Do cataracts need to be “mature” or “ripe” before they are removed?
No, not any more. Years ago patients were encouraged to wait until their cataracts were fully developed-ripe or mature-and seeing things for those patients was really difficult. At that time, because surgical methods were so risky, treatment was put off as long as possible. However, with the sophisticated equipment and advanced surgical techniques we use today, it is easier on the eye when a cataract is removed earlier instead of later.
