Cataracts are a common vision issue, particularly as we age. While cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective medical procedures, misinformation about it can leave patients feeling anxious or hesitant. If you are considering cataract surgery in Pittsburgh, the experienced ophthalmologists at Chang Eye Group are here to help you understand why many of the concerns you may have about this procedure are rooted in outdated or completely untrue information.
In this article we tackle six of the most common myths surrounding cataract surgery, separating fact from fiction so you can make informed decisions about your eye health. Let’s set the record straight and help you feel confident about seeking treatment for your cataracts!
Myth #1: Cataracts Must Be “Ripe” Before Surgery
A ripe cataract is an advanced condition that previously made cataract surgery easier and more efficient as ripe cataracts are hard and dense enough to be typically removed in one piece during surgery. Modern surgical techniques allow for cataract removal as soon as they begin interfering with your quality of life. Removing cataracts that are soft, thin, or not in one piece no longer difficult or risky enough to postpone surgery once a cataract has begun to have a significant impact on a patient’s life.
If your vision is blurry, cloudy, or making daily tasks like reading or driving difficult, it’s time to discuss your options with an ophthalmologist. There’s no need to endure years of poor vision waiting for the right moment.
Fact: Early intervention can prevent further complications with your eyesight and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Myth #2: Cataract Surgery Should Occur Right After Diagnosis
On the flip side, surgery is rarely necessary shortly after cataracts are diagnosed. This condition often starts with minor cloudiness that can be managed well through other means for years, and surgery is often only considered after cataracts become severe enough to have a more significant impact on an individual’s daily life.
Many people are able to successfully work through symptoms of cataracts that are less severe through simple lifestyle changes for quite some time before needing to seriously consider cataract surgery. Simple adjustments that can help to alleviate the impact of minor cataracts include:
- Seeing an eye doctor regularly to keep your prescription current
- Adding more lights to your home or choosing brighter bulbs so that you have plenty of extra light available to compensate for minor cloudiness
- Using a magnifying glass when reading or completing other tasks that require more detailed vision
- Increasing the text size and screen brightness of your computer, cell phone, or other devices to make them easier to read
- Wearing sunglasses to reduce the glare that can be associated with cloudy lenses
- Avoiding driving at night whenever possible
You may need cataract surgery right away if your cataracts are diagnosed at a late stage or they are making it impossible for your eye doctor to effectively treat another ocular condition, but this is uncommon. In most situations, your optometrist can monitor the progression of your cataracts for several years or longer before determining that their impact on your life is too severe to continue postponing surgery.
Fact: You and your eye doctor should decide together when and if cataract surgery is needed based on your situation.
Myth #3: Cataract Surgery is Painful
While any type of surgery is capable of producing some discomfort, many patients find that cataract surgery is not a particularly painful experience. You will receive eye drops that numb your eye prior to surgery, which means that you will not feel any pain during the procedure itself.
During surgery, most patients report only mild pressure or no sensation at all. The entire process typically takes 15-20 minutes, and you can go home the same day. You may experience minor pain, grittiness, or redness during the first few days of recovery, but most patients are able to manage this discomfort with over-the-counter medications.
Fact: Recovery is usually quick, with many patients noticing improved vision within 24-48 hours.
Myth #4: Only Older Adults Get Cataracts
Aging is the most common risk factor for developing cataracts, but individuals may also be more likely to develop this condition for many other reasons. Cataracts can occur at any age, including in children and infants. Some cataracts that are linked to specific lifestyle-related risk factors are at least partially preventable, while others are genetic or linked to other medical conditions.
Some common risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing cataracts earlier in life include:
- A family history of cataracts, especially if one or more close family members have developed this condition at a younger age
- Certain types of eye injuries or frequent eye infections
- Certain medications or other medical treatments, such as steroids, cancer medications, or radiation
- Certain non-ocular medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis
- Developing measles, rubella, or similar types of infections during pregnancy
- Nearsightedness
- Smoking
- Prolonged UV exposure
Consulting an eye doctor is an important step in determining what your likelihood of developing cataracts most realistically looks like, especially if you have one or more of these risk factors. Regular eye exams make it easier for an optometrist to identify possible signs of cataracts as early as possible, which can make cataract surgery or other treatment options more likely to be successful.
Fact: Cataracts can affect anyone, so routine eye exams are essential for all age groups.
Myth #5: Cataract Surgery Doesn’t Last Forever
Because cataract surgery replaces your entire damaged lens with an artificial lens, this treatment is generally complete and permanent. The artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), are designed to last a lifetime and do not develop new cataracts. However, if you only had a cataract diagnosed in one eye, it is possible to need the same procedure in your other eye at a later date.
Cataract surgery also has the potential to cause certain complications that may require additional surgery or other treatment to correct, although severe complications are uncommon. These additional surgeries or laser procedures could include:
- Clearing the membrane that holds your artificial lens in place if that becomes cloudy or otherwise damaged
- Putting your artificial lens back in place if it moves from its proper position
- Removing any small fragments of your natural lens that are missed during cataract surgery
- Repairing a detached retina
Fact: Cataract surgery provides long-lasting clear vision, and any follow-up procedures are minimal.
Myth #6: Recovery Takes a Long Time
Modern techniques have made cataract surgery a relatively simple procedure with a surprisingly fast recovery period. While your vision will often continue to improve over several weeks or months before reaching its peak condition, most patients that do not also have glaucoma or another serious eye condition are able to return to the majority of their normal activities with good vision and minimal discomfort shortly after surgery.
By following post-operative care guidelines, you’ll heal smoothly and enjoy clearer vision sooner than you think. Some of the most important steps you should take to prevent complications from developing during your recovery include:
- Being diligent about using any eye drops, eye shields, or other types of eye protection your optometrist prescribes properly
- Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes or getting soap or water in them
- Avoiding exercising or driving until your eye doctor determines that it is safe to do so
Fact: With modern advancements, cataract surgery has one of the shortest recovery times of any surgical procedure.
Choose Chang Eye Group for Quality Cataract Surgery in Pittsburgh
Cataract surgery is a life-changing procedure that restores clear vision and enhances quality of life. By debunking these myths, we hope to ease any fears you might have about the process. Remember, the sooner you address cataracts, the sooner you can enjoy brighter, clearer days ahead.
We prioritize transparency to help our patients better understand their treatment options when experiencing cataracts or any other ocular health condition. If you are considering cataract treatment at Chang Eye Group, our experienced team is here to help you understand every detail of what this procedure typically looks like. We are happy to answer questions and clear up any misconceptions you might have about what to expect before and after cataract surgery so that you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how to tell if it might be time to consider cataract surgery or to schedule an eye exam.
