Cataract Myths & Facts: What Should You Believe?

The eyes are an incredible and indispensable organ that most people neglect as long as they work. Regular habits like reading with very dim light, excessive screen time (could be your laptop or phone), and sleeping with contact lenses and makeup, can slowly degenerate the eyes unknown to you.

However, the main danger of a lack of care for the eyes is the development of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, etc. Cataract occurs when the lens loses its function, becomes blurred, and makes your eyes sensitive to glare and light. Here are some myths and the corresponding facts about cataract:

Myth 1: Cataracts are growths

Fact: Cataract is not a growth in the eye. It occurs when the lenses lose their transparency and affect light transmission to the retina. This loss of transparency in the lens is due to the clumping of a group of proteins called crystallin proteins. These groups of proteins play a role in ensuring the transparency and refractive properties of the lens.

Myth 2: Cataracts cannot be inherited.

Fact: If a family member or a close relative has cataracts, then there is a high probability that another person within the family can inherit the condition. However, this is coupled with other risk factors, such as smoking, previous eye injuries, diabetes, etc.

Myth 3: Once your eyes develop cataracts, you experience the symptoms immediately.

Fact: One of the reasons people don’t know they have cataracts is that they develop without pain. Cataracts can remain undetected until they cause extreme sensitivity to light and cause significant vision damage.

Myth 4: Cataract only affects old people

Fact: Cataracts can affect anyone, even babies! This is because, apart from age, other factors such as previous eye injury, exposure to radiation, and problems during pregnancy can trigger cataracts. This means that no one is immune to developing cataracts once there is a combination of one or more of these factors.

Myth 5: What you eat has nothing to do with cataract development.

Fact: It is impossible to get a 100% guarantee that you’ll never develop cataracts. This eye condition is part of the aging process. However, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t hurt, especially where your eyes are concerned! Reducing sodium intake is also recommended, as high salt intake can make you more susceptible to developing cataracts. This also includes avoiding highly processed foods, white bread, and other baked foods that contain refined sugar. Also, using a powerful eye antioxidant such as NATURE’SFIELD EYECAP will go a long way in reducing the progression or occurrence of cataracts.

Is Cataract Surgery the Only Option?

Cataracts can be a scary and uncomfortable problem, but they don’t have to be continuous. However, if vision problems caused by cataracts interfere with your daily activities, then surgery might be the best option for restoring your vision. 

There are many myths and misconceptions about cataracts. But one indisputable fact is that taking control of your eye health starts with getting regular, comprehensive exams, especially if you have a family history of eye conditions. Also, enhancing your eye health with NATURE’SFIELD EYECAP will go a long way toward reducing the risk of developing eye conditions that interfere with your quality of life. You only have one set of eyes that does a lot; taking care of it should be part of your priority.