You might not be getting proper eye care because of common cataract misconceptions. Cataracts affect more than half of people aged 65, yet myths about them cause unnecessary worry and delayed treatment.
Cataracts don’t just affect older people. They can develop at any age – even in babies – due to genetics, medical conditions like diabetes, or lifestyle choices like smoking. More than 20 million Americans have cataracts, and the UK shows similar numbers. The lens clouds up because its natural proteins break down and clump together.
The good news is that cataract surgery ranks among the safest and most common procedures worldwide, with a 98% success rate. It takes just 10-15 minutes, and patients can get back to their normal routine within 24 hours. Many people still believe outdated myths about this common eye condition, though. Let’s bust these misconceptions so you can make better choices about your eye health.
Close-up of the human eye – cataract clouding of the lens
Cataracts Are a Film That Grows Over the Eye
A common myth suggests cataracts appear as a film or growth on your eye’s surface. This belief continues to spread, but knowing what cataracts really are makes a big difference in treatment and care.
What cataracts actually are
Your eye’s natural lens sits behind the iris (the coloured part) and pupil. A cataract clouds this lens rather than forming an external film as many believe. The lens helps you see by focusing incoming light rays.
Water and protein make up most of your eye’s natural lens. The lens becomes cloudy as proteins break down and cluster together – eye doctors call this a cataract. The experience feels like looking through a foggy car windshield that makes everything appear blurry, hazy, or less colourful. Global health data shows cataracts affect about 17% of people worldwide who have vision problems. These numbers are a vital concern since cataracts rank among the top causes of blindness, affecting 20 million people globally.
Also Read: What Really Happens During a Cataract Operation: A Patient’s Complete Guide
How they form in the lens
Age plays the biggest role in cataract formation, though other factors contribute too. Your lens proteins start breaking down around age 40. Notwithstanding that, vision problems might not show up until you reach 60 or later. Deteriorating proteins clump together and disrupt the lens protein arrangement. The clouding grows worse as time passes. Light can’t pass through properly or focus on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at your eye’s back).
Cataracts progress from early stages with subtle changes to mature ones that affect vision by a lot. Age-related cataracts usually develop slowly, though younger people and those with diabetes might see faster progression.
Eye doctors group cataracts based on their location in the lens:
- Nuclear sclerotic cataracts form in the nucleus (central zone)
- Cortical cataracts develop in the cortex (outer layer)
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts appear in the posterior cortex
Many people develop more than one type as cloudy patches often form in different lens areas.
Why this myth is misleading
The belief that cataracts are a growing film over the eye creates several problems. This idea completely misunderstands where and how cataracts occur. Surgical treatment needs specific approaches because cataracts form inside the eye, not on its surface.
People might think eye drops or removing a surface “film” could help treat cataracts. The truth is that advanced cataracts need surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Knowing that cataracts form within the lens explains why they don’t spread between eyes like infections. Both eyes often develop cataracts around the same time, but each lens changes independently.
Regular eye check-ups help detect cataracts early. The “film” myth might make people wait too long before seeking help, thinking external treatments might work. Understanding cataracts as changes inside your eye’s natural lens helps explain why proper medical evaluation and eventual surgery are needed to treat this condition effectively.
Cataracts Spread from One Eye to the Other
A lot of people believe cataracts can spread from one eye to the other like an infection. This common myth makes many patients anxious and can affect their treatment decisions. Let’s get into the facts about how cataracts really develop.
How cataracts develop independently
Each eye develops cataracts through its own biological processes. The truth is no mechanism that allows cataracts to transfer or spread exists between your eyes. The lens becomes cloudy because proteins inside it break down and clump together.
This process happens separately in each eye because of:
- Natural ageing changes to lens proteins over time
- Each eye’s exposure to risk factors like UV radiation
- Genetic factors that affect both eyes but act independently
- Trauma or injury that might affect just one eye
- Medical conditions that influence both eyes through separate processes
Your lens proteins start to break down around age 40. Notwithstanding that, you might not see any vision changes until your 60s or later, as the clouding gets worse over time.
Also Read: What to Expect After Cataract Surgery: A Patient’s Complete Recovery Guide
Why both eyes may be affected
You might wonder why cataracts often show up in both eyes if they don’t spread. The answer lies in shared risk factors rather than transmission between eyes. Both eyes face the same ageing processes and environmental factors at the same time. Then, bilateral cataracts—cataracts in both eyes—are very common.
