The Alcon Eye on Cataract Survey results revealed that cataract surgery not only improves vision, but can also help turn back the clock for patients’ vision. With 45% of post-surgery patients reporting they have the vision of someone much younger. Nearly 30 million cataract surgeries are completed each year, making cataract extraction and lens replacement the most frequently performed surgery! However, despite the normalcy of developing cataracts, misconceptions about the procedure still remain.
Myth #1 – Cataract surgery is done with a one size fits all approach.
Fact: Each surgery is highly personalized to the patient for their individual vision goals.
Myth #2 – Cataract surgery has a long recovery time.
Fact: Full recovery from cataract surgery takes about four weeks. But people often notice improvement in their vision within a few days.
Myth #3 – Cataract surgery is not worth it because I will still need glasses for everything.
Fact: Following cataract surgery, the percent of patients who reported reliance on glasses fell from 81 percent (pre-surgery) to 45 percent (post-surgery).
Myth #4 – Cataract surgery is dangerous.
Fact: Cataract surgery has a 95 percent success rate and is one of the most common and safest surgeries. You may notice an immediate improvement after surgery, or a gradual improvement over several weeks.
Myth #5 – All Cataracts should be removed.
Fact: You may not need surgery if you still see well. Your ophthalmologist can discuss all options available to you.
At Center for Advanced Eye Care, we specialize in educating you about your cataract diagnoses, lens options, the surgery itself, and post-surgical lifestyle advantages that will help you to make an informed decision.