Cataract Myths: True Or False? | Eye Surgeon Debunks Common Misconceptions About Cataracts & Surgery

[@MicheleLeeMD]

We will be continuing with our cataract series with a video on our favorite cataract surgery advances (lenses, lasers, equipment) next week! Also, I will be filming a cataract Q&A and would love to answer your questions about cataracts and cataract surgery so please leave a comment down below with your questions and I'll do my best to address them ❤

[@carolyngallimoretocunit]

THANK YOU SO KINDLY 💞❣️♥️

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@carolyngallimoretocunit You are so welcome!

[@tsbrownie]

My surgeon asked me if I wanted tinted lenses (yellowish) that some say give sharper vision. I did not know colors were an option. I went with clear lenses, because it seems that tinted sunglasses would do the same thing. Is that correct thinking? Are there other colors and for what reasons are they offered? I found old articles on JAMA and such, but things change very fast with IOLs. Maybe worth a video? Thanks in advance.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@tsbrownie That's a great question! I'll address this in the Q&A I'm filming this weekend.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@tsbrownie Thanks for your question! I included it in the video I made this week: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWxaJt5lp5jac0 Hope it helps!

[@vasantsande8644]

Having done surgery on both of my eyes, surgery is not painful at all. Most of all you can see and read better. Prior to my surgery, I tried all kinds of remedies in vain. Decades earlier my first doctor warned me about growth of cataract but it was my total fault that I neglected and didn't see doctors for years. Aging old and now 75, stupid feeling that I had not having perfect vision is a norm of life and I was wrong. Cataract surgery gave me new vision and my life. God bless eye doctors.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience! So glad to hear you eventually got the surgery and have great results 💪

[@tsbrownie]

Another straightforward and informative video. Thank you. From a patient's perspective, I can say I felt no pain, in fact I felt nothing at all during both surgeries. The only discomfort was the boredom of laying still through prep and surgery. The bright light during the first surgery was a bit concerning as one is taught not to stare into bright lights, but of course there was no problem from that. Finally I am glad to hear a doctor debunk the "exchanges are low risk" thing. I am relatively healthy, and my current surgeon placed MY risk of serious complications at greater than 10%, and he specializes in exchanges.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤

[@stevenleecantrell]

Audrey Tai, MD Parallels exactly what you state in your videos. It's very comforting to know. I am sixty nine years young, I have beginning stages of cataracts, I've had lasic surgery, And stigmatism in the left eye.

[@otiebrown9999]

Hi Dr. Lee, Cataract surgery got me out of -8 Diopters of myopia. I am impressed!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing

[@Grandma-Abuela]

Thank you Dr Lee, I learned a lot watching your videos. I had my right eye done a couple days ago and on June 1st my left eye will be done. I asked my eye surgeon the right questions and my expectations were right on target thanks to your videos. 😊

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for sharing! Best of luck on your second eye surgery ❤️

[@kamakshiraman3286]

Your presentations are excellent! 🎉

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Wow, thank you!

[@siliveliosakalia6397]

Your video shows was very pleased and helpful indeed. Thank you doctor and GB

[@MicheleLeeMD]

You are so welcome!

[@dgricus]

Thank you 😊

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your support ❤

[@christinacruden886]

I have macular in both eyes. I had cataract surgery on one eye. Ever since it was done, when I look at tv, I don’t see full picture. When I’m in the dark, I cover my good eye, look through other eye and see spa large grey blob. Had surgery just under 2 years. I’m afraid to have other eye done. Could see better before surgery. Thank you DR for listening. I’m 84 yrs old..

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I'm so sorry to hear about progression of your macular degeneration.. Unfortunately surgery can sometimes accelerate the disease process. I highly recommend you discuss your risk profile with your eye doctor/surgeon prior to proceeding with the other eye to make sure it makes sense to do so - it is all about weighing risks and benefits. Best of luck!

[@christinacruden886]

@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you so much DR, for answering me. I think I’ll change my mind & not have the other eye done. But I’ll talk to my surgeon first. I’ll be seeing her in February. I do appreciate your information. Bless you, your wonderful. ❤️🇨🇦

[@jarichards99utube]

Hey Dr Lee, An Excellent Informative video. Thank You... 😊👍 A Question - Although no diet can "cure" cataracts once formed, is it not also true that some diets should be avoided because they help Promote the Formation of cataracts. For example, high sugar intake causing Glycation of the lens within the eye...??? Thanks Again.. -Stay Well -70SomethingGuy

