Think cataracts only affect older adults? Doctor busts common myths

Dr Ramkishan Janoriya has challenged common myths linking cataracts only to old age and delayed surgery. He says early diagnosis and modern treatment can prevent avoidable vision loss.

In Short

• Cataracts can affect babies, children and younger adults, not only seniors
• Cataracts cloud the eye's natural lens, not form a surface film
• Doctors advise surgery once vision disrupts reading, driving, work or recognising faces

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, yet misconceptions about the condition remain surprisingly common. Most people associate cataracts with old age, believing they develop only after the age of 60 or 70. Others think cataracts are simply a layer growing over the eye or that surgery should only be considered when vision becomes almost completely blurred.

These myths often prevent people from seeking timely medical advice. Many ignore early symptoms because they believe they are "too young" to have cataracts, while others continue to struggle with poor vision because they think they must wait until the cataract becomes "mature" before surgery is possible.

The reality is very different. Modern eye care has transformed the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. Dr Ramkishan Janoriya, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, says doctors today can detect cataracts much earlier, and advances in surgical techniques have made cataract surgery one of the safest and most successful procedures performed worldwide.

Understanding the facts can help people protect their eyesight and avoid unnecessary vision loss. Here are some of the most common myths about cataracts, and what science actually says.

MYTH 1: CATARACTS ONLY AFFECT OLDER ADULTS

Although ageing is the biggest risk factor, cataracts are not limited to elderly people.

Babies can be born with cataracts, a condition known as congenital cataracts. Children may also develop cataracts during early childhood. Adults of any age can develop cataracts following an eye injury, prolonged use of steroid medications, poorly controlled diabetes, or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight.

People who spend long hours outdoors without wearing UV-protective sunglasses may also face a higher risk of developing cataracts earlier in life. Certain metabolic disorders and genetic factors can also contribute to early cataract formation.

While cataracts become more common with age, younger adults should not ignore changes in their vision simply because they believe they are "too young."

MYTH 2: CATARACTS ARE A FILM THAT GROWS OVER THE EYE

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings about cataracts.

A cataract is not a layer, membrane, or growth covering the surface of the eye. Instead, it develops inside the eye when the natural lens gradually becomes cloudy.

The eye's lens normally remains clear and helps focus light onto the retina, allowing us to see sharp images. Over time, proteins within the lens begin to break down and clump together. As this happens, the lens loses its transparency, causing vision to become blurry, dull, or hazy.

Since the cataract develops inside the eye, it cannot be treated with eye drops or cleaned away. The only effective treatment is replacing the cloudy lens through surgery.

MYTH 3: YOU MUST WAIT UNTIL THE CATARACT IS FULLY MATURE BEFORE SURGERY

This advice is outdated.

Years ago, surgeons often waited until cataracts became very dense before operating because older surgical methods made treatment more difficult. However, cataract surgery has changed dramatically over the past few decades.

Modern phacoemulsification surgery uses ultrasound technology to break the cloudy lens into tiny pieces before removing it through a very small incision. A clear artificial lens is then placed inside the eye.

Doctors now recommend surgery when cataracts begin affecting daily activities such as reading, driving, working, or recognising faces—not when the cataract has become completely mature.

Treating cataracts earlier often makes the surgery easier and may lead to faster recovery and better visual outcomes.

MYTH 4: CATARACT SURGERY IS DANGEROUS AND RECOVERY TAKES MONTHS

Many people continue to fear cataract surgery, even though it has become one of the safest surgical procedures performed today.

The operation usually takes less than 30 minutes and is commonly done as a day-care procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day.

Most people notice clearer vision within one or two days, although complete healing may take a few weeks. Doctors generally advise avoiding heavy lifting, rubbing the eyes, and swimming during the recovery period.

Modern intraocular lenses also offer additional benefits. Depending on the type of lens chosen, many patients experience improved distance and near vision after surgery, reducing their dependence on glasses.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?

Cataracts usually develop slowly, which means many people fail to notice the changes in the beginning.

Some common symptoms include:

• Blurred or cloudy vision
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights
• Glare while driving at night
• Halos around lights
• Colours appear faded or yellowish
• Frequent changes in spectacle prescription
• Difficulty reading even with glasses

If these symptoms continue despite wearing the correct spectacles, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.

CAN CATARACTS BE PREVENTED?

Although ageing cannot be stopped, certain lifestyle habits may help lower the risk or slow cataract progression.

Experts recommend wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, maintaining good control of diabetes, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking, and undergoing regular eye check-ups, especially after the age of 40 or if there are existing health conditions.

Early detection remains the best way to preserve good vision.

Cataracts are highly treatable, but myths continue to delay diagnosis and treatment for many people. They are not just an age-related problem; they are not a layer growing over the eye, and there is no need to wait until vision becomes severely impaired before seeking treatment.

If you notice persistent blurry vision, increased glare, fading colours, or difficulty performing everyday activities, consult an eye specialist. A simple eye examination can determine whether cataracts are the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Understanding the facts and acting early can help protect your eyesight and maintain a better quality of life.

- Ends