Cataracts often develop in both eyes but progress differently. One eye might have worse vision problems than the other. This uneven development proves that cataracts grow independently rather than spreading.
These factors lead to bilateral cataracts:
- Ageing—the main reason affecting both eyes
- Genetic factors, since cataracts run in families
- Health conditions like diabetes that affect your whole body
- Life choices such as smoking and UV exposure
- Certain medications including steroids and other drugs
The surgeons says most people will have cataracts in both eyes, but symptoms can vary between them. Both eyes develop cataracts naturally without any spreading.
Clarifying the misconception
The idea that cataracts spread between eyes stays around in part because bilateral cataracts are so common. Notwithstanding that, eye doctors all agree that cataracts cannot and do not spread between eyes.
This difference matters for several reasons:
Cataracts develop on their own, which explains why each eye might need different treatment. Your eye surgeon might suggest fixing the worse eye first, then waiting several weeks before treating the second one. You don’t need to rush into treating both eyes at once. Since cataracts usually progress slowly and independently, your eye doctor can watch both eyes and suggest the right time to treat each one.
It’s worth mentioning that you can have a cataract in just one eye. This usually happens with injuries or certain conditions present at birth. Regular eye check-ups are vital if you’re worried about both eyes. These visits help catch cataracts early and track their progress in either eye, whether they develop at the same time or years apart.
You might end up needing treatment for both eyes, but cataracts aren’t spreading—they’re just developing naturally as you age or because of other factors that affect both eyes.
Cataract Surgery Removes Floaters
Patients often think cataract surgery will get rid of floaters from their vision. This belief can make them feel let down after the procedure. The connection between cataracts and floaters needs to be clear to set the right expectations about surgery results.
What floaters are
You might see floaters as tiny spots, dots, cobwebs, or thread-like strands that float across your vision. Cataracts affect your eye’s lens. Floaters, however, show up in the vitreous humour—the jelly-like substance between your lens and retina.
The vitreous contains mostly water, collagen and hyaluronan. As we age, this jelly-like substance turns more liquid and pulls away from the eyeball’s surface. This natural process makes protein fibres in the vitreous bunch together. These clumps cast small shadows on your retina that you see as floaters.
You’ll notice floaters best when looking at bright, plain backgrounds like:
- A blue sky
- A white wall
- A blank piece of paper
These shadowy spots move as your eyes move. They seem to drift away when you try to look at them head-on. Floaters aren’t just bothersome—many people see them, especially older adults.
Why surgery doesn’t remove them
The mix-up happens because cataracts and floaters exist in different parts of your eye. Cataracts cloud the lens at the front of your eye. Floaters live in the vitreous humour behind the lens. During cataract surgery, the doctor takes out your cloudy lens and puts in an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
This surgery only fixes lens problems. The vitreous humour where floaters live stays untouched. Patients might actually see their floaters more clearly after successful cataract surgery. This happens because the new clear lens lets more light reach the retina. The better vision helps you spot floaters that were hidden before. The surgery might even make you more aware of floaters for a while. The vitreous can move during the procedure. This movement can shake loose cells that look like new temporary floaters.
What to expect post-surgery
After cataract surgery, a few things might happen with your floaters:
Your improved vision might make existing floaters easier to spot. Many patients think they’ve got new floaters, but they’re just seeing old ones more clearly now. Some people notice new floaters right after surgery. These usually come from vitreous movement during the procedure and clear up in a few weeks. Floaters don’t usually harm your eye’s health. A sudden increase in floaters with flashes of light needs immediate medical attention. These symptoms could mean you have a retinal tear or detachment—a serious condition that needs quick treatment.
Your brain usually adjusts to floaters over time. They become less noticeable whether you’ve had cataract surgery or not. If floaters really bother you, you might think about a vitrectomy. This separate procedure has its own risks and doctors usually save it for severe cases. Keep up with your eye doctor’s appointments after surgery. They’ll check your cataract recovery and watch for any floater changes that need attention.
Cataract Surgery Causes Short-Sightedness
People often think cataract surgery leads to short-sightedness, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – it can actually fix it. This belief stands as one of the most common common cataract misconceptions that stops many from getting the treatment they need. Learning about modern intraocular lenses helps clear up this myth and shows how cataract surgery can make your vision better.
