Cataracts—commonly known as Motiyabind—are one of the leading causes of vision impairment, especially in older adults. They occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision, glare, difficulty seeing in dim light, and dull or faded colors. Without timely treatment, cataracts can significantly affect daily activities such as reading, walking, driving, and recognizing faces.
In Bihar, limited awareness about cataracts remains a major concern. Many people mistakenly believe that cataract surgery should be done only after the cataract has fully matured. This misconception often leads to unnecessary delays, allowing the condition to worsen and increasing the risk of complications. Understanding the stages of cataract development and seeking timely medical care is essential for preserving vision and quality of life.
What Are Cataracts?
The eye’s natural lens is a clear, flexible structure made mostly of proteins called crystallins. As we age, these proteins may break down and clump together, creating cloudy areas that hinder light from passing through properly. Cataracts can form in one or both eyes and may also develop due to injuries, diabetes, long-term steroid use, or genetic factors.
While no medication or eye drop can reverse cataracts, surgery effectively restores vision by replacing the cloudy lens with an intraocular lens (IOL).
Stages of Cataract Development
Cataracts progress gradually through several stages:
Early Cataract:
Minor visual changes occur, such as slight blurriness or glare, but everyday activities remain mostly unaffected.
Immature Cataract:
Cloudiness becomes more noticeable. Colors may appear washed out, and night vision worsens. Glasses may help temporarily.
Advanced Cataract:
Clouding significantly interferes with daily tasks like reading or driving. Surgery is usually recommended at this stage.
Mature Cataract:
The lens becomes completely opaque, blocking most or all light. Vision may be severely reduced or lost entirely. Immediate surgery is needed to restore sight.
Symptoms of Mature Cataracts
- Severely blurred or nearly absent vision
- Colors appearing yellowish or faded
- Difficulty performing routine activities such as reading or walking independently
- Heightened sensitivity to light, glare, and halos
- Very poor night vision, making movement in low light difficult
Misconceptions Common in Bihar
A widespread belief in Bihar is that cataract surgery should be delayed until the cataract becomes fully mature. However, waiting for this stage can make surgery more complex and raise the risk of complications, including secondary issues like glaucoma. It also increases the likelihood of falls and accidents due to poor vision.
Timely treatment ensures safer surgery, easier recovery, and better visual results.
Causes and Risk Factors
While aging is the most common cause, several factors can contribute to cataract formation:
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Diabetes and other systemic conditions
- Long-term steroid use
- Smoking, alcohol use, and poor nutrition
- Family history of cataracts
Complications of Untreated Mature Cataracts
- Complete vision loss in one or both eyes
- Greater risk of falls, injuries, and accidents
- Increased dependence on others
- Higher surgical risks due to a hardened lens
- Increased chances of developing glaucoma
Treatment Options
Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. The common procedures performed in Bihar include:
Phacoemulsification (Phaco):
A minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound to break the cataract into tiny fragments, which are then removed through a small incision. An IOL is placed, and recovery is usually quick, with same-day discharge.
Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS):
Often preferred for dense or mature cataracts. The lens is manually removed through a small incision and replaced with an IOL. Patients may need an overnight hospital stay.
Choosing the Right Procedure:
While Phaco is ideal for most patients, SICS is generally recommended for mature cataracts due to the lens’s increased hardness. An experienced ophthalmologist will determine the safest and most effective approach.
Importance of Early Intervention
Awareness and timely action are crucial for people in Bihar. Waiting for the cataract to mature only increases the risks and makes surgery more complicated. Early diagnosis and prompt surgery lead to fewer complications, quicker healing, and better visual outcomes.
Modern cataract surgery is painless, safe, and highly effective—delaying treatment can result in permanent vision loss.
Key Takeaways
- Mature cataracts can cause severe vision loss or blindness if untreated.
- Surgery is the only cure—eye drops or medicines cannot reverse cataracts.
- Delaying surgery until the cataract is “fully mature” is a harmful misconception.
- Early detection, timely specialist consultation, and prompt surgery improve vision, reduce risks, and enhance quality of life, especially for patients in Bihar.