Do you suspect that you have cataracts? Many people live with cataracts and never seek treatment because they overhear common cataract myths. Understanding the facts about cataracts will help dispel your fears about cataract surgery, empowering you to make decisions that will benefit your vision health.
Myth 1: Cataracts Can Return Once the Lens Is Replaced
The notion that cataracts can return after replacing the lens is a prevalent myth. In cataract surgery, the natural, cloudy lens of the eye is replaced with a clear, artificial one. Since cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens, they cannot return once it’s removed.
However, some patients may experience what’s known as a “secondary cataract” or “posterior capsule opacification.” This can cause vision to become blurry again, but it is easily treatable with a simple, non-invasive laser procedure.
Myth 2: Only the Elderly Get Cataracts
While age is a significant risk factor for cataracts, they are not exclusive to the elderly. Cataracts can also be congenital, appear in infants, or develop due to injury, radiation exposure, or certain medical conditions like diabetes. With that said, individuals of all ages should monitor their eye health regularly.
Myth 3: Cataract Surgery Is Complicated and Invasive
Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safest, and effective surgical procedures performed. It is typically done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, requiring no hospital stay. The procedure generally takes 10-20 minutes, and patients usually return to their normal activities within a few days. As with any surgery, there are potential risks, but severe complications are rare.
Myth 4: Cataract Surgery Removes a Growth or Film on the Eye
A common misconception is that a cataract is a growth or film that forms over the eye. In reality, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens located inside the eye, not on its surface. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one to restore clear vision.
Schedule an appointment with our expert team of vision specialists to correct your cataracts today.