How intraocular lenses work
Your surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens and puts in a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL) during cataract surgery. These artificial lenses are made from plastic, acrylic or silicone materials that last throughout your life. The IOL becomes part of your eye permanently, and nobody can see it – not even you.
IOLs work just like your natural lens by focusing incoming light onto your retina. The big advantage is that IOLs don’t get worse over time like natural lenses do. These artificial lenses can be chosen specifically to fix any existing vision problems, not just replace the cloudy lens.
The surgeon folds some IOLs (especially the flexible ones) and places them through a tiny cut during surgery. They unfold inside your eye and fill the empty capsule where your natural lens used to be. This gentle approach usually needs few or no stitches, so you recover faster.
Vision correction options
Modern cataract surgery gives you a chance to fix several vision problems at once. Your surgeon can pick from different types of IOLs based on what you need:
- Monofocal lenses – These are the most common and give clear vision at one distance (usually far). You’ll probably need reading glasses for close work. Some patients choose “monovision,” where one eye sees far and the other sees near.
- Multifocal or trifocal lenses – These have multiple focusing zones (like bifocal glasses) that help you see clearly at different distances—near, middle, and far. You might not need glasses at all.
- Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses – These give you a continuous range of vision with one long focal point, which helps mostly with distance and middle-range vision.
- Toric lenses – These are specially made to fix astigmatism and can work with other lens types to solve multiple vision problems at once.
- Accommodating lenses – These can change their shape inside your eye, which helps you focus at different distances like your natural lens.
The right IOL can fix near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and even astigmatism instead of causing short-sightedness.
Choosing the right lens
You need to look at several things when picking an IOL:
Your lifestyle and what you need to see matter most. Reading fans and craft enthusiasts might want better near vision. Drivers and outdoor lovers might prefer better distance vision. Money plays a part too. Premium lenses in the UK cost between £1,191 and £4,764 per eye.
Your eye health affects which lens you can get. Some eye conditions rule out certain premium lenses. Patients with serious eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration might not be able to use multifocal lenses. The myth about “right lens causing short-sightedness” misses the whole point of cataract surgery – it makes vision better, not worse. Working with your eye doctor helps you pick an IOL that matches what you need and might reduce your need for glasses or contacts after surgery.
You Can’t Have Cataracts Without Symptoms
A surprising common cataract misconception exists that cataracts always show clear symptoms. The reality is quite different – many people have cataracts without knowing it. They often find out during routine eye checkups rather than through vision issues.
Non-significant cataract symptoms
Early-stage cataracts, also known as “non-significant cataracts,” sneak up slowly. You might not notice any vision changes right away. These early cataracts create small, cloudy spots in your eye’s lens that don’t mess with your vision much.
Your first signs of cataracts can be easy to miss because they’re so subtle:
- Vision gets a bit blurry now and then
- You struggle a little more to see at night or in low light
- Colours fade so slowly you barely notice
- Car headlights bother you just a bit more than before
Many people brush off these subtle changes. They think it’s just age catching up or time to update their glasses. Research shows cataracts can grow worse for years before they affect your vision enough to make you see a doctor. Cataracts don’t always grow evenly – one eye might get cloudier than the other. Your brain helps out by using the clearer eye more, which hides symptoms from the affected one.
Why early detection matters
Finding cataracts before they cause big problems has several benefits. Your eye doctor can track how fast they’re growing and plan the right time to treat them. We don’t have any medicines that can fix or stop cataracts yet. But catching them early lets you make lifestyle changes that might slow them down. You can wear UV-blocking sunglasses, quit smoking, and keep conditions like diabetes in check since they make cataracts worse.
Early detection gives you time to think about your treatment options. Today’s cataract surgery offers different types of lenses that can fix both the cataract and other vision problems like astigmatism or presbyopia. UK eye doctors suggest getting surgery before cataracts start messing with your daily life or make things like night driving unsafe. The surgery tends to be simpler when cataracts haven’t advanced too far.
Importance of regular eye exams
Regular eye checkups are your best bet to catch silent cataracts. Eye doctors can spot lens changes long before you notice any vision problems. If you’re over 40, eye doctors suggest detailed checkups every two years, even if your vision seems fine. After 60, yearly visits become crucial as your risk of getting cataracts goes up.
