Which subtype of cataracts is associated with significant nearsightedness and a slow indolent progression?

Nuclear cataracts are characterized by a gradual yellowing and hardening of the center of the lens, which can lead to significant nearsightedness, or myopia, as the lens becomes less able to appropriately refract light. This subtype of cataract tends to develop slowly over time, which is referred to as "indolent progression." Patients may initially notice a change in their vision, such as increased difficulty focusing on distant objects, and as the cataract progresses, they may also experience changes in color perception and increased glare.

In contrast, cortical cataracts typically affect the outer edges of the lens and might cause vision problems such as scattered light and glare rather than significant nearsightedness. Posterior cataracts affect the back of the lens and can lead to more rapid vision changes and are often associated with specific conditions or eye surgeries rather than the gradual myopia found with nuclear cataracts. Immature cataracts refer to a stage of cataract development and are not a subtype; this term is used to describe cataracts that have not yet fully developed and thus do not specifically relate to nearsightedness or progression characteristics.

Overall, the association of nuclear cataracts with both significant nearsightedness and a slow, indolent