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your question! I'll try to answer it in more detail in the Q&A but high blood sugar (which can come from high sugar intake) can certainly cause lens swelling and worsen cataracts. I hope that helps :)

[@jarichards99utube]

@@MicheleLeeMD Yes very helpful. Thank You for the feedback -cheers

[@patrickostrom2762]

How long new lens last? Must do both eyes? Is there sensitivity to street, highway lites at nite? If wearing contacts or regular glasses will need to update prescription?my doctor tells me I'm in start mode of cataract's surgery should be soon!how long is soon, year or two or now? I'm having dry eye issue and will surgery cause more problems,or worsen dry eyes! After so many Days after Lens replacement having issues, ASAP to surgeon-time period ETA? And Thank You for being here! For my 👀 only, lolol! But seriously! Hope my question help!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your questions! I will do my best to address them during my Q&A. Short answers are that the lens shoudl last a lifetime, and you should weigh the pros and cons with your eye doctor and hold off until the pros outweigh the cons. Most people will be followed by the eye doctor regularly after cataract surgery to make sure there are no issues. Stay tuned for the Q&A in a few weeks!

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

At 71 I had cataract surgery. The first was great, no pain at all. The second one left was extremely painful during the surgery. So much so that I was given 3 times the amount of pain meds. So everyone is different. I understand that this not the norm.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience ❤ Yes, each eye and each person can have a completely different experience!

[@barbnbirds]

I will have to have cataract surgery after a while and Iam extremely anxious about it to point where I have to go on meds because of it.I have floaters, pvd .I had flashers for a day when I first got my floaters but they stopped on their own.I followed up right away with a retina specialist for years and go twice a year.I’ve had dry eye and go to an optometrist for it, but cannot take Restasis becsuse I get migraines from it.Everybody I know that had cataracts had breezed through it but Iam very sick and anxious over it.

[@mercedesescoto628]

Thank you for answering some of my questions with your video.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your feedback and for watching ❤️

[@Alipotamus]

Cataracts removed both eyes four days ago. Surgery, little pain. Next day pain is tough and now I am frightened with the level of pain. Would rather die than spend endless hours in our emergency room. (Kaiser, No. Calif). I am following post op exactly. Frightened

[@harveyh3696]

Forwarded this to my sister. She's planning on surgery next year.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for sharing - wishing her luck on a successful surgery!

[@rachelweinstein9008]

Thank you, Dr for your continued service to us. Easy to understand and on point. You are a gem!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I really appreciate your kind words ❤

[@Fireneedsair]

Hi Michele! Thx for the videos. I’m only 60 but realize never wearing sunglasses while living in a sunny, high altitude city (Reno) for 20 years is probably the reason I have the start of cataracts. My ophthalmologists I have visited over the last year say they are not bad but the glare of headlights at night has really reduced by confidence level with driving. I wish I had known this would happen. Can you give me any info on light adjusting lenses?I have been reading about them recently. I’m trying to hold off as long as I can on surgery hoping advances in science will roll out something amazing (like a true accommodating lens) anyway, thx for your content.dan

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. Light-adjustable lens can be a fantastic option for some who would really benefit from the flexibililty it can offer... but it's not for everyone since the recovery and the process after your lens is in place can be quite cumbersome for a few weeks, like wearing sunglasses at all times so you don't accidentally change the power of the lens, coming in several times for adjustments, etc. I'm actually releasing a video next Saturday where we go in depth about light-adjustable lenses (LAL) so stay tuned for that video :)

[@Fireneedsair]

@@MicheleLeeMD excellent! I look forward to it.

[@johnr8309]

Which type of IOL do your patients seem most satisfied (mono focal, multi focal, maybe having maybe having on eye set for distance and the other for close vision, etc.)?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Honestly the patients who are happiest are the ones who are monofocal distance (with toric correction if needed). From the patients I've seen (my surgery patients as well as ones I've seen from other surgeons), the most miserable are the ones who 1) got monovision (one eye distance, one eye near) but cannot tolerate it 2) multifocal patients who were either not appropriately warned about nighttime glare or did not expect it to bother them as much as it did, and 3) patients with terrible dry eye after cataract surgery. Everyone is different, and I've had many monovision and multifocal patients who are completely over the moon, and a few patients with standard lenses, 20/20 vision in both eyes, and a normal amount of dryness who are miserable.

[@johnr8309]

@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you very much. I have significant astigmatism, so maybe the monofocal distance with toric correction would be a good fit. I neve minded wearing glass for reading. I also have some corneal deterioration (Fuch's) so I realize this would be a factor. Anyway, my optometrist is great so next visit I'll be asking him the same questions.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@johnr8309 With Fuchs dystrophy, I definitely do not advise a multifocal and agree with your choice. I hope things go well for you!

