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1. Myth. Cataracts are a clouding on the surface of the eye

2. Myth. Cataracts can be removed with lasers.

3. Myth. Cataracts "grow back."

4. Myth. Cataracts can be removed with “anti-cataract” drops.

5. Myth. A cataract must be ripe before it can be removed.

6. Myth. Eyes can be transplanted.

7. Myth. Only old people develop cataracts.

8. Myth. Cataract surgery is dangerous. 

9. Myth. It can take months to recover from cataract surgery.

10. Myth. There is no more need for glasses after cataract surgery.

11. How do I get more information?

The biomedical definition of a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that can cause vision problems. The most common type is related to aging. More than half of all Americans age 65 and older have a cataract.  By far, the leading cause of blindness among adults in the Philippines is cataract, accounting for around 400,000 cases.  In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses may lessen vision problems caused by cataracts. At a certain point, however, surgery may be needed to improve vision. Today, cataract surgery is safe and very effective.  

1. Myth. Cataracts are a clouding on the surface of the eye.

    

   Cataracts are a clouding in the lens of the eye. This anatomical misconception is everywhere. As a resident, I have seen this at the outpatient department of the PGH, as a practicing consultant, patients would see me in clinic at the Asian Hospital with the same concern. It seems that economic class is not a determinant for proper eye anatomical knowledge. Pterygium, an actinic overgrowth of conjunctival tissue unto the cornea, has always been mistaken for cataracts. One sees this often from people who have been alerted by their neighbors and/or friends to the presence of developing “cataracts” that allegedly need to be scraped, “kailangan nang kayurin ang katarata.” Corneal ulcers have been mistaken for cataracts. This is common with soft contact lens (SCL) wearers who do not practice responsible use of these lenses. Recurrent non-removal of SCL during sleeping time decreases the oxygen diffusion into the cornea. This relative anoxia causes epithelial breakdown which leads to corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers decrease vision, causes eye redness, tearing, pain, whitish opacification of the surface and damage to the integrity of the eye. I often see these patients in clinic panicking that they have developed a cataract overnight. I also often hear patients coming in saying that there is a “film” on their eye. This “film” really is nothing but the blurring of vision that is related to the “cloudy” decrease in vision (blur) because of the developing cataractous lens.

   Related to the misconception of clouding at the surface of the eye is the misconception that cataracts can be removed from the surface of the eye with a laser (also see Myth 2). In fact, because the cloudy lens is inside the eye, it cannot be removed with a laser. From talking at length to literally hundreds of cataract patients, I have found that many of them confuse cataract surgery with LASIK surgery, which is performed with a laser. However, the goal of LASIK surgery is to reshape the cornea, which is the surface of the eye. By changing the light-bending power of the cornea through LASIK surgery, the eye can compensate for nearsighted or farsighted vision. LASIK surgery does not, however, repair cataracts. There is a cataract-related procedure that utilizes a YAG laser (see Myth 3).

    

2. Myth. Cataracts can be removed with lasers.

    

   Cataracts cannot be removed with a laser. The cloudy lens must be removed through a surgical incision. However, after cataract surgery, a membrane within the eye may become cloudy. This membrane can be opened with laser surgery. I cannot really blame the patient who enters my clinic door asking for “modern laser” cataract surgery. “Dok, yung kapitbahay ko ni-laser, gusto ko laser-in mo ang katarata ko.” Unscrupulous ophthalmologists let them hear what they want to hear. These eyeMDs are either too busy to explain or are downright “cheats”.  There is no marketable laser technology to remove cataracts currently. It is actually with the use of an ultrasonic handpiece combined with a suction and irrigation system that does the job via a microincision. The Dodick laser photolysis cataract removal system, however approved by the FDA last year, has yet to be marketed in a widespread fashion because of its inefficiency. Other lasers are used routinely to treat different abnormal conditions of the eye, among them glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. iv

    

3. Myth. Cataracts "grow back."

    

   Several patients have seen me in clinic saying “bumalik ang katarata ko!” This is in fact not true. What happened was a secondary or “after” cataract occurred. This occurs when the original lens capsule that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy. This cloudiness decreases visual acuity and increases glare. Using a YAG laser, the eye surgeon makes a tiny opening in the capsule, which allows light to enter the lens once again. The treatment is quick and painless and is performed in the office of your eye surgeon.

