Cataract Myths and Facts !!!

When it comes to Cataract, many of us could use a bit of clarity. Myths and old wives’ tales abound, from cataracts that “grow” on top of the eye to others that are said to “ripen.” To debunk the misinformation and help you get to the truth, here is CNIB’s list of cataract myths and facts.

MYTH #1: Cataracts “grow” on top of the eye.

FACT: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, and the lens is within the eye, not on its surface. The eye’s natural lens is made up of water and protein fibres that are arranged in a way that makes the lens clear and allows light to pass through. As you age, the protein fibres begin to clump together and cloud small areas of the lens. Over time the clumping in one particular area will stand out, making it harder to see.

MYTH #2: Cataracts can be removed with lasers

FACT: Along with the misconception that cataracts grow on the surface of the eye, many people believe they can be removed with lasers. However this is not the case, because the clouding develops within the actual properties of the lens. In cataract surgery, your natural lens is broken up and removed with an instrument called a phaco probe. The natural lens is then replaced with an artificial lens within the eye called an IOL.

MYTH #3: 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 fifteen minutes and is usually conducted in your doctor’s office
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MYTH #4: 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 #5: Only older people develop cataracts.


FACT: Cataracts are most common among people over 65 years of age; however, cataracts can occur in people who are younger. These cataracts result from conditions such as diabetes, certain medications and other eye problems. In some cases cataracts can be present at birth; these are called congenital cataracts. For more information on the different types of cataracts, see Cataracts 101: Types and Causes.

MYTH #6: 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 #7: 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 not be able to bend or lift anything heavy for up to three weeks after your procedure and you will need to avoid rubbing or pressing your eye. Other than that, you should be able to resume normal activities the day after surgery, which is when the patch over your eye is removed. (Read Olivette Shaw’s story to learn more about cataract surgery.)

MYTH #8: There is no need for glasses after cataract surgery.

FACT: Whether or not glasses are needed following surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens implanted. With a monofocal lens, patients will most likely still need glasses for near and intermediate distances to read or work on the computer. Many people choose to have a multifocal lens implanted since in most cases all distances are corrected and glasses may not be necessary. You may want to talk to your doctor about whether multifocal lenses might be good for you. Read more information on lens options for cataract surgery.

MYTH #9: Cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

FACT: Cataracts can develop in one eye or both of them, but they do not spread

MYTH #10: 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 #11: There are ways to reverse cataracts once they occur.

FACT: The clouding of the lens is a natural part of the aging process and can not be avoided. However, you can make lifestyle adjustments to slow or prevent the development of cataracts:

* If you smoke, consider quitting.
* Eat a balanced diet, including a lot of fruits and vegetables.
* Wear sunglasses (with 100% UV A and B protection) and avoid excessive sun exposure.

So that’s the scoop on cataract myths and facts. Armed with a little knowledge and the assurance that cataracts are easily corrected, you will be all set to take on the world – and see clearly again.