Doctor Affirms Cataracts Cannot Be Cured Solely with Eye Drops

Many people continue to hold misconceptions about cataract treatment. Dr Amir Shidik, an ophthalmologist specialising in cataract and refractive surgery, stresses that cataracts cannot be removed using eye drops alone. Eye drops available today can at best slow the progression of lens clouding, but cannot cure it outright. ‘There is no eye drop that effectively eliminates cataracts; at most it slows progression. Surgery is the only route,’ he said during a health discussion in Jakarta recently.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that typically develops with age. But he notes other risk factors can accelerate the condition. The good news is that cataracts can be completely corrected. In surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (IOL), restoring clear vision. The ophthalmologist, a graduate of Universitas Indonesia, also compared advances in medical technology. In the past, cataract surgery required a large incision up to 15 mm and many sutures; now techniques are far simpler. ‘Surgery now is quick—about 10-15 minutes. The anaesthesia is just eye drops, no stitches are needed, and the eye can be opened immediately,’ he explained.

In addition to medical obstacles, Amir highlights many myths that deter patients from seeking treatment. One of the most extreme myths is that the eyeball must be removed and cleaned during surgery; he stressed this is completely untrue. Other concerns often relate to worship practice, with patients worried they won’t be able to perform sujud or pray after the operation. In fact, with modern techniques, patients can carry on with activities and worship more comfortably as vision improves.

Finally, Amir emphasises the importance of cataract surgery for patients’ social life quality. Cataract patients often withdraw or appear vacant-eyed due to limited vision. ‘After the operation, facial expressions change; people smile more and interact more because they can see the world clearly again,’ he concluded.