26 Oct Cataract Myths
MYTH: Cataracts only affect seniors.
It is true that cataract is very common in older people, and that the most cases of cataract are related to aging. However, the term “age-related” cataract is a little misleading and can be confusing to patients. In fact, people can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s also.
MYTH: A cataract must be “ripe” before it can be removed.
FACT: In the past this was true – a cataract had to be in the advanced stage before it could be removed. However with modern cataract surgery, a cataract does not have to “ripen” to be removed. You can have a cataract removed as soon as it begins to affect your vision and quality of life.
MYTH: Cataract surgery is dangerous.
FACT: Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most highly perfected surgical procedures in medicine, with a 95 per cent success rate. However, as with any surgery, risks do exist and should be discussed with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
MYTH: It can take months to recover from cataract surgery.
FACT: In many cases cataract patients notice a change in their vision immediately following surgery.However, some people will continue to improve in vision for a few months after that. You will need to avoid rubbing or pressing your eyes. Other than that, you will be able to resume normal activities the day after surgery
MYTH: Cataracts are made worse by close-up tasks such as reading and sewing.
FACT: You can’t develop a cataract, or make an existing cataract worse, by doing these tasks. The causes of cataracts are not related to how you use your eyes. However, it is likely that you will notice a cataract because of close-up tasks, since one of the signs of cataracts is requiring a lot more light to do these activities.
MYTH: Cataracts “grow back.”
FACT: Not so. However, occasionally a cataract patient can develop a different, secondary cataract in the years or months following surgery. This happens when the membrane that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy, increasing problems with glare and making it harder to see. This can be treated with laser surgery. It is a simple procedure in which your eye surgeon makes a small opening within the membrane to allow light to enter the lens. The procedure is quick and painless, takes less than 10 minutes and is usually conducted in your doctor’s office.
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