Common Myths and Facts About Cataract

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions in India and worldwide. According to studies, they account for more than 60% of blindness cases in India. Despite being so widespread, cataracts are surrounded by half-truths, misconceptions, and old wives’ tales. This misinformation often delays people from seeking timely treatment.

At Innocent Hearts Eye Centre, Jalandhar, we believe the first step toward better vision is clear knowledge. In this blog, we’ll tackle 10 of the most common myths about cataracts and explain the facts you really need to know.

Myth 1: I don’t have pain, so there are no cataracts

Fact: Cataracts usually develop without pain.

Unlike eye infections or injuries, cataracts don’t cause redness, irritation, or pain. Instead, the main symptom is a gradual blurring or clouding of vision, almost like looking through a foggy window. You may also notice glare at night, faded colors, or frequent changes in your glasses prescription. So waiting for “pain” as a warning sign is misleading.

Myth 2: Cataracts only affect the elderly

Fact: While age is the biggest risk factor, cataracts can happen earlier too.

Most people think cataracts are only a problem after 60. It’s true that the risk increases with age, but cataracts can also occur in people in their 40s and 50s. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, long-term steroid use, smoking, or even eye injuries can trigger early cataracts. In rare cases, babies are born with congenital cataracts.

Book an appointment with Dr Rohan Bowry for Cataract Treatment in Jalandhar

Myth 3: Cataracts are caused by reading too much

Fact: Reading doesn’t cause cataracts.

This is a myth that refuses to die. Reading in dim light or spending long hours with books, laptops, or phones may cause temporary eye strain, but it doesn’t damage the natural lens or cause cataracts. Cataracts happen when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together, which is mainly age or health-related and not caused by reading habits.

Myth 4: Cataracts are preventable

Fact: You can reduce the risk, but you can’t prevent cataracts entirely.

No diet, exercise, or supplement can guarantee you’ll never get cataracts. However, certain lifestyle choices can delay their onset. Protecting your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, managing conditions like diabetes, avoiding smoking, and having regular eye check-ups can all make a difference. But even with the healthiest lifestyle, cataracts may eventually develop with age.

📞 Book your appointment now via WhatsApp at +91-9875969672 or visit our website to schedule an in-person consultation.

Myth 5: Eye drops can prevent or fix cataracts

Fact: No eye drops can reverse cataracts.

Pharmacies often sell “anti-cataract” eye drops, and you might hear promises that certain herbal or vitamin-based drops can cure cataracts. The truth is, no scientific evidence supports this. The only proven treatment for cataracts is surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens. Eye drops may help with other conditions like dryness or infections, but not with cataracts.

Myth 6: Cataract surgery can wait

Fact: Delaying surgery can make things worse.

Many people think they should wait until a cataract is “ripe” before surgery. That was true decades ago when surgical methods were limited. Today, modern cataract surgery is safe to perform as soon as vision begins to interfere with daily life, whether it’s driving, reading, or recognizing faces. Waiting too long can make the cataract harder to remove and increase surgical risks.

Myth 7: Cataract surgery is dangerous and time-consuming

Fact: Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries worldwide.

With modern techniques like phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted surgery, the procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes. It is done under local anesthesia, so you don’t feel pain. Complications are rare when performed by experienced surgeons. At Innocent Hearts Eye Centre, our specialists use advanced technology to ensure precision and quick recovery.

Explore Laser Cataract Surgery at IHEC:- https://innocentheartseyecentre.com/lasik-eye-surgery-jalandhar/

Myth 8: Cataracts can come back after they’re removed

Fact: Once removed, cataracts don’t return.

During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is permanently replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). That means cataracts themselves can’t come back. However, a condition called posterior capsule opacification, sometimes called a secondary cataract, can occur months or years later, making vision cloudy again. This is not a true cataract and can be treated quickly with a painless laser procedure.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of cataract, it’s best to consult an eye specialist before the condition reaches the mature cataract stage.

Myth 9: Recovery from cataract surgery takes a long time

Fact: Recovery is usually quick and smooth.

In most cases, patients notice improved vision within a day or two. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which you’ll need to follow your doctor’s advice, use prescribed eye drops, and avoid rubbing your eyes or lifting heavy weights. The majority of people return to their normal activities within days.

Myth 10: I will still have nearsightedness after surgery

Fact: Modern intraocular lenses can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.

The outcome depends on the type of lens you choose. Standard monofocal IOLs correct distance vision, but you may still need glasses for reading. Advanced options like multifocal or toric lenses can correct both distance and near vision, and even astigmatism, giving you more freedom from glasses. At Innocent Hearts Eye Centre, we guide you through lens options to match your lifestyle and vision goals.

The Takeaway

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss in India, but thankfully, they are also among the most treatable. The real problem lies in the myths that surround them, causing people to delay eye check-ups or ignore early warning signs. Cataracts don’t cause pain, they gradually blur vision, and while age is a risk factor, they can also affect younger adults and even children. No drops or home remedies can cure them, the only proven treatment is surgery.

Modern cataract surgery is quick, safe, and highly effective. With advanced techniques, recovery is smooth, and patients often enjoy sharper vision within days. Premium intraocular lens options can even reduce dependence on glasses. If you’re over 50, have diabetes, or notice vision changes, an eye exam is essential. At Innocent Hearts Eye Centre, Jalandhar, Dr. Rohan Bowry and his team provide advanced cataract care with state-of-the-art technology and compassionate expertise. Clear vision is possible with the right information and timely treatment.

📞 Book your appointment now via WhatsApp at +91-9875969672 or visit our website to schedule an in-person consultation.

Real Patients, Real Reviews

Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions About Myths and Facts of Cataracts (FAQs)

Q1. Do cataracts cause pain?
No, cataracts don’t cause pain. They usually develop silently, causing blurred or cloudy vision, glare, or faded colors—but without redness, irritation, or discomfort.

Q2. Are cataracts only an old-age problem?
Not at all. While they’re more common after 60, cataracts can also occur in younger adults due to diabetes, steroid use, smoking, or eye injuries. In rare cases, babies can even be born with them.

Q3. Can reading or using mobile phones cause cataracts?
No. Reading in dim light or spending long hours on digital devices may cause eye strain but won’t cause cataracts. Cataracts happen when proteins in the lens break down over time, usually due to age or health issues.

Q4. Can cataracts be prevented with diet or eye care?
You can lower the risk by wearing UV-protective sunglasses, eating antioxidant-rich foods, managing diabetes, and avoiding smoking. But no lifestyle change can completely prevent cataracts.

Q5. Do eye drops or home remedies cure cataracts?
No. Despite claims, no scientifically proven drops or herbal remedies can reverse cataracts. Surgery is the only effective treatment.

Q6. Should I wait until my cataract is ‘ripe’ for surgery?
No. That’s an outdated idea. With modern techniques, cataracts can be removed safely as soon as they interfere with your daily life. Waiting too long can even make surgery harder.

Q7. Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries worldwide. With advanced technology, it usually takes less than 20 minutes and has excellent outcomes.

Q8. Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No, once the cloudy lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), cataracts cannot return. Sometimes, a condition called “secondary cataract” can occur, but it’s easily treated with a simple laser procedure.

Q9. How long does recovery take after cataract surgery?
Most people see improvement within 1–2 days. Complete recovery usually takes a few weeks, but you can return to normal activities quite soon with proper care.

Q10. Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?
It depends on the lens you choose. Standard lenses correct distance vision, while advanced lenses (multifocal or toric) can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses altogether.

10 Biggest Myths About Cataracts Debunked

10 Biggest Myths About Cataracts Debunked