Don’t Let Myths Cloud Your Vision

By Dr John Kan Tsia-Chuen, Associate Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology

Cataracts are the most common cause of reversible vision loss in Singapore, especially as we age. However, many myths surrounding cataracts can cause unnecessary fear or delay in treatment.

Let us clear up five common misconceptions so you can see the full picture.

1. "Cataracts Are Growths Inside the Eye"

❌ Myth!

Cataracts are not abnormal lumps or growths. They are caused by the clouding of the eye's natural crystalline lens, the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, making it harder for light to pass through, leading to blurred or dimmed vision.

Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear sight.

2. "Only Older People Get Cataracts"

❌ Myth!

While aging is the most common risk factor, younger people can develop cataracts too.

This includes individuals who:

Use long-term steroid medications
Have previous eye injuries or trauma
Suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes
Constantly rub their eyes or are exposed to UV light

In rare cases, cataracts can even occur in babies (congenital cataracts). Regardless of your age, early detection makes a huge difference.

3. "No Need for Spectacles After Cataract Surgery"

❌ Myth!

Cataract surgery can dramatically improve your vision. However, this does not mean you would never need glasses again.

There are different types of IOLs used in cataract surgery:

Monofocal IOLs correct vision for a fixed distance, and patients may still require glasses after surgery. For instance, if the decision is made to target distance vision, reading glasses will be required for near vision.
Multifocal or Enhanced Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs offer a greater range of vision (near, intermediate and far), reducing the need for glasses. A trade-off is that you may experience mild glare or halos at night.

Your choice of lens should match your lifestyle and visual needs, and your eye specialist will help you decide.

4. "I Had LASIK Before, So I Cannot Get Cataract Surgery"

❌ Myth!

Previous LASIK or other refractive surgeries do not prevent you from having cataract surgery.

However, ensure that your eye specialist is aware of your previous procedure. You may need additional eye scans and calculations to select the right IOL. Your prior eye history helps your surgeon plan more precisely for your post-surgery vision.

5. "Cataract Surgery Is Painful"

❌ Myth!

Cataract surgery is typically quick, safe and painless.

It is usually done as a day procedure under local anaesthesia using numbing eye drops.

Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the experience is, feeling mild pressure but no pain. The surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes, and recovery is relatively fast.

With regular use of eyedrops afterwards and avoiding strenuous activity, most people return to normal routines within days.