Top Cataract Myths You Need to Know

Top Cataract Myths You Need to Know

By simple definition, a cataract refers to the clouding of your eye’s naturally clear lens, which is the part of your eyes that helps focus light or an image on the retina.

This disease is one of the leading causes of blindness. According to America’s National Eye Institute, people affected by cataracts can hit 50 million by 2050. As a result, this eye problem is a prevalent topic even beyond the health community. However, most people may have probably heard many misconceptions about it.

Be knowledgeable and distinguish which is which. We’ve listed some of the most exciting myths surrounding cataracts in this feature.

A cataract is an exclusive disease for older people

While it is true that cataract is common among seniors, this condition can affect anyone. It is just that commonly, a cataract is so small that one can only notice its effects in your more senescent years.

Moreover, other kinds of cataracts are not just “age-related.” For example, there is a traumatic cataract resulting from an eye injury.

There is also the so-called secondary cataract, which can happen after an eye-related surgery.

A cataract is some film that grows over your eyes.

As previously mentioned, a cataract is the clouding of your eye’s lens. It is not some film that grows and covers your iris. Thus, the claims that eye drops can “dissolve” a cataract are also considered myths. Another related misconception is that a cataract can grow back even after surgery.

The only way to get rid of a cataract is through surgery

A cataract can range from mild to severe. You can have your eyes checked in some of the most sought-after optical clinics in the United States (Sam’s Club, for example).

Mild ones usually have the following symptoms – your eyes can become more sensitive to glare, and colors appear to be faded, to name a few. To treat this kind of cataract, you may only resort to getting a pair of sunglasses (especially anti-glare ones). However, if it is a severe form of cataract (the one that can cause highly blurred visions), that’s the only time surgery is required.

Undergoing cataract surgery can be too risky.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) considers cataract surgery as one of the safest surgical procedures in medicine. It has a whopping success rate of 95 percent. With modern technology, this surgery finishes in less than an hour. Furthermore, only tiny painless incisions are involved – there are no sutures done most of the time.