[@devinwaggoner702]

Are both eyes always done at the same time? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to doing them separately and being able to see out of one eye!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

This is a great question! I'll address this in more detail in the upoming Cataract Q&A. The short answer is that most surgeons still do one eye at a time to mitigate risk and also allow you to have one eye to see out of while healing. This may change over time, and some hospitals and practices have already started adopting bilateral cataract surgery.

[@im1sinfulman]

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO,

[@deborahfreeze672]

I love the clarity of the information you disseminate. PLEASE stop saying 'dirty' lens, though, I wince every time I hear it. Maybe something about protein deposits over time resulting in increased cloudiness of the lens would work. Just a thought...

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I appreciate your feedback! Thanks for the suggestions - you are absolutely right that "dirty" isn't the best word. (Just a warning that the next couple videos that will be coming out, which were already filmed, may have the d-word...)

[@wenbray6396]

Are any of the vitamin supplements like occuvite help with eye issues, or are they not really worth the money?

[@jayc3110]

That was an excellent summary, and very cogent. Thank you and best wishes.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your feedback ♥

[@ahummerich2751]

Do you have any videos regarding introcular bleeds and strokes? I had a small stroke and then several bleeds that were treated with injections and laser.I’m diabetic and I had fast growing cataracts in both eyes forty years ago.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I'm so sorry to hear about your eye strokes and bleeds ❤ I haven't made videos specifically for eye bleeds or strokes but I'd be happy to make one in the future for you!

[@severinob2833]

Thank you Dr Lee!

[@bethkoch11]

Great video - I wish I had seen something like this before I had my surgery 2 years ago, just to answer more questions. My laser surgery was very successful, no pain at all, and I can see extremely well after 60+ years of nearsightedness and astigmatism. I recently had the YAG laser corrective surgery which also was pain-free and successful.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@curiouscynic4357]

I think we have also got to know that having cataract dies NOT mean you need surgery. You should consider surgery when you feel it is affecting your vision to an extent that it makes it worth the small but definite risk. The tendency for surgeons to advice surgery can be driven by financial interests and NOT completely clinical reasons.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Yes, the decision to proceed with cataract surgery is about weighing pros and cons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@frostar701]

What would loss of variable focus mean after surgery? And how would I perceive this? No video I have seen has addressed this.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Great question. With a standard or monofocal lens that is replaced after cataract surgery, the lens is the same power throughout so you can usually just focus at one focal point (such as distance, but not reading). I'm not sure if this answers your question completely so let me know how I can clarify!

[@adriein8362]

Hello, I would like to know why some doctors doesn't recommend multifocal lenses of the patient has an epiretinal membrane (without macular hole or any other view problem. Congratulations for your excellent videos!

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for your question! Even though an ERM may not affect your vision now, it may progress to a macular hole or distort the vision in the future - and any future surgery will be more difficult if you have a multifocal lens (the retina surgeon will have to operate under conditions like extreme glare, and you don't want that when the surgeon is peeling off microns of tissue off the retina). Also, the multifocal lens works best in an eye without no current or impending disease. Hope that answers your question!

[@adriein8362]

@@MicheleLeeMD thank you very much for your explanation!

[@joy6097]

Very good and informative video Doctor gave me choice between Tecnis 1, or Tecnis Eyhance, acrysof single piece or multiple piece or Bosh Lomb monofocal lens. Please let me know are all lens have bluish tint after surgery or any one give normal white tint? Which lens give less bluish tint between above? Why blue tint after catract operation? Any monofocal lens have normal white tint ? Please answer. I have emergency surgery.

[@simonmason297]

I am due to go for my 1st consultation for cataracts. However I am unable to do eye pressure tests of any sort. It sets of my general anxiety disorder which makes me ill for months. Will this stop me having eye surgery in the near future?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety about things near your eyes. This phobia may certainly make eye surgery difficult for you as you will not only have to go through a thorough exam and imaging, but also the surgery itself is usually done under conscious sedation and you will most likely need to put in eye drops after surgery. Do you have a phobia of anything around the eyes or is it just eye pressure? If it's a general eye phobia, try getting used to putting eye drops in your eye - put in some preservative-free artificial tears, have other family members do it for you, and practice doing that to see if you get more comfortable eventually. I hope it works out!

