Not only does cataract surgery (replacing clouded natural lenses with clear artificial ones) enable people to see more clearly, there is also evidence of an added benefit. New research shows that people who undergo cataract surgery have a 16% reduced risk of hip fracture during the year after the procedure. In cases of individuals with severe cataracts, the benefit was even greater—a 23% reduction in hip fracture risk. This comes as particularly good news to the elderly, since more than half of all Americans over 80 will have cataracts. This age group is also the one most susceptible to falls leading to fractures and the dire consequences that may ensue. Cataract surgery potentially provides them with a double advantage.
P.S. Vision impairment is known to be a primary causative factor for falls that lead to bone fractures among the elderly.
