Cataract Myths And Facts, You Should Know Before Undergoing Cataract Surgery In India

Cataract surgery is a common surgery for restoring clear vision. Various myths are associated with cataract and cataract surgery. You should bust those myths before undergoing cataract surgery in India.

Various Myths And Facts Related To Cataract
Myth 1: Only older people get cataract
Myth Buster: Although the condition of cataract is common in people over the age of 40, the condition can occur at any age. Various factors increase the risk of developing a cataract. These include eye injuries, eye disease, diabetes, ocular inflammation, long term steroid use, prolonged exposure to UV radiations, Severe long-term nearsightedness, and certain hereditary conditions.

Myth 2: Diet, supplementation or exercise completely prevents cataract
Myth Buster: Diet, vitamin supplementation or exercise cannot completely prevent or cure cataract. The only sure method to treat a cataract is cataract surgery. It is also to be noted that many cases of cataract does not progress and thus do not require treatment. Taking vitamin E or C for preventing or treating cataract is not backed up by enough scientific evidence.

Myth 3: Close and focus-requiring task such as seeing makes cataract worse
Myth Buster: Many people think that close activities such as reading or sewing make the cataract worse and progress the disease faster. However, the progression of cataract does not depend on the use of eyes. It may be possible that while doing such activities, the symptoms are more noticeable. The person may also require increased light to perform the same activities.

Myth 4: Cataract is reversible
Myth Buster: Cataract is a non-reversible condition. The protein of the lens gets degenerated and can never come in their original structure. In some cases, the progression of the disease is stopped presenting a feeling of reversal of the condition. The progression of the disease can also be slowed by avoiding smoking and eating a healthy diet.

Myth 5: If your eyes do not hurt, you do not have cataract
Myth Buster: Pain in eyes is not a usual symptom of cataract. This is because, during the disease, there is no inflammation inside the eyes. The condition is characterized by cloudiness in the lens. The symptoms experienced by the patient include blurred vision, discoloration, glare, double vision and frequent changing in glass prescription.

Myth 6: Laser is used to removing a cataract
Myth Buster: Cataract per se cannot be removed by the Laser surgery. The only effective method for treating cataract is replacing the old, natural damaged lens with a new artificial lens. In some cases, the membrane near to the lens gets cloudy after cataract surgery. The laser can be used to open the cloudy membrane.

Myth 7: Cataract surgery is dangerous
Myth Buster: Although cataract is a delicate surgery involving a vital organ, it is one of the safest surgeries with more than 95% success rate. Only 5% of patients undergoing surgeries have surgery-related complications.

Myth 8: Recovery time is long after cataract surgery
Myth Buster: Cataract surgery is one of the most rapid and least-time consuming surgery. The surgery takes place within 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The time of recovery is too short and the patient recovers within 30 minutes to one hour. However, aftercare is important to avoid any complication.

Myth 9: Taking Aspirin prevents cataract
Myth Buster: There is a misconception that taking aspirin for a long period may prevent cataracts. There is not enough scientific data to authenticate this fact. Prolonged aspirin may cause side effects and you should avoid taking the aspirin unless it is prescribed by your doctor for any other disease.

Myth 10: Cataract grows back
Myth Buster: Once the damaged lens is replaced by the new synthetic lens, there is no source of the cataract to come back. Although the capsule behind the lens becomes cloudy after surgery, this can be treated with laser surgery.

Myth 11: Spectacles are never required after cataract surgery
Myth Buster: Removal of spectacles after cataract surgery, in many cases, is not possible due to a variety of reasons. The patient who has opted for monofocal lens has a good distance vision but the patient has to use spectacles for close-distance activities such as reading. A multifocal lens is also available but is not suitable for all the patients.

Myth 12: Cataract surgery should be done after-ripening of cataract
Myth Buster: Cataract surgery should have opted at the initial stage when the symptoms are mild. This will help to improve the quality of life because of a clear vision.

Myth 13: Replacement lens may not be suitable for the patient
Myth Buster: Various lenses are available according to the need and ocular condition of the patient. Your doctor will decide which lens is most suitable for you.