During these checkups, your eye doctor uses special tools to look for cataracts:
- Slit-lamp biomicroscopy checks your lens structure
- Visual acuity tests measure tiny vision changes
- Dilated eye examinations give a better view of your lens
Many people learn they have non-significant cataracts by chance during routine eye tests. They might be there just to update reading glasses or check for glaucoma. Cataracts affect about 30% of UK adults aged 65-74 and over 60% of those 75 and older. These numbers show why regular eye checkups matter, whether you notice problems or not.
This helps bust the myth that cataracts always come with obvious symptoms. It shows why taking care of your eyes proactively matters – not just to catch cataracts early but to keep your eyes healthy overall.
Only Unhealthy People Get Cataracts
People often believe that cataracts only affect those with poor health habits. This common cataract misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Cataracts develop through a complex mix of genetic, age-related, and environmental factors that can affect anyone.
Image Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology
Genetic and age-related causes
Cataracts naturally come with ageing. The proteins in your eye’s lens naturally begin to break down around age 40, but symptoms usually don’t show up until age 60 or later. Your family history substantially increases your risk of developing cataracts. Genetic mutations contribute to both congenital cataracts (present at birth) and age-related varieties.
Your risk goes up if you have a parent, sibling, or other close relative with cataracts. Some genetic mutations can make your lens more vulnerable to environmental damage and speed up cataract formation. These hereditary factors affect everyone—whatever their lifestyle might be.
Healthy lifestyle and cataract risk
A healthy lifestyle won’t stop cataracts completely, but certain habits might slow their development. Physical activity shows real promise—research shows that higher physical activity levels are linked to lower cataract risk. Each 6 METs/day of physical activity (like jogging or cycling for an hour) might lower risk by 2%.
Diet matters too. Studies show high carbohydrate intake increases age-related cataract risk by 1.4-fold. High fat, protein, and calcium intake might reduce risk by 0.74-fold. Vegetarian diets have been linked to a 20% lower risk of cataracts. We have a long way to go, but even people with excellent health habits can develop cataracts as they age. Age remains the biggest risk factor—something no lifestyle choice can prevent.
How common are cataracts in the UK
Cataracts are incredibly common across the UK. UK studies show visually-impairing cataracts affect:
- 16% of people aged 65-69 years
- 24% of people aged 70-74 years
- 42% of people aged 75-79 years
- 59% of people aged 80-84 years
- 71% of people aged over 85 years
These numbers show that most older adults get cataracts, no matter their health status. Cataract surgery stands as the most common surgical procedure in the NHS, costing around £600 million yearly. More than 516,073 people aged 65+ had cataract surgery in England during the financial year ending 2023. These figures clearly show that cataracts are just a normal part of ageing, not a condition that only affects unhealthy people.
Cataract Surgery Offers No Long-Term Benefits
People often think cataract surgery benefits won’t last. Research proves this idea wrong. Patients who undergo this procedure experience lasting advantages.
Vision improvement after surgery
Research shows vision stability remains excellent after cataract surgery. A 15-year study revealed 60% of patients had minimal vision decline (less than 0.1 logMAR units) compared to their post-surgery vision. The results are even more impressive two decades later, where 61% of patients’ vision stayed stable with less than 0.1 logMAR units of decline.
Most patients see better vision within a year of surgery. About 95% show better Snellen visual acuity. Patients without other eye problems do even better—92% can see at 6/12 or better. These improvements last many years. Most changes happen because of ageing rather than problems with the new lens.
Mental health and quality of life
Cataract surgery helps patients feel better mentally. Research shows these positive changes:
- Depression and anxiety symptoms drop 18.8% in the first year after initial surgery
- Patients face 25% lower risk of depression compared to those who skip surgery
- Older adults think more clearly after surgery
Cataract surgery changes how patients feel about life. The Sunderland Cataract Study found patients improved their thinking, emotions, and overall wellness. Patient happiness scores usually rise from 4.6 to 4.8 on standard scales.
Long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction
Years after surgery, patients remain happy with their results. 83.4% of patients say they’re satisfied with their surgery. Satisfaction scores average 4.2 out of 5.0. This means more than 8 in 10 patients call their surgery successful years later.