[@ksanderscroom]

Hello Dr. Lee. Your videos are very resourceful and easy to understand. I have a question. I was told today that I have cataracts. The one in my right eye iis 1.5 and is not a real issue right now. However, my left eye it is 1.6 but it is affecting my eyesight. So, I have been referred back to the eye surgeon that did my laser surgery to put a small hole in my eyes to release build up of fluid. I am a diabetic but my numbers are in check (A1C 5.9). What can i expect?

[@redstone51]

Dr. Lee I have what they called advanced cataract in my right eye and partial cataract in my left eye. I have been okayed for surgery in 2 weeks on my right eye after having been cleared by a doctor using ultrasound to see past the bad lens. They also said it may take more than 1 surgery to clear it. Do I go home and wait for a repeat with nothing in my eye and how long will it take to do another attempt???😮🙏

[@cindywine4660]

I had cataract surgery about 5 weeks ago and sometimes my vision is so clear and bright that it’s startling. Both eyes were done 2 days apart. Mostly though they are bloodshot and itchy and my vision is blurred. Alaway PF helps some and I use a lot of preservatives free artificial tears but they make my vision worse. The ophthalmologist who did my surgery won’t see me without a referral from optometrist. My optometrist wants to sell me IPL treatment for dry eye which I declined. I’m starting to wonder if I have an infection. Is 5 weeks too long to still have blurred vision?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's hard to say what might be going on without examining your eyes but your eye should be mostly healed up by now. If you have blurry vision, you should ask your eye doctor if there is anything else going on - like scar tissue growing behind your lens or dry eye which can get worse after surgery, or whether you would benefit from refractive correction. I hope things get better for you!

[@sonjah1913]

I am a high myopic approx -14. Both of my vitreouses have detached. Unfortunately one eye had a torn retina during the process. I had an in office cryo procedure - ouch. I now need cataract surgery. Fortunately my worstveye did not hsve the retina tear. I am really nervous about having cataract surgery in the eye with the previously torn retina. I understand laser surgery will require an additional 1800 per eye. This will be hsrd on my limited retirement income but bbn if it would reduce vf risk of retinal complication i would find a way. I am having my pre op in a few weeks but would love to have an additional opinion on such an important issue. You, l I ke oyher doctors here on YT have stated both surgeries have similar results. I am not expecting perfect vision, i have no problem continuing to wear non coke bottle glasses, my concern is totally about serious retinal complications. Thank you for all of your great information.

[@delenechang316]

Dr Lee, I have been wearing contact lenses for years. Now I'm ready to have cataract surgery. My dr. Stop me from wearing the contact lenses for two weeks I'm now using my glasses and both eyes are constantly tearing terrible is there anything u can help me with.

[@saifuksuro4590]

Hallo Dokter Michelle Lee, Mata saya ada katarak dan akan dioperasi. Tetapi saat akan dioperasi mata dicek, ternyata ada glukoma. Langkah2 yang benar bagaimana kalau mau operasi katarak tetapi ada glukoma? Tolong dibantu sarannya, terima kasih.

[@saifuksuro4590]

Dr. Michele, what your suggest?

[@jesusidarraga6881]

Hi please I want to know how much cost an cataracts surgery in USA ,here in U.K Great Britain cost 2000 pounds per eye ,but because got glaucoma in an eye I can't do surgery so just in one ,please waiting your answer

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for your question. It really depends on the practice, state, surgeon, and lenses. From practices i've worked at or heard, cash pay for most standard cataract surgeries will be at least a couple thousand dollars here in the US when you include all the fees, so similar to pricing in the UK. Hope that answers your question!

[@jb6712]

I had my right eye done on Sept. 16, and the only painful part of the entire process was when the IV needle was put into the back of my hand (Dr. required me to have general anesthesia due to my history of moving around during surgeries--I have to be fully knocked out). It probably wouldn't even be noticeable by anyone tougher than me, but IV's always hurt me when the needles are inserted. I'm a wuss, too, so if there had been eye pain after the surgery, I'd have known it, but there was none.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience with eye surgery!

[@sleepyking8963]

Same

[@tatt-back]

Can you have both eyes done at same time?

[@jeffseguin4872]

I have cataract surgery last march 2 2022 in my left eye now my right eye have cataract when is the best time i will be operated im 41 yrs old

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for sharing. The best time to operate on your eye is when you are either not seeing well or when you are struggling with your level of vision. I would talk to your eye surgeon about timing of your cataract surgery. Best of luck ❤

[@nelsunshine5491]

I am 45 had cataract surgery 2 weeks ago everything fine but still blurry for reading. Dr says the other eye too has little bit cataract in the centre. No one in my family youngsters do not have them. I still wonder how did I get know. I also wonder is that because of my long hours cooking. I mean with the heat. Can you clarify please. Thanks in advance Dr Michelle

[@bettybaumann5824]

I still have floaters,flashes in the morning,a black shadow,and very sensitive to light. I hope it all goes away. Maybe I should have stayed with glasses.

