Cataract surgery WIPES OUT dementia? Not so fast…

Folks, you only have one set of eyes.

Which is exactly why staying on top of your eye health is the best way to identify age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts that may require procedures to correct them.

And now, if you can believe it, a massive mainstream study is dangling a carrot, claiming that getting cataract surgery can reduce your risk of DEMENTIA!

I’ll admit that on the surface it sounds like a pretty good reason to consider going under the knife.

But, I’m digging deeper.

Because despite this news, you may need to pump the brakes.

According to a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal, cataract surgery could help provide seniors with protection against dementia.

Researchers studied more than 3,000 adults over 65 and found that those who had undergone cataract surgery had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing dementia from any cause compared with those who did not.

Now, there are plenty of studies that link serious eye complications (like cataracts) to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.

But DON’T schedule that cataract surgery just yet!

Because you don’t need to necessarily go under the scalpel to fend off cataracts.

Cataract surgery comes with many risks and complications such as infection, swelling, drooping eyelid, glaucoma, and even retinal detachment!

But when it comes to preventing cataracts from worsening, there are simply better options to consider before heading to the operating table.

Getting routine eye exams is a great way to stay on top of your eye health.

Studies have also found that eye-friendly vitamins such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, reduce the risk of serious eye diseases… including cataracts.

There’s also an antioxidant called N-acetylcarnosine — or NAC for short. I’ve talked about the benefits of NAC and cataracts before, specifically studies noting how it can help it can SHARPEN vision… REDUCE glare sensitivity… and IMPROVE night driving

Lastly, let’s address that whole cataracts/dementia link.

Cataracts CAN increase your risk of dementia. There’s no debating that.

And while cataracts surgery COULD help, it’s not a slam dunk. If you’re being told you need cataract surgery, consider it a last resort.

Now, as for dementia, there’s no cure. But there are plenty of ways to help stave off this memory-altering disease (healthy eyes or not).

Multiple studies have found that changes in your diet – like eliminating unhealthy sugars – and increasing your physical activity can help reduce the risk of dementia.

However, if you do have a history of dementia in your family, it’s best to have a conversation with your doctor about a prevention plan that’s right for you.

To the truth about eye surgery,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Study Finds. “Cataract surgery significantly lowers dementia risk in seniors.” https://studyfinds.org/cataract-surgery-dementia/

The Harvard Gazette. “Sharper vision, sharper mind?” https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/02/could-cataract-surgery-protect-against-dementia/