Life gets better for most patients. About 75% say vision no longer limits their daily activities. Better vision leads to improved quality of life. A 20-year study found 42% of patients noticed no decline in how well they could see, and 78% reported minimal changes. These enduring benefits prove cataract surgery isn’t just a quick fix. It creates lasting positive changes in patients’ vision and overall wellness.
Comparison Table
| Misconception | Reality | Key Facts/Statistics | Impact/Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cataracts Are a Film That Grows Over the Eye | Proteins inside the lens break down and clump together to form cataracts | 17% of people worldwide have vision problems due to cataracts; 20 million people face this condition globally | People might wait too long to get treatment because they don't understand how cataracts actually work |
| Cataracts Spread from One Eye to the Other | Each eye develops cataracts on its own as part of natural ageing | Most people start developing cataracts around age 40; both eyes get affected but at different speeds | People feel less anxious once they learn cataracts don't spread, and understand why each eye needs treatment at different times |
| Cataract Surgery Removes Floaters | Floaters live in the vitreous humour behind the lens, while surgery only fixes the lens | People often notice their floaters more after surgery because they can see better | Patients need to know that severe floaters need a different surgery called vitrectomy |
| Cataract Surgery Causes Short-Sightedness | The surgery can fix existing vision issues with different types of artificial lenses | Several lens options exist (monofocal, multifocal, toric, etc.); Premium lenses cost £1,191 to £4,764 per eye | Patients can better understand how surgery might improve their vision with various lens options |
| You Can't Have Cataracts Without Symptoms | Early cataracts often develop without any noticeable signs | 30% of UK adults aged 65-74 and over 60% of those 75+ have cataracts | Regular eye check-ups become crucial for catching cataracts early |
| Only Unhealthy People Get Cataracts | Cataracts are a normal part of ageing that happens to everyone, whatever their health | 71% of people over 85 have cataracts; England performed 516,073 cataract surgeries in 2023 | People learn to see cataracts as a normal ageing process instead of a health problem |
| Cataract Surgery Offers No Long-Term Benefits | The surgery brings lasting improvements to vision and quality of life | 95% of patients see better after 12 months; 83.4% are satisfied; benefits last 15-20 years | The numbers show how surgery helps patients in the long run |
Conclusion
These seven common cataract myths can stop you from getting the eye care you need. Most people think cataracts create a film on your eye’s surface – they don’t. The truth is they form inside your lens. Each eye develops cataracts on its own, not spreading from one eye to another. On top of that, cataract surgery won’t remove floaters but can fix vision issues with different types of intraocular lenses.
Note that early cataracts often sneak up without obvious signs. This makes regular eye checkups crucial to catch them early. Your chances of getting cataracts go up with age, whatever lifestyle you lead. The numbers tell the story – over 70% of people over 85 have them. Without doubt, surgery brings lasting results. A whopping 95% of patients see better after a year, and they stay happy with their vision for decades.
You might think you understand cataracts, but there’s more to learn. Talk to Precision Vision London’s experts today. Let them guide you with personalised advice before myths affect your choices.
These myths have stuck around for years, but knowing the facts helps you make smart choices about your eyes. Today’s cataract treatments are safe and work amazingly well. Don’t fear this common condition – it’s just part of getting older. With proper care, it can improve your life by a lot for years ahead.
FAQs
Q1. At what age do cataracts typically start to develop? Cataracts usually begin to form around age 40, but noticeable vision changes often don’t occur until age 60 or later. However, cataracts can develop at any age, including in babies, due to various factors such as genetics or medical conditions.
Q2. Can cataract surgery correct other vision problems? Yes, cataract surgery can often correct other vision issues. Modern intraocular lenses (IOLs) can address problems like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism, potentially reducing your dependence on glasses after surgery.
Q3. How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery? Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours of cataract surgery. However, complete healing may take several weeks. Vision typically improves rapidly, with many patients experiencing clearer sight within a few days post-surgery.
Q4. Are there any non-surgical treatments for cataracts? Currently, there are no medications or eye drops that can reverse or prevent cataracts. The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. However, in early stages, vision can sometimes be improved with updated glasses prescriptions.
Q5. How common are cataracts in the UK? Cataracts are extremely common in the UK, especially among older adults. By age 65-69, about 16% of people have visually-impairing cataracts. This increases to 71% for those over 85.
