Cataracts and Cataract Surgery - Myths and Misconceptions Debunked
July 28, 2009 @ 08:05 PM — by unknown
New inventions, creations, and procedures always carry a few things with them. You have the avid supporters, the general denouncers, and then there are those left in between. They are the recipients of the myths that arise out of such situations. More often than not they are false, but each myth was born of a grain of truth at some point.
Medical conditions and procedures are certainly victims of this phenomenon. One in particular is cataracts and cataract surgery. Of the myths surrounding this condition, we will look at a few of the more commonly heard.
Myth number one: Cataracts are a new growth on the eye. Cataracts are in fact the lens of the eye that has become cloudy. Hence they are note new growths but a change in an existing part of the eye.
Myth number two: Cataracts can only affect the elderly. While most cataract cases occur later in life, there have been instances where children and young adults developed them due to eye trauma, diabetes, or even heredity.
Myth number three: Eyeglasses will no longer be needed once the cataract surgery has been completed. This depends upon the type of lens implanted during the procedure. If it is the usual monofocal lens, more than likely you will still need glasses for closer distances. With medical advancements occurring everyday, there have been additional lenses introduced that allow for the patient the focusing effect of glasses without their actual use. Be certain to discuss the options available to you prior to your procedure in order to make the best choice.
These are just a few of the myths and misconceptions commonly spread about this age old disease. Cataracts are something that almost every adult will develop at some point in their lives. It is just a matter of whether or not they reach a degree that they need to be removed. Rest assured that cataract surgery is one of the longer standing “traditions” that will remain in practice for many years to come.
To learn more about cataracts and cataract surgery as well as LASIK laser vision correction, custom LASIK, iLASIK™, ReZoom™ intraocular lenses (IOLs), and more, it is important to visit the LASIK surgeons at our LASIK laser eye surgery office in Long Island.