Don’t Miss Out or Misread Cataract Information

I recently read an article on U.S. News & World Report about cataracts and common myths about them that often times hinder patients from receiving appropriate treatment.  Cataracts are common among adults 40 years and older and over 20 million American’s have them.

One common myth to not misread or trust?  Cataracts grow on top of the eye.  Cataracts, according to Indianapolis eye doctors like Dr. Tavel, are the clouding of the eyes natural lenses.  Something that occurs with age and other factors like trauma to the eye, diabetes, long-term steroid use, long-term UV exposure, smoking, genetics, and severe long-term nearsightedness according to the U.S. News & World Report article.  Cataracts occur inside the eyes lens, not outside or on top of it.  The clouding of the lens blurs vision.

Another cataract myth to bust?  Waiting a certain period of time (like for the lens to go white) to get cataract surgery.  Cataracts and their symptoms vary for each individual so that eye doctors may suggest surgery sooner for some patients than others.  Often times though Indianapolis optometrists suggest waiting for surgery until cataracts interfere with daily life.

Treatment of cataracts is another myth to not misread.  The article mentioned some talk of eye drops being able to clear the eye’s lens and fix cataracts.  Currently this is not available or a viable treatment option-surgery is the only proven cataract treatment.

Talking with your Indiana eye doctor about your symptoms and what you have heard about cataracts will help you not miss out or misread information about this eye disease!