Which definition best describes a mature cataract?

Which definition best describes a mature cataract?

• A. 100% of the lens is opaque
• B. Some cataract remains with fundus visible
• C. Partial anterior capsule wrinkling
• D. Liquified cortex with sinking nucleus

Answer: (A)

A mature cataract is defined by complete opacification of the lens. When the entire lens becomes opaque, the red reflex is lost and the fundus cannot be seen through the pupil. This full whitening sets it apart from immature cataracts, where some opacity remains and the fundus is still visible. Features like anterior capsule wrinkling or a liquefied cortex with a sinking nucleus point to hypermature (Morgagnian) changes, not a mature cataract. So the description “the entire lens is opaque” best captures the mature stage.

A mature cataract is defined by complete opacification of the lens. When the entire lens becomes opaque, the red reflex is lost and the fundus cannot be seen through the pupil. This full whitening sets it apart from immature cataracts, where some opacity remains and the fundus is still visible. Features like anterior capsule wrinkling or a liquefied cortex with a sinking nucleus point to hypermature (Morgagnian) changes, not a mature cataract. So the description “the entire lens is opaque” best captures the mature stage.