You may have heard of cataracts. It is commonly known as motiyabind in many parts of India. The problem occurs when the neutral eye lens starts clouding. People often feel that it is manageable in its early stages, which is why they do not opt for treatment. But as time proceeds, the cataract becomes denser and more opaque. This prevents light from entering and causes vision loss. The advanced stage of a cataract is called a mature cataract. Knowing what happens when cataracts mature and what to do can help you deal with them properly. In regions like Bihar, where there is a lack of awareness, this information can help a lot.
How Does a Cataract Progress?
You will not face any issues at the very early stage of a cataract. This is because the progression of a cataract is usually slow. That is the main reason why people do not seek treatment in the early stage. They feel that they can live with it.
First, the vision gets slightly blurred or dim. Wearing glasses takes care of the problem temporarily. The main problem arises when the lens becomes opaque. Light no longer reaches the retina. This is when the cataract is mature and turns the lens cloudy or whitish. Performing daily activities such as reading or walking outdoors becomes extremely difficult.
What Happens When a Cataract Matures?
It takes time for a cataract to mature. But when it does, you will face multiple issues, including vision loss. Knowing what happens when a cataract matures will help you make the right call in times of need.
- Severe Vision Loss: Vision may be reduced to the level where a person can only perceive light or hand movements.
- Lens Hardening: The cataract becomes hard and dense when it matures. Removing it surgically becomes more difficult.
- Colour Changes: The colour of the pupil changes from black to white or grey.
- Increased Glare: Seeing in bright light becomes uncomfortable, especially when outdoors.
These points answer a common question many patients ask: ‘motiyabind pak jaye to kya kare.’ After knowing the aforementioned points, the answer is simple. Seek immediate medical help from an expert.
What are the Complications of a Mature Cataract?
What we have talked about till now is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, cataracts cause curable blindness. But, as mentioned, it is curable. However, if mature cataracts are ignored and treatment is delayed, several other complications can develop.
1. Increased Eye Pressure
A mature cataract can sometimes cause a rise in eye pressure. This may not seem problematic at first. But an increased eye pressure over a period of time can damage the optic nerve. Thus, it increases the chances of secondary glaucoma. Glaucoma causes irreversible blindness.
2. Lens-Induced Inflammation
Did you know that proteins from the mature cataract may leak into the eye? This does not happen initially. But in advanced cases, this is a possibility. And when that happens, it causes inflammation and pain.
3. Higher Risk Associated with Surgery
A cataract surgery is the only solution to treat the condition permanently. However, there is a difference in the complexity of the surgery when it is done in the early stages vs when it is done once the cataract matures. The hard lens may require more advanced techniques. Additionally, recovery can take longer.
4. Poor Results
When a cataract is present in your eye for a long time, it can damage the structure of your eye as well. Therefore, even if the surgery is a success, the final result will be poor.
Why Do People in Bihar Delay Cataract Treatment?
People often delay cataract surgeries. This has been noticed more in some states, like Bihar, than others. Several factors contribute to this delay.
- Fear of surgery is often the most obvious reason behind delays.
- People also delay when they are not aware of the early symptoms
- Myths associated with cataract, like surgery is only done when it is mature
- Financial or travel constraints
- Limited access to eye care in rural areas
There are several other factors that can cause patients to delay treatment until the cataract matures. However, these are often the main reasons.
Is Surgery the Only Option for a Mature Cataract?
Yes. Once a cataract matures, there is no medical treatment or eye drop that can reverse it. Surgery is the only effective solution to restore vision. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
Modern surgical techniques have made cataract surgery safe and effective, even for mature cataracts, when performed by experienced professionals.
When Should Cataract Surgery Ideally Be Done?
The best approach is not to wait for the cataract to mature fully. Surgery is recommended when cataract symptoms begin to interfere with daily life. Early intervention offers:
- Easier surgery
- Faster recovery
- Better visual results
- Lower risk of complications
Understanding what happens when a cataract matures helps patients realise the importance of timely treatment.
Warning Signs Not to Ignore
You should seek an eye examination if you notice:
- Rapid worsening of vision
- White or grey appearance in the pupil
- Difficulty seeing even in daylight
- Eye pain or redness
- Sudden vision loss
These signs may indicate a mature cataract or related complications.
Conclusion
So, what happens when cataract matures? Vision becomes severely impaired, daily life is disrupted, and the risk of complications increases. A mature cataract is not just an advanced stage of motiyabind—it is a condition that demands urgent attention.
For those wondering ‘motiyabind pak jaye to kya kare’, the answer is clear: consult an eye doctor without delay. Timely surgery can restore vision, improve quality of life, and prevent permanent damage.
Early action is the key to protecting eyesight. Cataracts may develop slowly, but waiting too long can have lasting consequences.