It will boost lifespan.
A recent study highlights how cataract surgery not only enhances vision in older adults but may also significantly reduce the risk of serious falls and injuries linked to decreased vision. Research presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting in Chicago showed that patients who had cataract surgery were at lower risk of fractures and brain bleeds caused by falls than those with cataracts who did not undergo the surgery.
Lead researcher Caitlin Hackl from the University of Texas Medical Branch noted that the reduction in injury risk after surgery was unexpectedly high, particularly for various types of fractures common in older adults. The study analyzed data from over two million patients, comparing those who had cataract surgery within 10 years of diagnosis to those who did not, while also adjusting for medical factors such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and other conditions that could affect injury risk.
According to the findings, patients who had cataract surgery were 24% less likely to experience epidural hemorrhages (a type of brain bleed often caused by falls) and had a 12% lower risk of subdural hemorrhages compared to those who hadn’t undergone surgery. These types of brain bleeds can result from head injuries and are often more severe in older adults. Additionally, the research found that those who had cataract surgery experienced between a 5% and 11% reduction in bone fractures, such as fractures in the wrist, arm, or ankle.
The researchers believe these findings suggest that cataract surgery has broader health benefits beyond just improving vision. By reducing the likelihood of falls and related injuries, cataract surgery could contribute to lower healthcare costs and better overall quality of life for older adults. Hackl hopes the study encourages patients to consider cataract surgery and make informed healthcare choices.
As the findings were presented at a medical conference, they are still considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, but they underscore the potential of cataract surgery to reduce age-related injury risks significantly.
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