A cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and vision is impaired. Cataracts are often a result of aging and may start in your forties and fifties. They usually begin to affect your vision over the age of 60. In the beginning, cataracts can develop so slowly that vision changes may be very subtle.
However, as cataracts continue to progress, over time they will cause permanent vision loss. At some point, cataract surgery will become your best option for treatment.
Perhaps you have already begun to consider cataract surgery as your next step. Anytime you are thinking about having surgery it can feel scary but fortunately, cataract surgery is incredibly safe and effective. It has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. Here are four of the biggest benefits of modern cataract surgery:
- Improved vision
Obviously, the biggest benefit to having cataract surgery is the immediate improvement to your vision. Over 90 percent of patients see an improvement in their vision after having cataract surgery. And not only will your daytime vision be clearer, but your nighttime vision should improve as well. Most of the other amazing benefits that cataract surgery can give you are based off having improved vision.
- More independence
When your vision is affected, you have to rely on others to help you do things you can’t do for yourself. That loss of independence can be hard for many people. One of the biggest benefits of cataract surgery is that you can regain some of that independence again. With this newly acquired independence, you will be able to enjoy activities you used to participate in but, had to stop due to the loss of your vision. Our next benefit of modern cataract surgery will surely help with this increase in activity.
- Increased safety
When your vision is impacted, your risk of falling and injuring yourself rises greatly. This study on Medicare patients examined patients with severe cataracts that had cataract surgery. They found that a year after having the surgery, the patient’s’ risk for hip fracture went down by 23 percent. Knowing that your risk of injury is lower and having the independence to live your life on your terms is sure to boost our next benefit of modern cataract surgery,
- Increased self-confidence
When someone develops cataracts, over time they will stop doing certain activities because it becomes too difficult. Things that used to be enjoyable become cumbersome, because it is too hard to see. Some studies have shown that people who develop cataracts have a higher chance of having depression, due to the inability of participating in group activities or perform tasks that use to come as second nature. After cataract surgery, many patients find they can begin engaging in hobbies and activities they had to give up due to their cataracts. This will not only increase your quality of life but it can give you more self-confidence and increase your mental well-being.
Are you currently living with cataracts and curious to learn more about the benefits of cataract surgery? We would love to talk to you about cataract surgery and answer all your questions. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
