If you are considering cataract surgery, you are likely aware of the positive effects the surgical procedure can have on your everyday life. By restoring clear vision and sharp focus, cataract surgery can make everyday activities like reading text messages easier, computer work more comfortable and driving safer. Now a recent study has found that cataract surgery may improve mental function.
Mark Mandel, MD, a renowned cataract surgeon, discusses the findings of the study in this blog post.
About the Study
Researchers compared the rates of cognitive decline in patients before and after having cataract surgery. They found that the rate of cognitive decline slowed down by 50 percent after cataract surgery over the course of 13 years of follow-up testing. The rate of cognitive decline among patients after cataract surgery was similar to the rate of decline among individuals without cataracts.
While scientists are still not certain why or how vision problems like cataracts affect cognitive decline, researchers theorize that factors such as isolation, embarrassment and lack of physical activity as a result of vision problems may contribute to the problem.
The data for the study comes from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Researchers looked at 2,068 cataract patients and 3,636 adults without cataracts. They tested participants’ memory by asking them to recall 10 words immediately after the words were read aloud to them and then again after participants had been distracted by other tasks.
This study joins a growing body of research that has analyzed the advantages of cataract surgery beyond improving sight. For instance, one previous study has found that older adults who have had cataract surgery have a lower risk of falling and hip fractures.
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens of the eye that has become clouded with a cataract over time. Once the lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is positioned into place to restore clear vision. Today’s premium IOLs can fix vision at various distances and treat other eye conditions, including astigmatism and the need for reading glasses (presbyopia). Cataract surgery is a very common and safe procedure. Recovery is minimal and most patients notice an improvement in their vision very soon after surgery.
To learn more about cataract surgery, please schedule a personal appointment at one of Dr. Mandel’s four office locations. Contact Optima Eye by emailing us or calling 877-210-2020 ext. 3 today.
