Cataract Surgery Myths Busted-Separating Fact from Fiction

For nearly 80% of people, cataracts are inevitable. Which means cataract surgery is inevitable. Now before you stop reading and conclude your vision is hopeless once you develop cataracts, read on. Cataract surgery, while a delicate procedure, is one of the most successful and safest surgeries performed each year. When the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, typically due to a break down of proteins in the lens of the eye, gradually vision becomes hazy and distorted, While it may take months or even years for a cataract to disrupt daily activities, at some point, the cataract will compromise the quality of your eyesight and the cataract will need to be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens.

CLIENT NAME to ease our patients worries with our explanation of cataract surgery myths busted-separating fact from fiction. Below you will find some of the common myths surrounding cataract surgery and subsequent recovery.

Myth #1: The best time to have cataract surgery done is when it is first diagnosed. Cataract surgery is considered an elective, outpatient procedure. Determining when the best time to have cataract removal surgery is uniquely based on the patient and the recommendation of their doctor. In most cases, eye doctors will recommend waiting until the cataract has developed to stage, or mature cataracts, when the lens of the eye has changed in color from slightly clear to opaque. Surgery is recommended when vision quality is severely affected to the point that you cannot enjoy daily activities and overall quality of life. In the early stages, cataract symptoms may go unnoticed or be resolved with a simple change in prescription glasses. 

Myth #2: Cataracts grow on the eyes and can be dissolved with eye medication or eye drops so you don’t need surgery. Cataracts cannot be treated with any other intervention other than surgery. Full removal of the natural lens of the eye to be replaced with an artificial intraocular lens is the only remedy to restore and preserve vision. Research is ongoing for nonsurgical options for treating cataracts but at such time there are no approved topical treatment options.

Myth #3: Cataract surgery is dangerous. While every surgery carries some degree of risk, cataract surgery is one of the most routinely performed surgeries in the United States. Complications are rare and vision is improved for 97% of patients. Be sure to select a cataract surgeon that is board-certified and meets your satisfaction before you schedule surgery. For more information on how to choose the best surgeon, visit WEBSITE. 

Myth #4: It takes a long time to recover from cataract surgery. Vision quality is greatly improved within 2-3 days after surgery. While it is true it can take weeks or even months for full recovery, you will be able to see significantly better mere hours after surgery. 

Myth #5: Cataracts grow back after surgery. Cataracts are fully removed so they do not grow back after surgery. In addition, intraocular lenses cannot develop cataracts. Some patients later develop what is known as “secondary cataracts” where symptoms of cataracts are mimicked such as blurry vision, glares, halos, and difficulty identifying colors, objects, and contrast. In this event, another procedure will be performed but with more ease than cataract surgery.

If you have recently been diagnosed with a cataract, need to find out if you have cataracts, or wish to schedule cataract surgery, call Pennachio Eye at 325-227-1999.