Posted by: Carolinas Center for Sight in Cataract Surgery
Like with most surgeries, the intent of cataract surgery is to remove a part of your body that’s no longer functioning as it should. The natural lens is a part of your eye that helps you to see clearly at all distances. As we age, our natural lens becomes hardened and opaque, making it difficult to see well enough to manage day-to-day tasks.
During cataract surgery, a patient’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial version called an intraocular lens implant. Developments in intraocular lenses have grown dramatically over the years, offering patients essentially a new lease on life after routine cataract surgery.
Aside from better vision, how can cataract surgery benefit you? The ways in which your life might change can be dramatically positive.
Improved Safety
When we think about going through life avoiding accidents and injuries, we often times don’t associate our need for clear vision with this aspect of safety. However, it certainly goes without saying that the better we can see, the safer we naturally will be. Nowhere is this truer than with patients who had difficulty driving before having cataract surgery. In some cases, this surgery offers them greater independence and more assurance of safety.
A 2012 study also noted that individuals aged 65 and older who had their cloudy cataracts replaced with intraocular lenses experienced a 16% reduction in the chance of fracturing their hip from a fall. Those who had severe cataracts removed saw a 23% increase in safety overall.
A Better Life
Just the thought of not having to wear glasses anymore is enough of a reason for some people to undergo cataract surgery, as today’s intraocular lenses can restore one’s vision to a near perfect level far easier than in years past. Beyond this new ability to see well and not worry about remembering to bring your eyewear with you outside of the home, one’s overall quality of life can be vastly improved.
Data from a 2013 study illustrated a strong correlation between happiness and cataract surgery patients, with 36% of individuals noting they felt they had more freedom and were less socially withdrawn. Imagine being able to enjoy your most loved hobbies again as well as being able to see better both during the day and night time.
Confidence Galore
Whether you’re struggling at work due to decreased vision or simply feel self-conscious about your inability to see as clearly as others, undergoing cataract surgery can have real life-changing effects. Not only will you be able to perform any task knowing that you can see well, but it may even inspire you to take on new activities or adventures.
If your vision seems cloudy or hazy, it might be time to discuss cataract surgery with your ophthalmologist. People of all ages can benefit from this relatively easy procedure, and it’s now more successful and more cost-effective than ever before.
Imagine regaining your ability to drive, walk through life knowing that you’re safer, and even increasing your level of happiness? Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse – explore the benefits of cataract surgery today.
