By Dr. Vikas Veerwal – Director and Senior Eye Specialist, Shreya Eye Centre, Indirapuram
Recently, a 75 year old lady came to me for treatment. She had advanced cataracts in both her eyes and had become wheel-chair bound due to her vision. We operated one of her eyes few days later. On the day of surgery, as soon as she came out of the operation theatre and met her daughter, she became emotional. As I explained to her what precautions to take after surgery, she smiled and held my hand. She interrupted me to tell me something important. She said in a heavy voice- “Thank you doctor, you have given me a new life today. I can’t tell you how happy I am. You won’t believe but I am actually seeing my daughter’s face clearly, after 4 years. I had not been able to identify her face for last 4 years and I am elated to see her now. Thank you.” My heart filled with gratitude that god has given me the ability to change people’s lives. But felt sad knowing she waited so long to get a surgery done that should have been done a long time back.
How many times have we heard- “wait for surgery till the cataract ripens and becomes mature”? Or that “you should not get the surgery done in summer season”?
The reality is that most of what you’ve heard about cataract surgery is outdated, misleading, or just plain wrong. We want the latest technologies, the best lens, the most advanced treatments – and yet, we continue to believe in things that were true decades ago.
As a senior eye surgeon practicing in Delhi-NCR and someone who’s spent over a decade educating patients and readers alike, I’m here to bust the top myths around cataract surgery — and share 10 essential truths that every patient must know before undergoing the procedure.
Myth 1: “Cataract surgery is very risky”
Truth #1: It’s one of the safest surgeries in the world.
Modern-day cataract surgery is quick, stitchless, painless, and has a high success rate. It’s done under local or topical anesthesia, takes about 10–15 minutes, and patients can go home the same day. Most even start seeing clearly within few hours.
Myth 2: “Wait till the cataract matures.”
Truth # 2: That was advice from your grandparents’ time.
Today, early surgery offers better visual outcomes. As the cataract matures, your vision deteriorates. Don’t wait till cataract starts interfering with your job, driving, or daily routine. The longer you wait, the harder the surgery becomes. Though cataract surgery is not an emergency in most cases but the risk of complications increases in case the cataract becomes too hard. The right time to undergo surgery for cataract is when you do not get clear vision even with glasses and cataract is affecting your day to day active life-style.
Myth 3: “Cataract surgery is painful.”
Truth #3: It is virtually painless. We use topical or local anesthesia — no injections, no general anesthesia, no stitches. You won’t feel a thing except perhaps a little pressure or cool water during the procedure. Recovery is fast and you can resume most of your routine activities from Day 1.
Myth 4: “You’ll still need thick glasses after surgery.”
Truth #4: Not anymore. It was a thing of past when lens power calculations were inaccurate or some patients did not have lens implanted after surgery due to complications.
Thanks to premium IOLs (intraocular lenses) — including multifocal, toric, and EDOF lenses — most patients enjoy clear vision for both distance and near. Many go completely spectacle-free after surgery. Choosing the right lens for your eye can transform the way you see without glasses.
Myth 5: “Laser cataract surgery is always better.”
Truth #5: Not always.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery offers more precision, but phacoemulsification (ultrasound-based technique) remains equally safe and effective for most patients. The right technique is chosen based on your eye condition and budget. Also, both type of surgeries are painless, stitchless and patchless.
Myth 6: “Cataract surgery is only for old people.”
Fact #6: Think again.
While age-related cataracts are most common, younger people can develop cataracts too — especially those with:
· Diabetes
· Steroid use
· Eye injuries
· Family history of early cataracts
Myth 7: “Eye drops or eye exercises can cure cataracts.”
Truth # 7: This is not true at all and a common misconception.
No matter what advertisements say, there are no eye drops that can reverse cataracts. Surgery is the only scientifically proven treatment for cataracts.
Myth 8: “You’ll have to take bed rest for few weeks. Surgery should be done only in winters”
Truth #8: Not anymore! With modern cataract surgery recovery is fast. Season does not have any effect on the outcome of cataract surgery. It can safely be done during summers as well. You can resume most of your activities from Day 1. You can walk the same day, watch TV in 1–2 days, and resume office work in 3–5 days. Just avoid rubbing the eye, lifting heavy weights, or exposing your eye to dust and water for a few weeks.
Myth 9: “Cataract surgery is risky for diabetics or hypertensive patients.”
Truth #9: With proper pre-surgery control, patients with diabetes or hypertension can safely undergo surgery. In fact, delaying cataract surgery in diabetics can worsen vision permanently. Special screening of retina for any diabetic retinopathy, also becomes essential before cataract surgery.
Myth 10: “Cataract can come back after surgery.”
Truth #10: No, it cannot. However, sometimes the capsule holding the artificial lens may become cloudy (called posterior capsular opacification or PCO). It’s common and easily treated in seconds with a painless laser (YAG capsulotomy).
Don’t let these myths affect your ability to choose the right time, right place, right lens and right way to get your cataract surgery done. World is beautiful, don’t let cataract blur the beauty of life.
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