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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Cataract Myths and Facts

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Dr. Sharp SightOphthalmologist • 24 Years Exp.Super-Speciality Trained Ophthalmologists
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When Sheena (42), a banking professional, got to know that her mother (72) has been diagnosed with a cataract formation in both her eyes, she didn't know how to react. The thought of 'second opinion' was constantly running through her mind, making it difficult for her to concentrate at work, just then an acquaintance informed Sheena about all the misconceptions she had about Cataract Surgery and the treatments available. Probably, for Sheena, Cataract Surgery still meant the way it used to be during her grandparents' time - waiting for surgery until the cataract ripens, the process of undergoing pain, wearing black tinted glasses for over a month, no TV, and endless list of precautions to be followed post operative. Infact, there are numerous people like Sheena who still are ignorant about the Blade-Free Laser Cataract Surgery.

Read Also : Food Habits You Should Avoid For Healthy Eyes

Apart from being blade-less, through this Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery, it takes less than 1 minute to finish the surgical process! What's more? Well, this latest technique also offers a totally prick-less, painless, bloodless, stitch-less and a bandage free solution to the patient. And, the results are immediate and effective.

Let's debunk the misinformation about Cataract Surgery and help you get to the truth.

Myth#1 Cataracts 'grow' on top of the eye.

FACT:False! Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens, and the lens is within the eye, not on its surface. Therefore, during the surgery, the clouded lens of an eye is removed and replaced with an artificial/synthetic lens with a process called Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation.


Read Also: Signs That You Need An Eye Exam

Myth#2 Cataract Surgery is scary and painful.

FACT: Not true. Infact, it is one of the safest surgeries possible. Though it can be slightly uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. Usually four out of five people say that the surgery was easier than they had expected.

Myth#3 I'll need reading glasses after Cataract Surgery.

Fact: Not necessary! New generation Multifocal and 'monovision' replacement lenses correct vision at various points, near and far, and can sometimes reduce the need for glasses too.

Myth#4 A cataract must be 'ripe' before it can be removed.

FACT: In the past this was true, however, with modern cataract surgery, a cataract does not have to 'ripen' to be removed. You can go ahead with a cataract removal surgery as soon as it begins to affect your vision and quality of life.

Myth#5 Only older people develop cataracts.

FACT: Cataracts are common among people over 65 years of age; however, cataracts can occur in people who are younger resulting from conditions such as diabetes, certain medications and other eye problems. In some cases cataracts can be present at time of birth; called congenital cataracts.

Myth#6 Cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

FACT: False! Cataracts can develop in one eye or both of them, but they do not spread.

For more queries on Cataract Surgery and the kinds of treatments and IOLs available at Sharp Sight Contact Us

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