Cataract, commonly known as safed motiya, is generally considered an old-age disease. However, there has been a worrying rise in cases among children, especially infants. A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural, clear lens, which can cause blurred or hazy vision. In more advanced cases, it may even lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.

While most cataracts are age-related and develop gradually over time, there are several other risk factors. These include eye injuries, medical conditions like diabetes, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, a family history of cataracts, and long-term use of certain medications such as steroids. Common symptoms to watch out for are blurry or hazy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, seeing halos or glare around lights, double vision, and changes in colour perception.

However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding cataracts and their treatment. Knowing the facts is important to making the right decision about eye examination and surgery. Since early detection and timely treatment can help restore vision and prevent long-term complications, we tap an expert to help us dispel all the myths surrounding it.

Fact: cataracts are common in elderly people but can also affect younger people and kids and can even be present from birth (congenital cataract). “People with a history of injury, infection, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, steroid usage, ultraviolet or other harmful radiation exposure, etc. can develop cataracts at an early age,” says Dr Neelima Shah, a consultant ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in Bengaluru.

Fact: Once developed, explains Dr Shah, cataracts cannot be treated or reversed with any eye drops, medicines, diet, or exercise. “The only effective treatment is surgical removal with intraocular lens implantation. In the early stages of cataract, a change in the spectacles number can help.”

Fact: A cataract is clouding/opacification of the natural lens of the eye. According to Dr Shah, it is not an extra growth. Once it is removed surgically, it does not regrow. “The new lens stays in the eye for life and does not need to be replaced. In a few patients, mild opacification of the back support of the lens happens, which can be easily cleaned with laser as an outpatient department (OPD) procedure,” she explains.

Fact: Cataract surgery should be done whenever the cataract starts causing vision problems and/or becomes hard or swollen, leading to other eye problems. She says that with the advanced technology of stitchless surgeries, cataracts can be safely removed at earlier stages, giving the patients visual independence.

Fact: Cataract surgery, says Dr Shah, can be performed in a few minutes without stitches, injections, and eye patching with modern methods using ultrasonic and laser techniques. It does not involve bed rest or a longer recovery time. The patients need to use the eye drops for a few weeks and get regular examinations to ensure proper healing.

Fact: The incision required for the cataract surgery is very small and mostly does not require stitches. However, clarifies Dr Shah, no cataract surgery can be done without making an incision.

Fact: The requirement of spectacles after the cataract surgery with IOL implantation depends on the type of IOL. According to Dr Shah, with the use of monofocal IOL, glasses are required after the surgery, mainly for near work. There are advanced IOLs available, such as trifocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs and similar ones, which can help the patients see without glasses after the surgery.

A special type of IOL called a toric IOL can take care of pre-existing cylindrical numbers due to variations in the shape of the cornea. These IOLs are more expensive compared to the monofocal IOLs.

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