[@waleyefish9026]

Some Optamoligists don't use anesthesia. They give a sedative and your wide awake during surgery.🙄

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thanks for sharing, it depends on the surgeon. Most will at least use some sedation so you aren’t 100% awake.

[@perceptions-wq5ro]

Can cataract b reversed? accupressure ,diet:etc

[@jimmy.peralta]

I don't if I'm more scare now 😢

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Please don’t be scared! You will have an anesthesia provider who will take care of you and hopefully a good surgeon to guide you through the process. Best of luck ❤️

[@BlackSheeproadstar]

How can one know for sure if surgery is needed for medical reasons or if the clinic just want's the money?

[@MicheleLeeMD]

That is a great question. The best thing you can do is make a decision for yourself based on whether you are struggling with your quality of vision. I recently made a video re: timing of cataract surgery that may be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpuvfp6Xd7aiftk

[@DM-rv4wn]

Can a person go blind from cataracts

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Yes, if the cataract is dense enough you can go blind. Cataracts are the #1 cause of preventable bllindness in the world!

[@Ericgrulerbikesaz]

Your smart and cute

[@Jaso-m3z]

I would like to delay the progression of my cataract. Surgery.....many complications.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

It’s all about weighing pros and cons. If you have cataracts, you can always discuss your individual pros and cons with your surgeon. Best of luck!

[@carolyngallimoretocunit]

IS CATARACT SURGERY SAFE❓CAN IT CAUSE BLINDNESS❓THANK YOU, JAMAICA WEST INDIES

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Hi there, and thanks for your question. Cataract surgery is mostly safe with a very low chance of a complication. However, when something does happen it could be devastating and there are a few side effects like dry eye, visual disturbances, etc. Most people are very happy they do the surgery but there are definitely those who are bothered by side effects. My advice is to ask your eye doctor if cataract surgery is the right option for you. Best of luck ❤

[@carolyngallimoretocunit]

@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you so kindly for your response I appreciate it, I suffer from retina specialist and cataracts and bleeding at the back of the eyes

[@MicheleLeeMD]

@@carolyngallimoretocunit I'm so sorry to hear about your issues, especially your retina issues. If that is the case, definitely consult with your eye surgeon to make sure that surgery is the right option for you. I hope everything works out for you!

[@carolyngallimoretocunit]

@@MicheleLeeMD Thank you so kindly Doc I appreciate it 💞❣️♥️

[@deanna4056]

@@MicheleLeeMD thank for your videos. I also suffer from retinal edema and hemorrhaging - can you please discuss eyelea vs avestin as I had 2 shots in both eyes and my retina is delaying cataract surgery. I did read the internet blurbs and looking for info based on the experience understanding that there’s an individuality to each person.

[@nelsunshine5491]

But why are there drops for dogs and not human?

[@sandradoyle9522]

9

[@christineribone9351]

There you go again using that word "dirty". It's very unprofessional. Are you thinking people can't understand "a buildup of proteins"?

[@just1john]

Start now researching on your own saline diluted DMSO applications. Many independent on this, “seeing” as peer pressure also leads “science” in controlled environments. :/

[@LR-je7nn]

Fact: St Louis Cardinals great Honus Wagner died during cataract surgery.

[@mike423439]

I think is funny how you dismiss N-Acetyl-Carnosine as an effective treatment to slow the progress of cataracts. Surgery is the only treatment. How closed minded of you. Caster oil is another treatment that helps. Just because it isn't recognized by the sickness care industry just means you can't prescribe it and make money from it.

[@MicheleLeeMD]

Thank you for your feedback, and I appreciate your comment. While N-Acetyl-Carnosine has shown potential, it does not completely get rid of cataracts and most of the studies that show that this is a "cure" are case reports, anecdotal, or animal studies (or... sponsored or affiliated from the company that formulates the drop). Until we have a randomized controlled trial with proven statistically significant results that this drop prevents and/or clears cataracts and a formulation that has been shown to work, I cannot in good faith recommend eye drops as a cure for cataracts on my channel. Hopefully one day we will get there! Even as a cataract surgeon, I am not opposed to prescribing eye drops for cataracts once there is something that is safe, effective, FDA-approved (or at least on it's way), and works - whatever is best for the patient!

[@kamakshiraman3286]

Your presentations are excellent! 🎉