Have you been told to wait until your cataracts “ripen”? Or that you’ll always need glasses afterward? You’re not alone. At Pacific Vision Institute, a global leader in advanced vision correction and cataract surgery, we often meet patients who have been misinformed about cataracts and their treatment. Led by world-renowned eye surgeons Dr. Ella Faktorovich and Dr. Barry Seibel, our San Francisco-based team believes that patient education is key to achieving the best outcomes.
Let’s explore the most common cataract myths—and the facts that can help you see more clearly.
Myth 1: Cataracts Only Affect Older People
While age is the most common risk factor, cataracts can develop at any age. They may result from injury, medications like steroids, genetics, or other medical conditions such as diabetes. Some patients even develop congenital cataracts at birth. At Pacific Vision Institute, we treat cataracts across a range of age groups, not just those over 60.
Myth 2: Cataracts Grow Over The Eye
A common misconception is that a cataract is a film or layer growing over the surface of the eye. In truth, a cataract forms inside the eye on the natural lens, causing it to become cloudy or opaque. This interferes with light passing through the lens, resulting in blurry, dimmed, or distorted vision. Cataract surgery addresses this by replacing the clouded lens with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Myth 3: Cataract Surgery Is Risky And Painful
Modern cataract surgery is among the safest and most effective procedures performed today. At Pacific Vision Institute, we use advanced diagnostic testing and surgical techniques to ensure superior precision and outcomes.
Patients are often surprised to learn that the procedure:
- Takes less than 30 minutes to perform
- Is done under local anesthetic with relaxing medication
- Involves minimal discomfort
- Allows most patients to resume normal activities within a day
These advancements have made cataract surgery one of the most reliable and routine eye procedures available today.
Myth 4: You Should Wait Until Your Cataract Is “Ripe”
Waiting for cataracts to “mature” is outdated advice. Early treatment can prevent accidents and improve your quality of life. At Pacific Vision Institute, we offer advanced premium IOLs—like Crystalens, Tecnis multifocal, and ReSTOR—that treat cataracts and correct other vision issues simultaneously.
With early treatment, you can gain:
- Improved visual clarity and color perception
- Reduced risk of falls and injury
- Enhanced depth perception and night vision
- The possibility of eliminating the need for glasses or contacts
- A faster return to favorite activities like reading, driving, and traveling
Myth 5: Cataract Surgery Results Are Always The Same
Cataract surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Outcomes vary significantly based on the surgeon’s expertise and available technology. At Pacific Vision Institute, our San Francisco team uses advanced diagnostics and a wide range of advanced IOLs to customize each procedure, often delivering crystal-clear results without the need for glasses.
Myth 6: Natural Remedies Can Reverse Cataracts
No natural remedy, eye drop, or supplement has been scientifically proven to reverse cataracts. While healthy lifestyle choices like wearing UV-protective sunglasses, eating antioxidant-rich foods, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk, surgery remains the only effective treatment once cataracts have formed. Fortunately, it’s a fast, safe, and life-enhancing procedure.
Trust Your Eyes to the Experts in San Francisco
At Pacific Vision Institute, our passion for perfection, leadership in innovation, and track record of exceptional outcomes make us a trusted choice for cataract surgery. Whether you need standard treatment or wish to explore premium vision correction options like RLE or EVO ICL, our expert team will guide you through a customized experience built around your needs.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward clearer vision with San Francisco’s premier cataract specialists.