Cataracts are an extremely common disease in older people. And many make many mistakes in its treatment, listening to a large number of myths and rumors. In a conversation with aif.ru, some of them debunked ophthalmologist, ophthalmic surgeon Zarina Kurachinova.
Cataracts are more than just clouding of the lens. It is a slow but inexorable threat to your vision and quality of life. If you leave the disease unattended or resort to questionable treatment methods, a person risks being on the verge of complete blindness. Despite the advances of modern medicine, many people continue to believe in myths and dangerous misconceptions that can lead to catastrophic consequences for eye health.
Myth 1. Cataracts can be cured with drops
You may have seen advertisements for miracle drops that promise to restore your vision and get rid of cataracts forever. Sounds tempting, right? But this is just a trap for the gullible. Scientific research clearly confirms that not a single drop can “dissolve” or “correct” lens clouding. Such remedies only delay time while the disease progresses and you lose precious vision.
Drops that doctors sometimes prescribe can only slightly slow the progression of cataracts. But remember, no medication can replace surgical treatment. By trusting false promises, you risk losing your vision forever.
Myth 2. Cataracts can be cured with folk remedies
It seems like there is a recipe on the Internet for every occasion. Putting honey, aloe or even garlic juice into your eyes is not only useless, but also extremely dangerous! Not only will these methods not help you get rid of cataracts, they can cause serious complications:
- infection. Non-sterile substances are a direct path to bacterial inflammation;
- burns. Aggressive components, such as garlic, can irreversibly damage the mucous membrane of the eye;
- allergies and inflammation. Even natural ingredients can cause a strong reaction, which will only accelerate the deterioration of vision.
Patients come every day after such experiments. And often their condition has already deteriorated so much that it becomes impossible to completely restore vision. Don’t risk your eyesight for mythical recipes!
Myth 3. Surgery should be postponed until complete blindness
This myth could cost you your sight. Waiting until the cataract matures means deliberately giving up the chance for successful vision restoration. Modern technologies make it possible to remove cataracts in the early stages, making the operation safe and effective.
Delaying surgery is dangerous for several reasons:
- cataracts can lead to the development of complications such as glaucoma;
- delaying treatment increases the risk of complications during surgery;
- You’re wasting valuable time while being trapped in foggy vision.
Remember, the sooner you seek help, the greater the chances of successful treatment.
Myth 4. Laser technologies have replaced surgical treatment
This misconception makes patients hope for a non-existent miracle method. The laser is not able to completely replace surgery. The main method of treating cataracts is ultrasound phacoemulsification, in which the damaged lens is removed and an artificial lens is installed in its place. The laser is used only as an auxiliary tool at certain stages of the procedure.
Do not believe advertising that promises non-surgical cataract treatment. This is just a marketing ploy.
Myth 5. Cataracts may return after surgery.
Some patients fear that their vision will deteriorate again years after surgery. But it’s not the cataracts that are coming back. Once the lens is removed, the cataract disappears forever. Possible clouding of the capsule that holds the lens is a so-called secondary cataract. It can be easily eliminated with a simple laser procedure that only takes a few minutes.
Dangerous misconceptions and consequences of self-medication
Every time you decide to try a questionable remedy or put off visiting a doctor, you risk your vision. Self-medication can lead to:
- irreversible vision loss;
- the development of severe complications such as infection or inflammation;
- lost time when treatment could still be simple and effective.
Do not experiment with such an important organ as the eyes. Vision is a gift that cannot be returned once you lose it.
Doctor’s advice:
1. Forget about myths and folk remedies. They don’t work!
2. Visit your ophthalmologist regularly, especially after 40 years of age.
3. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, do not delay treatment.
4. Trust only proven specialists and do not turn to charlatans.
Cataract is a serious disease that cannot be ignored, but fortunately, medicine gives us all the tools to successfully treat it.
Source: aif.ru