Researchers at Alcon surveyed over 1,300 adults aged 60 and older to study the effects of cataract and cataract removal surgery. All survey participants had been treated for cataracts. Seventy-five percent of the respondents stated that they felt significantly happier after having their cataracts removed. Furthermore, they gained a newfound appreciation for life. These are not surprising findings to us. We see the beneficial aftermath of cataract removal surgery all the time. However, more came to light during this survey that needs to be discussed.
The authors of the study also stated that half of the respondents had said that they didn’t realize how much their cataracts had impaired their quality of life until they had them removed. Respondents stated that, once their vision was clear, they also had a clearer vision of how their cataracts had diminished their emotional well-being. One of the effects of cataract surgery was a wish that they had acted sooner to remove their clouded lenses.
The final finding is significant because may people put off having cataract surgery until they feel they absolutely have no other choice. At what point do you decide it’s time to remove cataracts? Is it when you start to avoid social situations? When you cannot drive yourself to the store anymore, or when you start to long for the books you used to easily read? There is no reason to put off cataract surgery, but there are many reasons to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist now.
We are proud to serve the Winchester, VA area with friendly, professional care. Call 540-722-6200 to schedule your cataract removal consultation.
