3 Common Myths About Cataracts
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Despite the rather sophisticated methods that have been developed to remove cataracts, approximately 51 percent of the world’s population is blind due to cataracts. This is due to a lack of resources and access. While the procedure for cataract removal is straightforward and relatively accessible in the Western world, in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, there are large portions of the population that do not have access to or money for the appropriate eye care experts.
Hearing all this is bound to make you feel very fortunate about your own access. Take advantage of your fortunate access to proper eye health care by educating yourself on the facts – especially if you’ve heard any of the following myths.
You can buy eye drops that dissolve or prevent cataracts
While scientists are working on a type of eyedrop that can dissolve and even prevent cataracts, no such medication is available at this time. If these existed they would be a super convenient option for cataracts treatment. Unfortunately, they do not, and any company selling products that claim to do such things are misleading or lying. No drops can cure or delay the formation of cataracts. Additionally, products that claim they can prevent the formation of cataracts are also misleading since cataracts form as a natural part of aging.
Cataracts are reversible
While you cannot prevent cataracts, you can certainly slow their formation by eating well, not smoking, and wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection. But in the same way that you cannot prevent cataracts, you also cannot reverse their formation. The only treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which replaces the clouded lens.
Cataract surgery is a high risk procedure that takes ample recovery time
This persisting piece of misinformation is perhaps one of the most unfortunate cataract myths. It needlessly prevents people from getting the kind of life changing treatment that they need. It is true that cataract surgery used to require a hospital stay and lengthy recovery period, but for modern cataract surgery, this is simply no longer the case.
Cataract surgery today is a highly sophisticated and reliable procedure that can be safely performed by an ophthalmologist in roughly fifteen minutes. Its success rate? About 95 percent. No procedure is risk-free, but this is a procedure that has staggering odds of success and has the power to restore your vision and improve your quality of life. Of course, as with most surgical procedures, patients have to take it easy for a week or two following the operation and they should be mindful about anything coming into contact with their eyes. It is a straightforward procedure with a relatively quick recovery time.
Cataracts can be a scary, inconvenient, and uncomfortable problem, but they do not have to be a continuing problem. One of our highly trained ophthalmologists at Katzen Eye Group would be happy to sit down with you and answer any questions you have about the procedure or recovery time. The procedure can be performed by a Katzen ophthalmologists at one of our Maryland locations. Our specialists are committed to your vision and comfort. Pick up the phone and book your consultation with a Katzen eye specialist at our Lutherville, Baltimore, or Rosedale locations today.