    

4. Myth. Cataracts can be removed with “anti-cataract” drops.

    

   “Every patient who enters my clinic expects to come out with a prescription for a medication.” This has been stated by mentors time and time again. Of course I never believed this, only to find out that it was true. This is probably the reason why so many patients patronize “anti-cataract” eye drops. Oftentimes I would see a patient managed by a more senior eyeMD and they would wave around their bottle of anti-cataract eye drops. Although this so-called "anti-cataract" eyedrops from reputable pharmaceutical companies are available in drugstores (not wanting are herbal remedies or "cleansing diets" for cataract treatment), there is still no convincing evidence that medical therapy works to reverse the process of cataract progression. The only scientifically proven method of treating cataracts is surgery. Even though the evidence is slim at best, the strength of folk and popular pressure is strong.

    

5. Myth. A cataract must be ripe before it can be removed.

    

   “Doc, hinog na po ang katarata ko!” or “Hindi pa po hinog ang katarata ko, kaya pahingi na lang po ng anti-cataract drops.” How often does one hear this? I’d say often enough. With modern cataract surgery, a cataract does not have to ripen before it is removed. When a cataract prevents you from doing the things you like or need to do, consider having it removed. It is often difficult to convince a patient that visual disability is an indication for cataract removal. The practice of the old days still prove strong today.

    

6. Myth. Eyes can be transplanted.

    

   “Dok, tatangalin ba ang mata ko pag tinangal mo ang aking katarata?” The eye cannot be transplanted. It is connected to the brain via the optic nerve, which cannot be reconnected once it is severed. The cornea — the clear front part of the eye — can be transplanted. Surgeons often use plastic intraocular lens implants (IOL's) to replace natural lenses removed during cataract surgery. Patients have this misconception that a cataract is like a spare part that you can remove and replace with a new one. They also sometimes think that the entire globe is removed and replaced with a new globe. This is probably strengthened by fictional shows like the Minority Report of Tom Cruise where you see an eye being replaced by another in order to change his retinal imprint (good movie, though).

    

7. Myth. Only old people develop cataracts.

    

   “Ha? May katarata na po ako, eh bata pa ako ha!,” says a 35-year old poorly controlled diabetic female. “Hindi po ba sa mga matatanda lang yan?” While a cataract is common among older individuals, a form of cataract can occur in young adults or children as well. Also, anyone who has diabetes or has suffered from an eye trauma early in life is at a higher risk of developing cataracts at a younger age.

    

8. Myth. Cataract surgery is dangerous. 

    

   “Naku po! May katarata po si lola. Matanda na po siya, hindi na niya kayang maoperahan!” Each year, more than 1.35 million people undergo cataract surgery with relatively few complications. The patient's ophthalmologist will discuss the potential risks prior to surgery. Patients should remember that statistically, cataract surgery is among the safest and most successful surgical procedures performed in the world today. The traumatic imprint brought about by the difficult surgeries experienced by our grandparents during the 70s and earlier, still hold true today.

    

9. Myth. It can take months to recover from cataract surgery.

    

   “Hindi po ba bawal yumuko, bawal maligo, bawal gamitin ang mata, pagkatapos ng operasyon?” These are among the numerous DON’Ts that everybody believes should be followed to the letter once they undergo cataract surgery. Again, this may be related to the “old school” management performed during the time of large incision, multiple stitches, Extracapsular cataract extraction or Intracapusular cataract extraction. Nowadays, in most cases, patients often can see well enough to resume normal activities a few days after having cataract surgery. Additional vision improvement can continue over the following weeks and months. However, if you also have additional eye problems, such as glaucoma, your recovery time might take longer.  

    

10. Myth. There is no more need for glasses after cataract surgery.

     

    “Dok, hindi ba hindi ko na kailangan ng salamin pagkatapos ng pag-laser ng aking katarata?” Since the implanted lens is computed for distance vision, most people will require glasses for near vision after cataract surgery. I have several patients who seem to have “selective memory” regarding the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery. They forget that we have included this in our preoperative discussion.

There are numerous other myths out there regarding cataract. These less common myths include: Cataracts are contagious; Cataracts are made worse by close work such as reading, sewing, watching movies, or looking at television; Cataracts are related to cancer.

