Unravelling Myths and Facts about Cataract

Cataract occurs as a result of clouding of natural lens of the eye, which leads to blurring of vision, decrease in contrast sensitivity, night vision problems, and glare. Though cataract is the most common cause of treatable blindness globally, there are lot of misconceptions about this condition Here, we debunk myths around cataract and unveil essential details about the?cataract surgery.

What causes cataract?

Factors responsible for cataract formation:

• Ageing
• Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
• Drug toxicity
• Steroids
• Trauma
• Inflammation
• Systemic Diseases

Lifestyle diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension & Hypercholesterolemia result in early aging and hence fast progression of the cataract. Cataract cannot be cured with the medications; the only treatment is to surgically replace the cataractous lens with an artificial lens.

Common Myths and Facts

Myths about cataract:

a. Myth - Cataract is only age-related!!!!

Fact -

Though ageing is one of the primary causes of cataract formation, it is not the only cause. Cataract can occur at any age and can be present from the birth (Congenital Cataract). Other causes which lead to?cataract formation at any age?are steroid intake, drug toxicity, Trauma, ocular inflammation, uncontrolled and long-term Diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

b. Myth - Eye exercises, Diet modifications & Yoga can treat cataracts

Fact -

This is one of the biggest cataract myths. The progression of cataract can be slowed down to a certain extent by following healthy lifestyle, but no medications and diet can cure cataract. Surgery is the only treatment.

c. Myth - Cataract Surgery should be done as soon as the cataract is detected in the eye

Fact -

Symptoms depends upon the stage of the cataract. The ideal time for cataract surgery is when your normal lifestyle starts getting impacted, your mundane work like reading the newspaper, walking or driving to the nearby store, etc., feels like a huge task with the development of severe symptoms.

If your day-to-day life is not impacted due to cataract, you can still prolong the cataract surgery. You can read our earlier blog on?cataract surgery, where we have listed a few important questions you should ask yourself before opting for surgery.

d. Myth - The recovery period after cataract surgery is substantially longer

Fact -

The success rate of cataract surgery is significantly high even in advanced cases surgeries are uncomplicated with fast recovery. In majority of the cases, patients start performing their day-to-day tasks within couple of days. It is recommended not to perform heavy-duty tasks like lifting heavy weights for couple of weeks after the procedure. Always follow your eye specialists instructions for easy transition to a normal life after the cataract surgery.

e. Cataract can reoccur:

Fact -

Reoccurrence of the cataract is one of the myths about cataract surgery. The fact is that cataract once removed through surgery can never reoccur. However, there is a possibility that the capsule behind the intraocular lens may become cloudy with time and lead to blurry vision. This is not a side-effect of cataract surgery and can be permanently treated with a laser procedure in the OPD (Outpatient Department Treatment).

f. Myth - A standard lens is used for all the cataract patients

Fact -

Lens implants are available in different materials, power, and sizes. Since cataract surgery is not a 'one-size fits all' approach, surgeons specialized in cataract surgeries perform a number of pre-operative measurements using advanced diagnostic instruments. Patients opting for cataract surgery always have the option to choose the lens as per their budget and requirements.