Quality of Life Improved with Cataract Surgery

Cataract Surgery Chester, NJTo have cataracts removed means to see the world more clearly. The objective of surgery seems cut-and-dry, and it is in one way. But because cataract removal surgery replaces a clouded lens with one that is functional and clear, there is quite a bit more to this procedure than one may initially imagine. Ultimately, cataract removal can mean a whole new life experience. When we observe the various benefits to be gained from this procedure, we may question why anyone would wait to have unhealthy lenses replaced.

Cataract surgery can:

  • Reduce the risk of falls and fractures. A fall to a child or young adult may mean some scrapes and bruises. To the older adult, a fall could mean fracture, and this is something that should be avoided as much as possible. The correlation between diminished vision and falls has been made in numerous research studies. One, published in 2013, found a 23% reduction in hip-fracture risks after cataract removal for severely affected individuals. Even removing subtle cataracts resulted in a 16% decrease in fracture risk.
  • Improve the quality of life. Cataracts progressively inhibit clear vision as protein clumps expand over the lens of one or both eyes. Eventually, people with cataracts find that they give up some of their hobbies or even valued work. One study found that patients who had cataracts removed reported a significant improvement in the quality of life following surgery.
  • Extend life expectancy. The average life expectancy has increased across the board in recent years. According to one long-term study, cataract removal is estimated to decrease the risk of mortality as much as 40%.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts develop on the lens of the eye when proteins accumulate on this surface. Having a cataract in one eye does not necessarily mean that the condition will “spread” to the other. Over time, as clumps of protein increase and expand over the lens, vision becomes progressively more clouded. This is because the light is unable to pass through the lens as it should.

Protecting Long-Term Vision

Your eye doctor can help you preserve long-term vision by conducting comprehensive eye exams on an annual basis. In addition to observing the structures of the eye, an eye exam monitors general eye health over time, which can lead to a faster diagnosis of potentially harmful changes.

Schedule your eye exam at Silverstein Eye in Chester, NJ at 908-879-7297.

Posted in: Cataract Surgery

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