Myths and misconceptions about cataracts
One of the most common myths is that cataracts must "ripen." What are some of the others?
Cataracts, or lens opacity, is a condition characterized by reduced transparency of the natural lens, most commonly due to aging. It typically appears between the ages of 65 and 75, with symptoms including blurred, diminished, and distorted vision for both near and far distances. Cataracts can be resolved with a quick and painless surgery, but the problem is that various myths and misconceptions about cataracts circulate among people. Here are the most common ones.
Myth 1: Cataracts must "ripen"
Some people still hold the belief that cataracts must be allowed to "ripen." This was true many years ago when different surgical methods were used and the lens had to be hard. However, this is no longer the case today. In fact, it is better to undergo surgery sooner rather than later.
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“Patients should not unnecessarily postpone the surgery and should undergo it when cataracts begin to limit their daily lives. Currently, it is no longer recommended to wait for cataracts to 'ripen,' as the more 'mature' (older) the cataract is, the more the eye lens is affected, becoming harder and more difficult to remove. This makes the surgery more complex, potentially brings more risks, and the subsequent rehabilitation is also longer,” advises Radan Zugar, Chief Physician at the Eye Centre Prague and cataract surgeon. |
Myth 2: Cataracts can be treated in other ways
Some people believe that cataracts can be treated through other means, such as eye drops or vitamins. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Cataracts cannot be removed in any way other than through surgery, and there is no alternative treatment for this condition.
| “Cataracts cannot be treated with vitamins, any medications, or stronger glasses. Patients often confuse treatment with eye drops for cataracts with another eye condition—glaucoma—where drops are used to lower intraocular pressure. In the case of cataracts, the human lens becomes cloudy, and treatment is only possible through surgery, during which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens,” says Radan Zugar. |
Myth 3: Cataracts can reoccur over time
Sometimes, we hear patients say that their cataracts have come back. However, this is not possible; the artificial lens cannot become cloudy again. Patients may, however, experience the development of what is known as secondary cataracts, which occurs due to clouding of the posterior capsule of the lens.
| “During cataract surgery, the artificial intraocular lens is placed in the capsule of the original lens. This capsule is clear and very thin. In some cases, this capsule thickens, leading to what is known as secondary cataracts. This is not a complication of the original cataract surgery, and its occurrence cannot be influenced (it occurs in approximately 10-15% of patients). In this case, the patient does not undergo surgery again but only an outpatient laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy,” explains Radan Zugar from the Eye Centre Prague. |
Myth 4: It is not suitable to undergo surgery in the summer
Many people believe that cataract surgery should not be performed in the summer. However, cataract surgery can be done in any season. Thanks to modern medicine and the latest technologies, it is now one of the most common surgeries performed, with virtually no significant restrictions required for the patient before or after the operation.
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Myth 5: The artificial lens will need to be replaced after some time
The intraocular lens remains in the eye for a lifetime and does not need to be replaced. The lifespan of artificial intraocular lenses is indeed very long; it can be said that they will "outlast" us without any issues.
| “Reoperation of intraocular lenses is not performed unless there is a medical reason. This is because replacing an artificial intraocular lens is a very complex procedure and carries the risk of complications. Therefore, I always recommend that patients carefully consider their decision regarding the choice of intraocular lens,” explains Chief Physician Zugar. |
Myth 6: Cataract surgery hurts
Many patients fear cataract surgery because they believe it will be painful. However, cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia, where the eye is numbed using drops.
| "All eye surgeries are completely painless. Thanks to modern technologies, today’s cataract surgery is much gentler, less invasive, and the recovery of vision is very quick—patients can see with the operated eye the very next day. Many patients even tell us after the surgery that they were worried for no reason at all," says Radan Zugar, Chief Physician at the Eye Centre Prague and cataract surgeon. |
Myth 7: Cataract surgery is expensive
Some people still believe that seniors cannot afford cataract surgery and that it is only for the wealthy. This is a misconception; cataract surgery is fully covered by health insurance.
| “Cataract surgery is fully covered at our Eye Centre Prague as well. Under the insurance plan, patients are covered for a standard monofocal intraocular lens. However, patients can opt to pay extra for premium or upgraded intraocular lenses, which can provide better contrast sensitivity, eliminate astigmatism, or even completely remove their dependence on glasses,” clarifies this myth Radan Zugar, Chief Physician at the Eye Centre Prague and cataract surgeon. |
Myth 8: As long as i can see a little, i don’t need surgery
If a patient does not undergo surgery, they will gradually go blind. Even mild cataracts can significantly affect contrast and vision, let alone advanced disease.
| “Deteriorated and cloudy vision, especially in seniors, also impacts mental health and physical well-being. Therefore, there is no point in postponing the surgery. The procedure is quick, painless, and fully covered. Patients are literally thrilled with their new clear and colorful vision after cataract surgery, leading much more active lives and returning to their hobbies and interests,” explains Radan Zugar. |
Myth 9: Only older people have cataracts
While aging of the eye lens is indeed the most common cause of cataracts, they can also develop at a younger age, including in children (where it is often congenital).
| “The incidence of cataracts undoubtedly increases with age, but in recent years, we have also observed a more frequent occurrence in people younger than 50 or even 40 years old. In younger individuals, cataracts do not develop due to lens aging but may result from factors such as trauma, illness, other eye conditions, the use of certain medications, genetic predisposition, or an unhealthy lifestyle,” adds Radan Zugar. |
| “Just thirty years ago, cataract surgery indeed required several days of hospitalization and lasted for several hours. Thanks to modern technologies and surgical techniques, cataract surgery is now performed on an outpatient basis. There is no need for any special preparation for the surgery—patients are only given eye drops before the procedure, and they go home afterward. The eye is covered with a patch until the next day, and after the patch is removed, patients can see normally with the operated eye,” concludes Radan Zugar, Chief Physician at the Eye Centre Prague and cataract surgeon. |
