The eye’s lens, which focuses light onto the retina, can develop cataracts over time. This progressive lens clouding diminishes visual acuity, which makes it feel like you’re looking through a foggy window.
While cataracts are common, they tend to be a subject of misconception. Instead of relying on hearsay, we’ll dive into the facts, illuminating the real science behind cataracts. Let’s embark on a journey of understanding as we spread cataract awareness to help support your eye health.
In Focus
- Anyone can develop cataracts, not just older people.
- Cataract surgery is the only proven treatment available at present.
- Cataracts don’t just cloud your vision; they can also rob you of it.
Myth #1: Cataracts only affect older people.
Millions of older people worldwide develop cataracts. After all, this is a natural part of ageing. However, this does not mean that younger people cannot have cataracts.
Fact: Even newborns can have cataracts
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children can get cataracts even as infants, whether in one or both eyes.
Most of the time, the cause of paediatric cataracts is unknown. However, experts identified several risk factors that may speed up or trigger cataract development regardless of age, including:
- A family history of cataract
- Eye infections
- Eye injuries
- Radiation or intense heat exposure
- Excessive UV light exposure
- Myopia or nearsightedness
- Smoking
- Inflammation or infection during pregnancy (e.g., measles or rubella)
Some medicines trigger cataract formation, such as cancer medication and steroids (if used extensively). Also, arthritis, diabetes, and metabolic disorders can contribute to or complicate cataracts.
Myth #2: Cataracts only cause blurry vision.
Cataracts can cause cloudy vision, making it seem like you’re looking through a foggy glass window. However, this isn’t the only effect of cataracts.
Fact: Cataracts can also cause double vision, sensitivity to glare, and more.
Besides blurry vision, cataracts can also interfere with how light refracts through the lens. This can cause people with cataracts to see halos or faint rings around light sources and change how colours look to them. It can also increase glare in dark places, making it difficult for those with cataracts to drive at night.
Cataracts develop slowly, so they won’t affect your eyesight early on or may only affect a small portion of the lens. However, if not addressed on time, they can expand and cover more of the lens until they lead to vision loss.
Myth #3: Cataracts are growths on the lens.
A common misconception is that cataracts grow on the lens. But while cataracts expand, they aren’t foreign bodies or particles that attach to or emerge from the lens.
Fact: Cataracts are formed by naturally occurring proteins that clump together.
Before they deteriorate and become cloudy, cataracts are changed protein cells that occur naturally in the lens. Over time, they break down and form clumps that result in the cloudy film.
Myth #4: Eye drops can treat cataracts.
Some claims indicate that there are eye drops that can treat or even dissolve cataracts. However, this remains untested for humans and requires further studies.
Fact: Only surgery can remove cataracts.
Potential non-surgical cataract treatments are being studied, but they are still in a very early stage. More research and tests need to be conducted to determine if they can be an effective alternative to surgery. For now, cataract surgery remains the only proven effective treatment for this eye condition.
Myth #5: Cataract surgery is risky.
This myth is one of the things that keeps people from undergoing cataract surgery in time to prevent vision loss.
Fact: Cataract surgery is safe.
Eye surgery is not only the only effective treatment available for removing cataracts but also the safest. While most surgical procedures have some risk, cataract surgery has recorded very low risks, with a success rate of about 95 to 98 per cent.
Most patients recover with minimal complications as long as all post-operative safety measures are followed. Since it is a day procedure, you can head home on the same day.
You may experience a little discomfort or mild pain in the first one to two days after the surgery, but it’s nothing a simple pain reliever can manage. Listen and follow the instructions given by your eye doctor in Dubai, and you should be able to return to your daily routine within four to eight weeks (or often even sooner).
FAQs About Cataracts
How do you stop cataracts from growing?
Cataracts form naturally as you age, but you can take the following precautions to slow their progression:
- Shield your eyes from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses.
- Prevent eye injury by wearing protective gear when playing sports or performing high-risk activities that involve the use of power tools.
- Don’t smoke.
It also helps to be mindful of your food choices. Fill your plate with healthy foods like leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and fruits that support eye health.
What is the main cause of cataracts?
While most cataracts are age-related, they are caused by changes in the eye’s lens tissue. That means even injury or disease can trigger cataract formation. To be more precise, proteins and fibres in the lens break down, leading to a cloudy “film” over the vision.
Hereditary medical conditions like diabetes can also increase your risk of cataracts, as well as previous eye surgery and long-term steroid use.
Can you live with cataracts without surgery?
You may not need surgery right away, but it will eventually be necessary to bring your vision back to its clearer state. Before that, you can do the following to manage the early effects of cataract formation:
- Working in a brightly lit area at home or in the office.
- Wearing anti-glare sunglasses outdoors.
- Using magnifying glasses for reading and other similar activities.
Your eye doctor can prescribe new eyeglasses or contact lenses during cataract onset. They can also advise you about cataract surgery if the cloudiness prevents you from doing your daily activities easily.
Are cataracts serious?
If left untreated, yes.
Cataract formation is usually gradual and can be slowed further by treatment and healthy practices. However, it can lead to vision loss.
Moreover, cataracts can also impede glaucoma treatment. The cloudy film over the lens interferes with regular eye tests conducted to diagnose the eye condition typical among Glaucoma patients.
In addition, cataracts can also lead to angle-closure glaucoma. This happens when the cataracts make the lens swell and take up space in the eye, causing redness, blurry vision, and eye pain due to rapidly increasing pressure in the eyes. It can also cause headaches and nausea.
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.
See the Truth Clearly
Now that we’ve cleared the fog on cataract myths, only the facts remain: anyone can get cataracts; they are protein clumps, not growths, and surgery is the only proven treatment.
Remember, early detection is key. If you notice vision changes, consult your eye doctor promptly. Let us spread awareness and prioritise a clear vision.
Your eye health matters.
