Don’t Fall for These Cataract Myths
February 24th, 2017
From word-of-mouth to fake websites, it is easy to spread myths about anything, including cataracts. Unfortunately, myths related to cataracts can be dangerous. They might prevent you from getting cataract surgery, which means you’ll have to live with blurry and cloudy vision. Take some time to learn the common myths so you will know the truth about cataracts and surgery.
Myth 1 – Eye Drops Dissolve Cataracts
There are products out there that claim they can dissolve cataracts, but the FDA hasn’t approved anything for that purpose. As of right now, the only way to get rid of cataracts is through surgery. You can use drops several times a day for the rest of your life, but those cataracts will not go anywhere. Schedule a cataract surgery if you really want to fix your vision issue.
Myth 2 – Cataract Surgery is a Short-Term Solution
Some people think that cataracts grow back, so surgery is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. This isn’t the case at all. Once the cataract is removed, it is gone. However, some people do develop new secondary “cataracts”. This doesn’t have anything to do with the initial cataract, though. It is separate, and it can also be removed.
Myth 3 – Cataracts and Physical Health are Two Separate Issues
In some cases, healthy people get cataracts. However, cataracts can be a side effect of a serious health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. People on steroid medications are also more likely to develop cataracts. If you have cataracts, it is important to find the underlying issue as well. That way you can live a healthy life, and you will be less likely to develop new cataracts.
Myth 4 – It Takes Weeks or Months to Recover from Surgery
Back in the old days, cataract surgery was a fairly serious procedure. New technology has changed that, though. Now, you’ll likely be able to go back to work, read, watch TV, and more after a few days. On top of that, your eyes will be clearer immediately, so your vision will be better than it has been. It will continue to get better for the next few weeks or months as well. By the time your eyes finish adjusting, you should feel as good as new.
Myth 5 – Reading Makes Cataracts Worse
Many people think that tasks like reading make cataracts worse, but that isn’t true. Your eyes will seem worse if you perform close-up tasks, though. Clarity is important when performing these tasks, so you are more likely to notice your cloudy vision. You also might need more light to perform these tasks. If you notice that you’re flipping the lights on more than you used to, it might be time for an eye appointment.
If you live in the Huntsville or Decatur area, stop by our clinic and get a cataract exam. Then, you will find out if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery. If you are, you can schedule your surgery and get ready to reclaim your vision. You will see clearer than you have in a long time. That will give you a new lease on life.
