Common Myths and Facts About Cataract

Cataract is one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness in India, responsible for about two-thirds of blindness cases according to national programme data. Studies show that cataract affects a large proportion of older adults, with recent Indian research estimating a prevalence of around 14% in people aged 60 and above. At the same time, government campaigns like Netra Jyoti Abhiyan have enabled more than 8.3 million cataract surgeries in a single year to clear the backlog.

Yet, many patients in Gurgaon and across India still delay treatment because of myths and fear. Let’s clear them with facts and also look at safe options for Cataract Surgery in Sector 55 Gurgaon.

Understanding Cataract: Basics You Should Know

What Exactly Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally focuses light on the retina to give clear vision. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, making the lens cloudy and causing blurred, hazy, or dim vision.

How Common Is Cataract in India Today?

• Cataract remains the single most common cause of blindness in India, contributing to around 60-66% of cases.
  

• An estimated millions of Indians live with cataract-related visual impairment or blindness each year, with roughly 3.8 million affected annually by cataract-induced blindness.
  

This makes awareness and timely Cataract Treatment in Sector 55 Gurgaon and elsewhere extremely important.

Causes and Risk Factors of Cataract

Ageing and Everyday Wear and Tear

The most common cause of cataract is ageing. With time, the lens becomes less transparent. Other risk factors include:

• Natural ageing of the lens

• Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light

• Previous eye injury or inflammation
  

Diabetes, Lifestyle, and Other Medical Conditions

Evidence from Indian and international guidelines shows that the following increase cataract risk:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Smoking and heavy alcohol use

• Prolonged use of steroids

• Obesity and poor overall health

• Family history of cataract
  

Symptoms and Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore

Early, Gradual Symptoms

Cataract usually develops slowly. Common early symptoms include:

• Blurred or cloudy vision

• Faded colours

• Glare and halos around lights, especially while driving at night

• Frequent changes in glasses prescription
  

Red-Flag Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Care

You should see an eye specialist immediately if you notice:

• Sudden drop in vision

• Double vision in one eye

• Severe glare or inability to drive at night

• Eye pain, redness, or flashes of light
  

These may suggest advanced cataract or other serious eye conditions that need urgent attention.

Common Myths and Facts About Cataract

Myth 1: Cataract Is Just a Film on the Eye

Fact: Cataract is inside the eye, within the natural lens, not a film on the surface. It cannot be washed or wiped away.

Myth 2: Cataract Happens Only in Very Old People

Fact: Age-related cataract is common after 60, but it can appear earlier, especially in people with diabetes, those on long-term steroids, or after eye injuries.

Myth 3: Eye Drops Can Dissolve Cataract

Fact: Currently, there is no scientifically proven eye drop that can dissolve cataract. The only effective treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Myth 4: You Should Wait Until the Cataract ‘Matures’

Fact: Modern cataract surgery does not require the cataract to be very advanced. In fact, waiting too long can make surgery more difficult and increase the risk of complications. When cataract starts interfering with daily activities, it’s time to consider surgery.

Myth 5: Cataract Surgery Is Very Risky and Painful

Fact: With current techniques like phacoemulsification and advanced IOLs, cataract surgery is usually a short, safe, and mostly painless procedure with eye drops or local anaesthesia. Strict national and AIOS guidelines help keep complication rates low in properly equipped centres.

Modern Cataract Treatment Options in India

Most patients today undergo:

• Phacoemulsification: a tiny incision surgery where ultrasound breaks the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with a foldable IOL.
  

• A range of IOLs: monofocal, multifocal, toric lenses depending on lifestyle and eye status.
  

Government and private hospitals under programmes like NPCBVI and Netra Jyoti Abhiyan are also increasing access to cataract surgery across India.

Cataract Surgery in Sector 55 Gurgaon: ADEH and Dr Reena Sethi

Why Choose an Expert Cataract Surgeon in Sector 55 Gurgaon

For best outcomes, cataract surgery should be done by a trained, experienced surgeon in a well-equipped eye hospital. This ensures accurate pre-operative assessment, appropriate IOL selection, and careful post-operative follow-up.

Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH) & Nearby Areas

Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH) in Sector 55, Gurgaon is a dedicated eye care centre serving patients from Sector 55, Sector 56, and the Golf Course Road belt.

Dr Reena Sethi, Ophthalmic Director at ADEH, is a highly experienced Eye Surgeon and Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, with decades of experience and thousands of successful eye surgeries, including advanced micro-incision cataract surgery. 

Patients seeking Cataract Treatment or looking for an experienced Cataract Surgeon in Sector 55 Gurgaon, can consult ADEH for personalised evaluation and treatment options.

FAQs

1. Is Cataract preventable? Not all cataracts are preventable, but controlling diabetes, wearing UV-protective sunglasses, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may slow progression.

2. Does Cataract spread from one eye to the other? No. Cataract can develop in both eyes, but it does not “spread” like an infection. Each eye develops cataract independently.

3. When is the right time for Cataract surgery? When Cataract starts affecting daily activities like reading, driving, or work, and your ophthalmologist confirms that vision is limited mainly due to cataract.

4. How long does Cataract surgery take? Typically, the procedure itself often takes 15–30 minutes, though you may spend longer in the hospital for preparation and recovery.

5. Will I need glasses after Cataract surgery? Many patients see very well without glasses for distance after surgery, especially with modern IOLs, but you may still need glasses for near or fine tasks depending on the lens chosen.

6. Is Cataract surgery safe for diabetics or heart patients? Yes, with proper medical evaluation and control of systemic conditions, cataract surgery is routinely and safely performed in diabetics and cardiac patients, following standard guidelines. Always share your full medical history with your eye surgeon.

Conclusion

Cataract is extremely common but also highly treatable when you act at the right time. Ignoring symptoms or believing myths can delay care and risk avoidable vision loss. If you or a family member in Sector 55, Sector 56, or along Golf Course Road, Gurgaon notice cloudy vision, glare, or difficulty in daily tasks, it’s wise to seek a professional opinion.

Centres like Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH), led by experienced surgeons such as Dr Reena Sethi, offer modern, evidence-based cataract care aligned with national and international guidelines-helping you protect and restore your sight safely.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical consultation. Always visit a qualified eye specialist for diagnosis and treatment.