Ophthalmologists, together with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology are hand-in-hand in its crusade to educate the layman, health care providers and different institutions about the myths and facts regarding cataracts. Several support groups are assisting in disseminating valuable information to crush the entrenched falsely based beliefs and practices. We are currently equipped with pamphlets, posters, websites, which disclose all of this vital information. The provider ophthalmologist is in the most central role as educators of each and every patient who enters his clinic. It is a captured moment to extend the proper information to each individual. The task is gargantuan to say the least, but only with a valid persistent attempt can one truly hope to achieve proper education of the masses.

--

References

- Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. Cataract, 06 December 2004, <http://www.Cataract.com.ph>  (27 December 2004).

- Resources for the Blind. Blindness in the Philippines, <http://www.blind.org.ph/blind_phil.html> (27 December 2004).

- Webnox Corp. Meaning of Myth, 27 December 2004. <http://www.hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/myth> (27 December 2004).

- Cayuga Medical Center. Myths About Cataract Surgery, 27 December 2004 <http://www.cayugamed.org/articles/read.dbm?ID=267> (27 December 2004).

- Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. Pterygium, 6 December 2004 <http://www.eye.com.ph/pterygium.htm> (27 December 2004).

- Vista Laser Eye Center. Myths and Facts, 27 December 2004. <http://www.vista.com.my/cataract/overview_myths.htm:> (27 December 2004).

- Ophthalmic Hyperguide. Cold phaco for brunescent cataracts, <http://www.ophthalmic.hyperguides.com/default.asp?section=/tutorials/cataract/cold_phaco/tutorial.asp> (27 December 2004).

- American Eye Center. Cataract, 27 December 2004 <http://www.eyecenter.com.ph/humaneye/cataract.asp> (27 December 2004).

- Twentieth Century Fox. Minority Report, <http://www.minorityreport.com> (27 December 2004).

- Prevent Blindness America. Myths and Facts About Cataract, 27 December 2004 <http://www.pearlevision.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PearleVision/StoreContent/popup/cataracts_myths.jsp?langId=-1&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001> (27 December 2004).

- Prevent Blindness America. Myths and Facts About Cataract, 27 December 2004 <http://www.pearlevision.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PearleVision/StoreContent/popup/cataracts_myths.jsp?langId=-1&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001> (27 December 2004).

- Prevent Blindness America. Myths and Facts About Cataract, 27 December 2004 <http://www.pearlevision.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PearleVision/StoreContent/popup/cataracts_myths.jsp?langId=-1&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001> (27 December 2004).

- Kelogg Eye Center. Cataract: Definitions, Symptoms and Treatment, 27 December 2004 <http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/conditions/cataract.html> (27 December 2004).

- Eye Care For You, Inc. Cataract Surgery, 27 December 2004 <http://www.eyecareforyou.com/ECFYCatSurgery.htm> (27 December 2004).

- Helman Cecil G. Culture, Health and Illness. 4th ed. (Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd 2000) 136-137.

 

How do I get more information?

There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic: Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser window will open. For emails, your default email program will open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you prefer not to open new windows. ONLINE ACCESS WEBSITES.      http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic      http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. -      http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive Surgery Resource      http://www.Cataract.com.ph  - Cataract Surgery Resource      http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye Information Online      http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids      http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina Surgery Resource      http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma Online      http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online EMAIL. After writing down your comments, suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how to get in touch with you by providing your name, email, home/office numbers, and mobile phone.      General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph       Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Newsletter - newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive news and updates, discounts and promotions) BLOG. Send us your comments.      EYE REPUBLIC      Ophthalmology Atlas CLINIC INFORMATION      Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC (send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart).
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Manila 3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310 1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila, 1000 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398 Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30 Mobile: (63917) 899-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Asian Hospital and Medical Center 5/F Medical Office Building (MOB) Suite 509 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang Muntinlupa City, 1781 Philippines Direct: (632) 771-9253 Direct and Fax: (632) 771-9254 Mobile: (63917) 795-2020 Map and Directions
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Medical City 6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602 MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, 1604, Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846 Mobile: (63917) 537-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic St. Luke's Medical Center 6/F Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North Tower Suite 614 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard Quezon City, 1102 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 407-3883 Mobile: (63917) 855-2020 Map and directions
CLINIC HOURS First-Come, First-Served Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays

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CATARACT MYTHS information compiled by Dr. Manolette Roque [ Resume | Email ] and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.

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Last updated on September 13, 2007.

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