4 common cataract myths you should stop believing!

Myth: You need reading glasses after cataract surgery. Read to know the facts.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), today, there is an estimated 180 million people worldwide who are visually disabled. Of these, between 40 and 45 million people are blind, and approximately 50% of the world's blind suffer from cataract. However, the major concern is that there are many misconceptions related to cataract including the surgery. So we spoke to DrSreelakshmi Nimmagadda, Managing Director of Win Vision Eye Hospitals, to bust few common myths about cataract.

Myth 1: Cataract surgery is very painful.

Earlier, the technique involved the use of injections to make the eye numb for the surgery. However, with recent inventions, eye drops are used, which numb the eye. And thereafter, it is just a matter of 5 - 7 minutes for the surgery to take place, which is absolutely painless Currently, laser techniques are used, which makes it much easier for the patient and the doctor to perform the surgery with care and precision. Moreover, many people do not even know when the surgery was conducted. Here's more on what is FemtoSecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Myth 2: Cataract affects only old people.

It is the most common misconception that people have. In reality, it can form at any age meaning cataract can affect adults and might even be seen in kids. There have been cases where babies are born with a cataract due to an underlying genetic disorder. Viral infections during pregnancy and use of certain drugs like steroids can also put the infant at risk of cataract. Marriages with the family or community can give rise to metabolic disorders that can indirectly up the risk of cataract in the kids. Although rare, cataract in kids can happen.

Myth 3: You need reading glasses after cataract surgery.

This is not true. In fact, if you have a better, clear vision than before. Moreover, if you had glasses earlier, you can also get your vision corrected during the surgery and can get rid of your glasses. If needed, the lenses are implanted during the surgery, where during surgery the cataract is removed and artificial lens are put at the same time. There are two main types of implants - mono-focal implants and multifocal implants. If you get mono-focal implants, then you might need glasses when reading, however, for multifocal implants, there is no need to use glasses after the surgery.

Myth 4: It takes days to weeks to recover from cataract surgery.

Not at all. In reality, it hardly takes a day or two as the surgery can be performed within few minutes. You can even resume your daily activities from day 2 onwards. But do keep in mind to follow the do's and dont's after a cataract surgery to avoid any complications or side-effects. Although the procedure is safe, there is a risk of infection related to the wound and not due to the lens. The wound is because of the surgery. Another point to bear in mind is that people who are diabetic have to maintain their sugar levels in control to prevent any risk/complications. Also read about cataract surgery pre and post care.

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