There are many myths surrounding cataract surgery in India. That’s why many people who have cataracts hesitate to undergo surgery. Today, we are going to bust those myths and help you understand the facts about the disease and its surgical treatment.
Myths and Facts About Cataracts
Myth 1: Only Older People Get Cataracts
It is true that cataracts most commonly occur in people over the age of 40 but it doesn’t mean that others can’t get cataracts. There are various factors that contribute to the development of cataracts at a younger age. Some children are even born with cataracts while others may get them due to.
- Eye injuries.
- Eye diseases.
- Diabetes
- Excess steroid use.
- Ocular inflammation.
- Prolonged exposure to UV radiations.
- Severe long-term nearsightedness.
- Hereditary conditions.
So, whenever you have some problems with your eyes, it is crucial that you seek medical help and get properly diagnosed to see if you have a cataract or not.
Myth 2: Cataract Can Be Cured with Diet, Supplementation, & Exercise
Cataracts occur when a protein starts depositing over the natural eye lens, making it cloudy. That layer of protein cannot be removed through diet, supplements, or exercises. Therefore, it is not possible to cure or prevent cataracts with these methods. The only cure for cataracts is undergoing surgery.
Myth 3: Close Focus Requiring Task Can Make Cataract Worse
Many people believe that if you look at nearby objects or perform close-range vision activities like reading or sewing, this can make cataracts worse and result in faster progression of the disease.
The truth is, cataract progression is independent of the use of eyes. It is possible that the symptoms of cataracts can become visible during such activities.
Myth 4: Cataracts Can Be Reversed
Cataracts are non-reversible. Once the protein starts depositing, the lens cannot regain its original structure. It is only possible to slow down the progression of the disease by making lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.
Myth 5: Cataract Surgery is Dangerous
More than half of people suffering from cataracts believe that surgical treatment is dangerous and has more risks than benefits. But that is not true. Cataract surgery nowadays is performed with safe and modern technologies that provide better control over the procedure. The risks and complications associated with the surgery can also be easily mitigated.
Advanced technologies like MICS and FLACS have made cataract surgery safer and more successful. Less than 5% of people experience side effects or some kind of complications after having surgery. Others successfully have their cataracts cured and able to see again as soon as they recover.
Myth 6: Laser Surgery is the Common Cataract Treatment Method
You should understand that the laser is only used during cataract surgery to open the cloudy membrane of the lens or to remove the cataractous tissue from the lens capsule.
The main focus of cataract surgery is the removal of the natural eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens that provides clear vision. Laser technology has very minimal use in treating cataracts.
Myth 7: Recovery From Cataract Surgery Takes Months
Not only can cataract surgery be performed quickly and efficiently within 30 minutes but also has a shorter recovery time. The patient who undergoes cataract surgery can resume usual activities within the next 2-3 days. The vision will significantly improve within the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
However, the eye will need extensive care after the surgery to avoid complications. As long as you follow the doctor’s instructions and tips, your eyes will heal quickly in less than a month, and you’ll be able to perform all activities without any hassle.
Myth 8: Cataracts Can Grow Back
This is a very common myth that cataract can return or grow back even after getting it treated through surgery.
That’s why it is important for you to know that after surgery, an artificial lens is placed in your eyes. It is the natural eye lens that produces the protein that forms a cloud on the eyes.
As the natural lens is no longer present, the protein is not produced. Therefore, the chances of cataracts growing back are eliminated almost completely. And if the capsule behind the lens becomes cloudy due to some reason, it can be cleaned with the help of a laser.
Myth 9: You Should Wait for the Cataract to “Ripen” Before Having Surgery
It is wrong to wait longer to get cataracts removed from your eyes. The technologies that were present in the old times couldn’t treat cataracts unless they reached a certain stage. But the latest techniques are precise and capable of removing cataracts at all stages safely.
It is better if you opt for surgery in the early stages when the symptoms are mild, as it will be easier to cure the disease. If you let the cataract “ripen” or wait for it to reach a certain stage, there will be more risks in the surgery.
That’s why doctors usually suggest getting treatment as soon as possible.
Myth 10: All Vision Problems Will be Corrected with Cataract Surgery
No. Cataract surgery cannot resolve all vision problems, but it can resolve refractive errors successfully.
Cataracts often develop in people who also have some kind of refractive error. So, they discuss their treatment options with the eye doctor and get to find out about the premium lenses that are used to cure the disease.
These lenses are known as premium intraocular lenses and are mono-focal, bifocal, multifocal, and have other features that can address all kinds of refractive errors. The choice of lens depends on the patient. And depending on the type of lens the patient chooses, some of the vision problems like hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism may be treated alongside.
The Bottom Line
Through this article, we hope that you understand that cataract surgery is a safe procedure and the myths surrounding the treatment are usually hollow and baseless. Cataract orange county surgeon is considered the best in the world.
The best thing to do is to consult a cataract doctor and learn more about the disease and its treatment method. You can get in touch with reliable daycare providers like Pristyn Care and consult their expert ophthalmologists, who provide optimal care and best-in-class treatment for cataracts and other eye disorders.
