Breaking down common myths about cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss, affecting 94 million people worldwide (WHO, 2026). Many people have heard of cataracts – perhaps you have been told you have with cataracts yourself or know someone who has – yet many misconceptions still exist. Below, five of the most common myths about cataracts have been broken down.

Myth: Cataracts are growths on the surface of the eye

It is commonly believed that a cataract is a film or growth that develops on the surface of the eye. In fact, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside the eye (Macular Disease Foundation Australia, N.D.). Cataracts can occur in one or both of your eyes (Healthdirect, 2024) and can affect each eye differently or cause different progression of vision loss in each eye as they don’t always develop simultaneously (Raleigh Eye Center, 2026).

Myth: Cataracts only affect older people

Age is a major risk factor for developing cataracts; however, cataracts can occur at any age (Vision Eye Institute, N.D.). Cataracts can also be associated with eye trauma, prolonged use of certain medications, UV exposure, or previous inflammation and infection in the eye; and can sometimes be congenital (Vision Eye Institute, N.D.).

Myth: The only symptom of cataracts is blurry vision

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision is often the symptom people associate most with cataracts; however, it is not the only symptom somebody with cataract may experience.

Other symptoms of cataracts include:

• Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.
• Trouble seeing in sunlight or bright lights.
• Trouble seeing at night.
• Halos or starbursts around lights at night.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
• Fading or yellowing of colors.
• Double vision in one eye.

(Mayo Clinic, 2026)

Myth: If I have been diagnosed with cataracts I need surgery right away

While cataracts will not get better on their own and surgery on your affected eye is considered the most effective treatment (Healthdirect, 2024), this does not mean surgery is required right away. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t significantly disturb eyesight early on (Mayo Clinic, 2026) so glasses or contacts may clear your vision for some time. Your eye care professional may suggest considering cataract surgery when your ability to perform daily activities, such as reading or driving, becomes affected (Mayo Clinic, 2026). It is always best to consult your eye care professional to discuss treating your cataracts with surgery.

Myth: I am too old for cataract surgery

There is no age limitation for cataract surgery (Vision Eye Institute, 2017). Instead, your eye care professional will consider factors such as your overall health and the impact of cataracts on your everyday life to determine if surgery is a viable option for you (Vision Eye Institute, 2017). If you have underlying or cooccurring eye conditions, surgery is still possible, but this may have implications for how the surgery is performed and what results can be expected (Vision Eye Institute, 2017). Your eye care professional will be able to discuss the best treatment options for you.

Myth: Cataract surgery is dangerous and painful

Cataract removal surgery is one of the most common and successful surgeries in Australia (Healthdirect, 2024), with about 250,000 cataract surgeries being performed in Australia each year (Vision Hospital Group, 2024). Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than 30 minutes with local anesthetic and light sedation (Healthdirect, 2024). Following the surgery, you may experience some discomfort, but some people see vision improvement in just a few hours, and cataracts cannot come back in your treated eye (Healthdirect, 2024). Read our ‘what to expect with cataract surgery’ article to learn more.

For More Information

Always speak to your GP or eye care professional.