Bhavani Raina & Dr Asma Jabeen
Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens. This occurs when the normally clear proteins in the lens lose their flexibility and start to clump together. As these clumps accumulate, they lead to vision impairment. Currently, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.
Despite ongoing research, there are no eye drops or medications available that can cure this condition. Cataract surgery is a quick and generally painless procedure, and there are three main types of surgeries available. Your eye surgeon will help determine which method is best suited to your specific needs.
It is advisable to remove a clouded cataract lens as soon as symptoms become noticeable to maintain your quality of life. Early-stage symptoms of cataracts include:
Ø Difficulty seeing well at night
Ø Halos around lights, particularly traffic and streetlights
Ø Colors appearing dull or faded
Ø An increased need for brighter lighting when reading or performing other activities
Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking prompt medical advice can lead to a successful treatment outcome, allowing you to maintain clear vision and continue your daily activities without disruption. Cataract surgery is a great example of how far we’ve come in eye care. It shows how much progress has been made in treating eye problems. Yet, misconceptions and myths often shroud this transformative procedure, creating unnecessary clouds of doubt.
Today, let’s embark on a journey to dispel these myths and bring clarity to the remarkable world of cataract surgery.
Myth #1: Cataract Surgery is Risky
Contrary to popular belief, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgical procedures performed globally. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, the risk of complications has significantly decreased. Modern cataract surgeries are typically outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return to their normal activities shortly after the surgery.
Myth #2: Cataract Surgery is Only for the Elderly
While cataracts are more common among the aging population, they can affect people of all ages. Cataract surgery is not limited to the elderly, and anyone experiencing vision impairment due to cataracts can benefit from the procedure. Several factors can contribute to the development of cataracts at a younger age. These include:
Ø Eye infection
Ø Family history of cataract
Ø Certain medications, such as long-term steroid use or cancer treatments
Ø Eye injuries
Ø Exposure to intense heat or radiation
Ø Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
Ø Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or other metabolic disorders
Ø Smoking
Ø Nearsightedness (myopia)
Ø Infections or inflammation during pregnancy, such as measles or rubella
By understanding these risk factors, individuals can take preventive measures and they can seek early intervention which can prevent further deterioration of vision and enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages.
Myth #3: Cataract Surgery is Painful
Advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques have made cataract surgery virtually painless. Patients often report minimal discomfort during the procedure, with most experiencing only a mild sensation of pressure.
To ensure comfort, we may use local anesthesia in the form of eye drops or administer a small anesthetic block around the eye. For those who prefer, or in cases where there are other medical considerations (such as patients with tremors who cannot remain still for ten minutes), we also offer the option of general anesthesia.
This allows patients to be asleep during the surgery for their comfort and safety.
Myth #4: Cataract Surgery Requires a Long Recovery Time
Gone are the days of prolonged recovery periods. With the advent of micro-incisional surgery and sophisticated intraocular lens (IOL) options, many patients experience a rapid recovery. You can resume all your daily activities the day after your surgery.
From the first day post-surgery, you can bathe from the neck down and use a damp cloth to clean your face.
You are free to read, write, watch TV, cook, paint, and carry on with your usual tasks. However, avoid getting water in the operated eye, swimming, and lifting heavy weights.
Myth #5: Cataract Surgery Does Not Address Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error that arises when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curvature.
This irregularity causes light rays to focus on multiple points on the retina, resulting in blurry vision.
Astigmatism can occur alongside nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). Modern cataract surgery has evolved to address various vision issues, including astigmatism.
Toric Intraocular lenses, designed to correct astigmatism, can be implanted during cataract surgery, offering patients the opportunity to achieve clearer and more precise vision.
Myth #6: Cataract Surgery is Not Necessary Until Vision is Severely Impaired
Delaying cataract surgery until vision is severely impaired is unnecessary and can negatively impact the overall quality of life. The procedure is elective, allowing individuals to choose the optimal time for intervention, based on their lifestyle and visual needs.
Myth #7: Seasonal variations of misinformation
Patients can confidently pursue surgery without concern for seasonal variations affecting the outcome. Cataract surgery is a year-round solution, unaffected by the changing seasons.
Whether it’s the vibrant colors of spring, the warmth of summer, the crispness of autumn, or the serene winter landscapes, the success of cataract surgery remains consistent.
Patients can choose the timing based on their individual preferences and schedules, rather than being swayed by seasonal misconceptions.
Myth #8: Cataract can regrow
Cataracts do not come back after having them removed.Cataract surgery is a one-time procedure, as cataracts do not recur. Since cataracts are not growths, the artificial lens implanted during the surgery will not develop into a cataract.
However, occasionally, a thin layer of tissue can form behind the lens implant after the cataract is removed.
This condition, known as posterior capsule opacification, can be easily treated with a quick and painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
In conclusion, cataract surgery is a remarkable and accessible solution for those grappling with vision issues caused by cataracts. As we dispel these myths, a clearer picture emerges – one where individuals can confidently embrace the transformative benefits of cataract surgery, revealing in the beauty of a world seen with newfound clarity.
(The writers Dr. Bhavani Raina is Additional Professor and Dr Asma Jabeen is Senior Resident from the Department of Ophthalmology at AIIMS, Vijaypur, Jammu)
