{"id":431,"date":"2025-08-01T19:24:56","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T19:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificvision.org\/blog\/?p=431"},"modified":"2026-02-24T02:41:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T02:41:59","slug":"top-myths-about-cataracts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificvision.org\/blog\/top-myths-about-cataracts\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Myths About Cataracts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>, we often meet patients who have been misinformed about cataracts and their treatment. Led by world-renowned eye surgeons Dr. Ella Faktorovich<\/a> and Dr. Barry Seibel<\/a>, our San Francisco-based team believes that patient education is key to achieving the best outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore the most common cataract myths\u2014and the facts that can help you see more clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Myth 1: Cataracts Only Affect Older People<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Myth 2: Cataracts Grow Over The Eye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Myth 3: Cataract Surgery Is Risky And Painful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Modern cataract surgery<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients are often surprised to learn that the procedure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n