The Myths of Cataracts

As one of the leading NHS providers of community ophthalmology, CHEC is committed to collaborating with our partners to deliver exceptional care. With thousands of specialists working with and referring to CHEC, we’re at the forefront of healthcare innovation. We understand the significant impact cataracts can have on vision and daily life, and we’re here to address your questions and dispel any myths you may have heard.

Myths About Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common reasons for vision loss in adults. One of the more misunderstood eye conditions here’s a quick myth buster to help you sift fact from fiction:

Myth 1: Cataracts are growths on the eye

Possibly one of the most common misconception. A cataract is not a growth on the eyeball, but the clouding of the eye lens. It happens when the transparent proteins in the lens lose their elasticity and begin to clump together. Over time, the clump builds up – and this causes vision problems.

Myth 2: Cataracts only affect the elderly

Although age is certainly the biggest contributor to cataracts, and by the age of 80, around half of us will have developed them. Cataracts can also affect younger people and even babies can develop them. Cataracts can also be caused by lifestyles and health conditions, eye injuries and genetic disorders, not to mention smoking and diabetes, can all increase the risk of developing them.

Myth 3: Cataracts spread from one eye to the other

Cataracts don’t spread from one eye to the other. While they often develop in both eyes around the same time, this isn’t always the case. Cataracts develop independently in each eye, and there’s no way for them to transmit between eyes.

Myth 4: The only symptom of cataract is blurry vision

Blurred vision is just one of several ways cataracts can affect eyesight. They can also distort how light passes through the lens, leading to halos around lights, changes in colour perception, double vision, and increased glare, particularly at night. This heightened glare often makes night driving difficult for those with cataracts.

Myth 5: Cataracts need to be ‘ripe’ before you can operate

Thanks to significant advancements in technology, cataract surgery has come a long way. Previously, cataracts had to be quite advanced (“ripe”) before they could be surgically removed. Today, we can operate at a much earlier stage, often before you even notice significant vision changes. This offers greater choice in treatment options and frequently leads to better outcomes.

Myth 6: Cataract removal is difficult and time consuming

Cataract surgery is recognised as one of the safest and most frequently performed procedures globally. Our experienced surgeons routinely complete up to 20 cataract removals in a single day. Typically performed under local or topical anaesthetic, the surgery itself usually takes just 10-15 minutes, allowing patients to return home within a few hours.

Myth 7: Cataract surgery is painful

Cataract surgery is typically a comfortable procedure. Upon arrival, you’ll receive fast-acting eye drops to numb your eye, ensuring a pain-free experience. You might experience some mild aching or a gritty sensation for a few days afterward, but this usually subsides quickly and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol.

Myth 8: Cataract surgery takes ages to recover from

Recovery after surgery is typically quick, with most people able to resume their normal daily activities within 24 hours. While some initial blurriness is normal, your vision should improve rapidly. We do recommend avoiding strenuous activities for about a week to allow for optimal healing.

Myth 9: I’ll still be short-sighted afterwards

Cataract surgery offers the significant benefit of correcting refractive errors such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By replacing the clouded lens with a precisely chosen intraocular lens (IOL), patients often experience a dramatic improvement in vision and may even become less reliant on glasses or contact lenses.

Myth 10: Cataract surgery removes floaters

Cataract surgery is removal of the lens and inserting a new one. Floaters are imperfections floating around in the vitreous gel that fills almost the entire eyeball, and it’s actually behind the human lens. If you have floaters before surgery, it may become more noticeable.  In any case, any change in your existing floaters, or any new ones, you should seek advice from your eye care professional. 

Wondering if you might have cataracts, or need to explore some treatment options? As an NHS partner, CHEC offer general ophthalmology as well as eye surgery and other treatments. Click here to find out more.