Cataracts impact tens of millions of people across the United States. More than 50% of people over age 80 either have a cataract or have had surgery to remove one.
Blurry vision, faded colors, halos around lights and difficulty seeing at night are all commonly known cataract symptoms. A lesser known, and often unexpected, side effect of cataracts for many seniors, however, is depression.
A study conducted by researchers from multiple universities and eye research centers, and recently published in the International Journal of Surgery, collated the results of dozens of earlier studies. These researchers found there is indeed a correlation between cataract surgery and improvements in anxiety and depression.
Ophthalmologists have long suspected the link, as vision loss is known to preclude patients from enjoying their favorite activities, rob them of their independence and lead to social isolation. As daily activities, such as reading, driving or watching TV, become more challenging, and visits with friends and family become limited, depression often follows.
Thankfully, for people with anxiety and depression resulting from vision impairment, researchers saw clear signs of improvement after cataract surgery. In fact, they found conclusive evidence that the mental health of older patients with cataracts has a high likelihood of improving when visual impairments are corrected.
The first step, of course, is diagnosing the cause of the vision problem. A comprehensive eye exam can identify cataract development and assess its progression. A subsequent consultation with a cataract specialist can help determine whether the time is right for the patient to have cataract surgery.
In early stages, a cataract’s impact on daily activities may not yet justify surgery. Eventually, however, as the cataract progresses and vision declines, surgery will be required, as surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts.
And while just the idea of eye surgery may be enough to cause some a bit of short-term anxiety, the procedure is actually one of the safest and most effective in the world. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) reports an overall success rate of 98% or higher for the more than three million cataract surgeries performed in the U.S. each year.
If you or someone you love may have cataracts, take the right steps now to protect both your physical and mental health. Schedule your cataract evaluation today by contacting North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care at 352-373-4300.