Cataract surgery has proven to be an effective way to restore clear vision in patients who have developed cataracts as part of the aging process. However, this procedure may also provide you with other benefits beyond the ability to see clearly again. A new study poses a potential relationship between patients who receive cataract surgery and those affected by dementia.
The study conducted included a surgery group and a control group. Within the surgery group, there were 20 patients, all of whom had dementia and received cataract surgery. The control group consisted of eight patients who had dementia but did not get the corrective vision procedure. Researchers monitored the patients for six months after cataract surgery. They concluded that the patients in the surgery group had significant improvements associated with their dementia, including:
- Vision
- Quality of life
- Slower decline in mental faculties
- Greater improvements in behavior
The patients in the surgical group showed better results in both vision and in their dementia symptoms when compared to the control group. However, researchers also concluded that a larger study needs to be conducted in order to fully connect the relationship between vision restoration surgeries and disease processes such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cataracts are quite common in adults over the age of 50. They naturally occur during the aging process as the lens in the eye becomes cloudy. Although Dr. Christopher Walton is not qualified to treat dementia, he and his experienced team can help restore your eyesight by treating your cataracts.
Dr. Walton can deliver the vision you need in order to live a full and happy life. However, to determine if cataract surgery is right for you, he and our knowledgeable team will meet with you in person to discuss your eye care goals and needs.
If you are in the Mobile area and would like to discuss your cataract surgery options, give our office a call at 251-341-3385 to schedule your initial consultation.