Cataracts - Truths and Myths
You can prevent cataracts
False. Cataracts are a natural clouding of the lenses in your eyes, and while you can reduce your risk for cataracts, there isn’t anything you can do to stop them occurring. They affect 85% of men and women over the age of 75.
Close vision use like reading or sewing can make cataracts worse.
False. The way you use your eyes will do nothing to slow or speed the development of cataracts. However, if you find that you need more light than you used to for an activity like sewing that could be a sign that you are developing cataracts.
Cataract surgery is safe and has a high success rate.
True. Cataract surgeries have a 95% success rate and are among the most common surgical procedures in Ireland. You should always consult with your doctor about whether surgery is right for you.
They are annoying, but you can normally live with cataracts.
False. Cataracts will interfere with any activity that requires clear vision. That means driving, reading, watching T.V, knitting, and being able to clearly see faces will all be problematic or impossible with cataracts over time.
Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure.
True. A cataract extraction and lens implantation is a day case procedure. You may spend up to three to four hours post-surgery in the hospital. You should be able to return to most normal activities the next day.
Cataract surgery can also end up correcting other vision problems.
True. It is quite possible that your cataract surgery can address astigmatism and possibly reduce your dependency on glasses. That is because during the procedure, your eyes natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
You can dissolve cataracts with eye drops.
False. Cataracts are not a substance, so they can’t be dissolved by any eye drops, regardless of what they claim. Cataracts are simply a clouding of your eyes lens and there is nothing eye drops can do about them.