Tag: Myths&Facts

MYTH: Only older people develop Cataracts.

FACT:While cataracts affects more people age
40 and older, cataracts can occur among young adults or children. Risk factors that may lead to getting cataracts at a younger age include:

*Eye infections

*Infection or inflammation during
pregnancy (such as measles or rubella)

*Some medicines (such as long-term steroid use,
cancer medication)

*Eye injuries

*Exposure to intense heat
or radiation

*Too much exposure to
non-visible sunlight (called UV or ultraviolet light)

*Various diseases, such as
diabetes, arthritis, or metabolic disorders

*Smoking

*Family history of cataracts

*Nearsightedness (also
called myopia)

MYTH: Taking aspirin can prevent cataracts

FACT: There are not enough facts or evidence to say whether aspirin
prevents cataract. Aspirin in large doses can be harmful. Unless your
doctor prescribes aspirin for an ailment, it’s best to avoid taking this medication on a regular basis.

MYTH: The best time to have cataract surgery done is when it is first diagnosed

FACT: Cataract removal is elective surgery, which means it is the patient’s choice when to undergo the procedure. Most people need surgery when the cataract causes
enough vision loss to interfere with work, play or other day-to-day
tasks, such as driving. Cataract surgery may also be done if the cataract is preventing treatment for
another eye disease. You and your eye doctor should decide together
when and if surgery is needed.

MYTH: Cataract can be treated with eye drops

FACT: Surgery is the only proven treatment for cataracts. Cataracts
cannot be treated with medicines.

MYTH: Cataract surgery is dangerous

FACT: Cataract surgery is a delicate operation. Yet, it is one of the safest operations done today. More than 98% of surgeries are successful. Fewer than 2% of cases have complications such as inflammation, bleeding, infection
and retinal detachment.