A recent study from England has found that people who have had cataract surgery have better mental function in later life. The report joins a growing body of research that suggests that taking care of vision has benefits for older adults beyond just improving sight.
Researchers compared the rates of cognitive (thinking) decline before and after patients had cataract surgery. The researchers found the rate of cognitive decline was slowed by 50 percent following cataract surgery over 13 years of follow-up. The rate of decline among people who had cataract surgery was slower after the surgery compared with beforehand and became similar to the decline among those with no cataracts.
“Cataract surgery is very commonly performed in the CNMI, and there are thousands of patients who have received this excellent surgery at Marianas Eye Institute,” said Russ Quinn, CEO of the Saipan eye clinic.
The researchers note that scientists still don’t know why vision problems affect cognitive decline. But they think that the isolation, embarrassment and lack of physical activity from vision problems may contribute to the problem.
“There is little doubt that cataract surgery is very likely to improve a person’s vision, which can allow people to stay active and independent,” said Thomas Steinemann, MD, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western University and an ophthalmologist at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Dr. Steinemann wasn’t involved in the English study. “If you can’t do things for yourself because you can’t see well, it’s easy to fall into a depression and withdraw from activities. This could affect a person’s cognitive abilities.”
Marianas Eye Institute uses advanced surgical techniques for the removal of cataracts. If your vision is blurry, it may be from cataracts, which can be treated. Make an appointment today, or just walk in.
(Adapted from the American Academy of Ophthalmology)