What is the term for cataracts characterized by the lens starting to liquify?

The term that describes cataracts characterized by the lens beginning to liquefy is known as resorbing cataract. This phase occurs as the lens undergoes changes that lead to the breakdown of its structural proteins, resulting in a lens that is not only cloudy but also partially liquefied. This liquefaction process can lead to further complications, as the integrity of the lens is compromised, which may impact vision more severely than in earlier stages of cataract development.

In contrast, innate cataracts typically refer to congenital types that are present at birth or develop shortly thereafter and do not specifically describe changes associated with liquefaction. Complete cataracts describe a state where the lens is fully opaque, but they do not indicate any liquefaction process. Mature cataracts denote an advanced stage where the lens has become entirely cloudy and opaque but do not specifically highlight the process of liquefaction. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the stages and types of cataracts in veterinary ophthalmology.