Busted! Top 5 Misconceptions About Cataract Surgery Debunked
If you have a cloudy vision, you might have cataracts. Cataracts are natural eye lenses that have become cloudy. Infact, it is one of the most common eye disorders worldwide. Cataract surgery is the only solution to cataracts.
Cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide
Aging indeed causes the natural eye lens to degrade and cloud, causing cataracts. It is not necessary that only ‘old people’ get them. Similarly, many misconceptions discourage people from taking cataract surgery as a preventive solution. Hence, we will unravel the top 5 myths about cataract surgery and educate you about precautions and cataract surgery post-care.
Top 5 MYTHS about cataract surgery
- Cataract surgery should be done only when cataract ripens
With modern technology, cataract surgery can be done at an early stage. Infact, eye doctors encourage people to seek surgery at an early stage of cataracts to avoid day-to-day inconvinience due to vision problems.
- You cannot cook after cataract surgery
For the first week after surgery, the doctor can advise staying away from flames as a precautionary measure, but it’s absolutely fine to cook after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery heals passively, and you can continue to resume your normal life activities immediately. Nowadays, many surgeons don’t recommend eye patches to their patients.
- You’ll have dry eyes after cataract surgery.
Temporarily, you may feel dry eye symptoms because the procedure bypasses the tear film, which may cause dry eyes. However, it will subside shortly after surgery with prescribed eye drops.
Also, not every patient has dry eyes after cataract surgery. So it is inconclusive to say you’ll have dry eyes after cataract surgery.
- You must mind your sleeping position after cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures, demanding minimum precautions. The doctors will ask you to sleep on the back or opposite side of the operated eye to avoid strain on the operated eye. However, no extra precautions for sleeping in an uncomfortable position with elevated pillows are needed.
Precautions after cataract surgery
- Do not rub your eyes with your hands.
- Do not wash your eyes with normal water for the first ten days.
- Do not lift heavy objects.
- Try to stay indoors. Always wear glasses while stepping out to avoid dust and particulate matter entry into the eyes.
Post-care after cataract surgery
- Abide by eye drops and other healing medications religiously.
- Visit for follow-up without fail.
- Minimize screen time. If your work involves focused screen time, then take sufficient breaks from the screen.
- Do the eye exercises as recommended by your specialist.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear eyeglasses as recommended.
- Contact the doctor immediately on noticing redness, irritation, vision loss, or any other undue symptoms.
On a note…
Although cataracts cannot be prevented, they can be treated. To have healthy eyes, it’s important to have bi-yearly eye checkups for early identification and treatment of eye problems. Your eyes are precious and cloudy vision can not only shadow the beauty of life but can also cause deadly consequences such as road accidents. Krishna Eye centre is a highly advanced and flourished eye care center in Mumbai. Our advanced diagnostic features and highly qualified team of doctors provide detailed eye assessments and treatments to all patients. Get your eye tested now!
