Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. A possible reason to the increasing prevalence is the lack of understanding of the disease. While it is a common eye condition, misconceptions about cataracts still persist. This may affect your ability or willingness to seek proper management.
Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, your trusted provider of low-vision therapy and other eye care services, talks about common myths about cataracts.
Cataracts Only Develop During Your Older Years
While most cataracts do form during your older years, this is not the case all the time. There are other types of cataracts that occur at any age. Congenital ones, for example, are already present at birth. When you sustain blunt or penetrating trauma to your eyes, you may develop traumatic cataracts. There are also secondary cataracts that form as a complication of surgeries.
Always Trying to See Up Close Can Lead to Cataracts
This habit may be a consequence of having cataracts rather than a cause. Cataracts block light rays from entering your eyes, giving you cloudy vision. As a result, you may have a hard time doing your everyday chores, particularly close-range ones. For mild vision irregularities, we may prescribe wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses with stronger prescriptions for improved viewing.
Eye Drops Can Dissolve Cataracts
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved any medicated eye drops as a reliable treatment for cataracts. The only recognized effective treatment for this condition is surgery. We may suggest surgically removing your cataracts if they are causing significant visual restrictions.
Surgical Removal of Cataracts Is Risky
It’s true that all invasive procedures involve risks to a certain extent. That said, cataract surgery is actually considered one of the safest treatment options in the optometry field, even holding a 95 success rate. Some patients can even resume their normal activities after a few days following their surgery. Rest assured your eye doctor will explain everything you need to know about the procedure, for your peace of mind.
For more information about cataracts, complete our form to schedule an appointment.