8 Shocking Myths About Early-Stage Cataracts. Debunked with Facts

Cataracts, as a common eye condition, have led to numerous misunderstandings and myths. Although the condition affects many people’s lives, a lack of accurate knowledge often creates unnecessary anxiety. Let’s explore the most common myths about early-stage cataracts and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: ‘A cataract is a film that covers the eye.’

This is one of the most common misconceptions, as the word ‘cataract’ was historically associated with a membrane. In reality, a cataract is not a film, but rather the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This lens is located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (the black, round opening of the eye) and serves to focus light. During cataract development, the lens gradually allows less and less light to reach the retina, which is where vision is perceived. Therefore, a cataract impairs vision by blocking light, but not as if the eye were covered by some kind of membrane. In advanced cases, the black pupil turns white, at which point the mature cataract becomes visible to the naked eye.

Myth 2: ‘Early-stage cataracts cause no symptoms other than vision deterioration.’

Although vision deterioration is the most noticeable symptom even in early-stage cataracts, it is not the only one. In early-stage cataracts, colors fade and become duller, vision becomes less contrasty, and light sensitivity may develop or worsen. Reading becomes more difficult in low light conditions, distracting halos may appear around the headlights of oncoming cars when driving at night, and double vision may even occur, characterized by persisting even when one eye is closed. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the first symptom of early-stage cataracts to be a change in eyeglass prescription. These symptoms may appear individually or together.

Myth 3: ‘Cataracts only affect older people.’

While it is true that the likelihood of developing cataracts increases with age, the condition does not exclusively affect the elderly. It typically begins to develop around the age of 40-45, but in many cases it causes no symptoms at that time, only 1-2 decades later. Furthermore, cataracts can occur in children and even newborns. Additionally, injuries, medication side effects, surgeries, or other diseases can also cause cataracts.

Myth 4: ‘The development of early-stage cataracts can be prevented.’

Although certain lifestyle changes, such as UV protection, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking, can reduce the rate of cataract progression, its development cannot be prevented. Clouding of the lens is a natural consequence of aging. Once cataracts have developed, it is advisable to wear sunglasses and a hat, thereby reducing UV exposure to the eye, which can somewhat slow the process and delay the timing of surgery.

Myth 5: ‘There is a medication treatment for early-stage cataracts.’

Currently, there is no medication or eye drop that can cure early-stage cataracts or halt their progression. The only known treatment for the condition is surgery, during which the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Taking advantage of the fear of surgery, many fraudsters try to offer some kind of drops, tablets, or light therapy for the condition. In case of uncertainty, it is advisable to seek information from independent and reliable sources.

Myth 6: ‘Early-stage cataracts can be corrected with glasses.’

In the case of cataracts, the eye’s prescription often changes, so it is indeed true that when early-stage cataracts are diagnosed, eyeglasses may also need to be adjusted. Although eyeglasses do not correct the condition itself, the vision deterioration it causes can, for a time—especially if we are at the beginning of the process—be fully or partially corrected with eyeglasses. However, it is important to know that in such cases, the eyeglass prescription can change even within a few months, requiring new eyeglasses to be made again.

Myth 7: ‘Cataracts develop slowly, so there is no need to rush to the ophthalmologist.’

Although early-stage cataracts most often reach a more advanced stage over the course of years, it is not advisable to delay an ophthalmological examination for several reasons. Awareness of the condition can lead to lifestyle changes that can somewhat slow the process. In certain types of cataracts, lens clouding progresses much faster in the peripheral areas, so the rate of symptom change differs between the early stages and more advanced cases. The consequence of this is that vision remains relatively good for a long time; however, when the central area also becomes affected, significant vision deterioration can develop rapidly, even within a few months.

Furthermore, cataracts can worsen the condition of certain existing eye diseases and can also cause other ophthalmological complications. Therefore, it is important that diagnosis occurs in a timely manner, follow-up takes place at an appropriate pace, and well-timed treatment prevents severe vision deterioration. In advanced cataracts, the risk of surgical complications is higher and care may require hospital admission.

Myth 8: ‘Once a cataract is removed, it cannot return.’

Both true and not true. Although cataracts themselves cannot return, cell proliferation or scarring can develop at the surgical site, which can similarly cause vision deterioration and other visual complaints. During lens surgery, the thin membrane of the lens is preserved and the artificial lens is implanted into it. Cells remain on this thin membrane that can begin to proliferate after a few months, but typically after 2 years, and impede the uniform entry of light. This process is called secondary cataract or posterior capsule opacification, which refers to clouding caused by scarring of the lens capsule. It can be treated quickly and painlessly with laser intervention, even on the same day the diagnosis is made.

Misconceptions about cataracts often cause unnecessary fears and delays; however, with accurate information, these can easily be dispelled. If any suspicion of early-stage cataracts arises, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.