5 Common Myths About Cataract Surgery

Posted on: 25 January 2021

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If you have cataracts, your eye doctor may have suggested getting cataract surgery. It is the only way to treat this issue. Although cataract surgery has been performed by doctors for a long time, there are still many misconceptions about it.

Here are some common myths about cataract surgery.

All Cataracts Require Surgery

This is not true. Cataracts range from mild to severe, and not all of them need surgery. If you have mild cataracts and your vision is not affected, you likely do not need to have cataract surgery. On the other hand, if your cataracts are making life more difficult, getting surgery may be a wise choice.

Cataract Surgery Is Risky

Some people may be reluctant to get cataract surgery because they think it is too risky. However, it is one of the most common surgeries performed in the U.S. and comes with minimal risks. Cataract surgery has a high success rate and there is little downtime. As long as you have your procedure with a reputable surgeon, you should experience no issues.

Only Seniors Get Cataract Surgery

It is true the cataracts are more common among seniors than their younger counterparts. However, that does not mean that younger people never develop cataracts. If you are a younger person and cataracts are severely affecting your vision, getting cataract surgery may be a good idea.

Cataracts Can Grow Back After Surgery

Fortunately, this is not true. During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the cataract and natural lens of your eye. Then, your surgeon will replace the lens with an artificial one. The artificial lens is not constructed of organic material, so it is not possible for cataracts to grow.

Cataract Surgery Comes with a Long Recovery Time

If you have a full-time job and a family to take care of, you may worry about a long recovery time from cataract surgery. Luckily, it does not take long to recover from the procedure at all. Your surgeon may suggest taking a week off work and avoiding strenuous activities. Your eyes may also feel sensitive immediately afterward. However, if you rest properly, you should heal from your surgery quite quickly.

As you can see, there are a lot of different misconceptions about cataract surgery. If you are thinking about getting cataract surgery, you should schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist. They can determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure or not.