More Misconceptions about Cataracts

Did you honestly think that cataracts grow on the surface of the eye or that cataract surgery involved lasers? These are just some of the myths that people have about cataracts.

First of all, cataracts don’t occur on the outer surface of the eyes. They are literally the clouding of the lens. The lens of the eye is clear and transparent. But aging causes protein in the lens to clump together so excessively that vision becomes impaired. The clumping of protein fibers causes the clouding of the lens.

Contrary to public knowledge, laser eye surgery is a procedure that doesn’t treat cataracts. It’s a procedure that treats refractive errors (myopia and hyperopia), not defective eye lens. Cataracts are treated through removal of the lens using a phaco probe and insertion of an intraocular (artificial) lens.

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Here are other common myths.

Cataracts recur after surgery.

The artificial lens does not become cloudy because there are no protein fibers present in it. A few patients have developed secondary cataract in the remaining lens membrane, the one holding the artificial lens in place. The clouding of this membrane can be treated through laser. Take note that laser is only applicable in this case, not in the case of an initial cataract.

Cataracts should only be removed when it causes blindness.

Surgeons in the past refused to operate on a cataract patient who can still partially see. This was due to the limitations in the medical technology back then. It no longer applies today, for surgeons can suggest removal of the cataract once it starts to affect your vision.

Young people don’t get cataracts.

Although cataracts are common in people above 60, they can develop in younger people, especially those with diabetes and those taking certain medications. People who spend much of their time outdoors, exposed in sunlight, are prone to cataracts too.

The surgery to remove the cloudy lens is risky.

The opposite is true. Of so many medical procedures, surgical removal of cataracts is one of the most precise procedures. Success rates are high, and risks are minimal.

Recovery is long.

Patients have reported that their vision has improved a day after their surgery, and some experience gradual vision improvement over the months. To hasten your recovery, never rub your eyes for and never bend down and lift heavy objects a month after the surgery. Most patients can revert to their normal daily activities the day following the procedure.

Cataracts are contagious.

Cataracts are not contagious because they are not caused by bacteria or viruses. And certainly they don’t spreadc from one eye to another. If you have both eyes affected by the disorder, it’s possible both have been developing the condition for some time.

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