Columnists

Have Cataract Surgery, Live Longer

Issue 31.15

New study finds that those who have cataract surgery to correct visual impairment live longer than those who do not have the surgery. Previous studies have shown that older persons with cataract-related visual impairment likely have a greater mortality risk than their peers who have normal vision – and that cataract surgery might reduce that risk.

New research from Australia has confirmed this in a study that compared people over the age of 49 years who have cataract-related vision loss and have cataract surgery to correct this, and those similarly-aged who have the same type of vision loss, but did not have the surgery. The study found that there is a 40 percent lower long-term mortality risk in those who had the surgery.

The research was drawn from data gathered in the Blue Mountains Eye Study, which examined vision and common eye diseases in an older Australian population. Adjustments were made for age and gender as well as a number of mortality risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, heart disease and body mass index.

The association between correction of cataract-related vision problems and reduced mortality risk is not clearly understood. Possible factors may include improvements in physical and emotional well-being, optimism and greater confidence associated with independent living after vision improvement.

Cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye and is a leading cause of treatable vision problems that will affect more than half of all Americans by the time they are 80 years old. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This procedure should be considered and discussed with an ophthalmologist if completing everyday tasks is difficult.

If you have not had an eye exam within the last year or want to discuss how cataracts might be impacting your current vision, please contact your eye care professional or call Richens Eye Center for an appointment at 435-216-1226. This article reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart® program (www.geteyesmart.org) in coordination with Richens Eye Center.

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