracts are the next stage, in which cloudiness becomes more noticeable. You might start experiencing symptoms like glare around lights, difficulty seeing at night, or colors that appear faded.

Reading may require brighter lighting than before. While these changes can be frustrating, most people can still perform daily activities with some adjustments, like updating their glasses prescription or using better lighting.

Mature Cataracts

Mature cataracts cause significant vision impairment that interferes with everyday tasks. At this stage, the lens has become considerably cloudy, and you may struggle with activities like driving, reading, or recognizing faces.

Blurry vision becomes more persistent, and light sensitivity increases. This is when most people decide to pursue cataract surgery, as the symptoms begin to limit their independence and quality of life.

Hypermature Cataracts

Hypermature cataracts are an advanced stage that’s relatively rare today because most people seek treatment earlier. In this phase, the lens may harden or begin to liquefy.

The proteins have broken down significantly, and the risk of complications like inflammation or glaucoma increases. Modern eye care and early intervention mean fewer patients reach this stage.

When to Seek Treatment

You don’t need to wait for your cataracts to reach a certain stage before considering surgery. Eye doctors at Mid Ohio Eye recommend cataract surgery when symptoms start interfering with your daily life and the activities you enjoy.

Modern cataract surgery is safe and highly effective. During the procedure, your eye surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Most patients experience improved vision shortly after surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

Are you experiencing symptoms of cataracts or concerned about your vision? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, today to receive an accurate diagnosis and explore your treatment options.