If you are looking for an improvement in your eyesight, there are many advantages to getting cataract surgery. Some of them include improved night vision, lower risk of falls, and an overall increase in quality of life.
Reduced Risk of Falls
In general, cataract surgery reduces the risk of falls in elderly patients. It also improves general health status. However, there have been several studies that are mixed in their resultsโthese range from observational to randomized controlled trials.
For example, an Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology study reported a statistically significant decrease in falls after cataract surgery. They compared the rates of falls among 400 people with cataracts. Using a sample size of 329 patients, they could detect a fall reduction of 78% or a rate of 1.08 falls per 1000 patient days. The hazard ratio was 0.95, and the best sphere equivalent was -0.22DS.
Another study reported a 20% reduction in the number of first-time falls in the group that had cataract surgery. This study examined a random sample of Medicare Part B beneficiaries with cataracts.
Researchers accounted for age, medical history, and the patient’s overall health. Participants were interviewed every three months. Three objective visual measures were collected, including visual acuity (acuity), the number of falls (in the case of the cataract), and the MMSE score. A “falls diary” was created to track the number of times patients fell.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conducted a randomized trial to assess the effect of cataract surgery on falls. Among 400 people with cataracts in both eyes, the study found that the rate of falls decreased by 78 percent.
Improved Night Vision
If you suffer from poor night vision, consider cataract surgery. The operation replaces your eye’s cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. This can improve your vision and help you see at night to drive safely.
Cataract surgery also improves color and clarity. For example, you’ll see fewer light streaks from street lights and more outlines of dark cars on dark backgrounds. Even though your vision has improved, you still need to be careful with how you drive at night.
While some people have problems with their vision after cataract surgery, most report an immediate improvement. Typically, this is a sign that the surgery was successful.
If you’re worried about the effects of your surgery on your night vision, you should discuss your options with your surgeon and learn more about some cataract surgery information. You can get a prescription for glasses that can sharpen your image during the day and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
Improved Quality of Life
Cataract surgery can help patients live better. It increases the chance of living longer and can slow the onset of cognitive decline.
Researchers in rural Vietnam studied the effect of cataract surgery on quality of life. The study was conducted in a population-based sample of elderly patients. Participants were assessed before surgery and at 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. They also completed researcher-administered questionnaires to collect demographic and ocular-related information.
Inferential statistics were used to compare visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and quality of life (QOL) scores before and after surgery. The differences were minor, but they were statistically significant.
Patients were recruited from the General Eye Service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. 102 cases were identified. Most participants were women. They ranged from 49 to 89 years of age. Some had pre-existing ocular conditions. These included age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Surgical procedures were performed through phacoemulsification.
Quality of life was assessed using a 36-item short form administered 3-12 months after surgery. Patients were also asked to complete researcher-administered questionnaires about their current medications and refractive lens status.
A generalized linear estimating equations model was conducted to determine the impact of cataract surgery on the VRQOL composite score. Participants were included in the study if they were at least 60 years old and had complete data on their health-related quality of life.
