Sight is one of the most valuable gifts you have been given, so when cataracts threaten to take that gift away, the most logical response is to fight back with everything you’ve got. Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries out there with a success rate of over 98% and few complications. No wonder millions of people undergo cataract surgery every year!
Although rare complications may arise with cataract surgery, the benefits far outweigh the risks. This surgical procedure can not only restore your ability to see, but improve other areas of your life as well. Here are some examples of long-term benefits that go beyond vision improvement.
Fewer fractures due to falling
As you get older, falling becomes a major problem. A broken leg may not have slowed you down much in your youth, but now it could be the gateway to a variety of serious issues. One of the biggest contributing factors to a fall is compromised vision, but a simple cataract surgery can drastically decrease your fall risk. In fact, studies have shown that Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and over have seen as much as a 23% decrease in hip fractures one year after having cataract surgery. Less time in pain and confined to a bed or wheelchair equals more time living your life the way you want!
Regain your independence
Cataracts can do a number on your vision clarity, often leading to a loss of your driver’s license and having to depend on other people for almost everything. You may not be able to read the spice labels in the pantry, walk down to the farmer’s market, or make it to your next book club meeting. But cataract surgery can literally turn back the hands of time, allowing you to reclaim your license and regain your freedom.
Improvement in your overall quality of life
Life is hard enough without cataracts preventing you from doing the things you love. So, it’s not surprising to find out that older adults who have cataracts are at a greater risk for things like depression and obesity. Cataract surgery can give you a new lease on life. According to one study, cataract surgery improved quality of life by over 36%! Some contributing factors to this spike may be an increase in confidence and a renewed interest and participation in hobbies, work, and spending time with friends or family.
Increased chance for a longer life
Believe it or not, cataract surgery may actually help you live longer! While the exact reason for this is unclear, researches attribute the drop in mortality rates to an increase in quality of life. Emotional health and physical health often go hand in hand, so give yourself the chance to live a long and full life with this safe, relatively quick procedure.
The professional eye doctors at Spindel Eye Associates are happy to answer your questions and address your concerns, so give us a call today!
For more information on the benefits of cataract surgery, call 603-421-6489!