5 Myths And Facts About Cataract

As I sat down at my desk to write something about elder care I thought it would be most appropriate to write about the myths and facts of cataract, a leading cause for loss of vision worldwide. You would be surprised to know that cataract affects about 22 million Americans above the age of 40, with every 1 out of 2 Americans having cataract by the age of 80.

Cataract cannot be prevented, but it can be treated; surgery is the best way that has helped every 9 out of 10 elders to regain vision. Cataracts arise as a natural result of aging when the cells in the eye’s lens behind the pupil die and accumulate leading to blurred vision or fuzzy images with the lens turning yellow and cloudy.  

Diseases like diabetes, eye injuries and certain medications are known to cause cataracts, with strong lighting and eye glasses lessening the problems of vision caused by cataract. This calls for regular consultations with an ophthalmologist after the age of 40.

5 myths and facts about cataract: 

Myth 1: Using eye drops could prevent or dissolve cataracts. 

Fact: No. According to the FDA there are not eye drops that are approved to delay, cure or dissolve cataracts. It is to be well understood here that the formation of cataract is a natural part of the eye’s aging process. Again though some products claim to dissolve cataracts, it is not true as cataracts are not substances but skin cells, so there is nothing to dissolve. 

Myth 2: Cataracts can be reversed.

Fact: This is also not true because the lens is naturally clouded as one ages; the process of aging is unavoidable. However it is to be noted that the progress can be slowed down by quitting smoking, eating a well balanced diet and using sun glasses with100% UVA and UVB protection.  

Myth 3: Cataract surgery is dangerous, and it takes months to recover. 

Fact: This is a wrong statement; surgery for cataract is one of the most safe and highly perfected surgical procedures in medicine with 95% success rate. Risks could arise with any surgery; also cataract surgery involves some precautions after it that is best discussed with the doctor. Elders that have undergone cataract surgery are restricted from bending or lifting anything heavy for 3 weeks after surgery and have to refrain from    rubbing or pressing the eye. They can resume normal activities after surgery when the eye patch is removed. Most cataract patients notice significant improvement immediately after the surgery, with others noticing more gradual improvement in a few months that follow.

Myth 4: Cataracts become worse with close-up tasks like reading or sewing. 

Fact: It is not true because cataracts are not caused by how people use their eyes, though they may become more noticeable during close work. One would need more light to do these activities if they have cataract.

Myth 5: Cataracts grow back.

Fact: No, because cataracts develop as the lens cells die and accumulate; they are not a growth on the eyes.  Occasionally patients do develop a different, secondary cataract, when the membrane that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy, vision can be compromised. This could be treated by laser surgery, a painless 15 minute procedure.

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