Can Cataract Surgery Prevent Dementia?

Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure that removes cataracts, the cloudy formations on the eye's lens that impair vision. Now, researchers are discovering that vision loss may be linked to a higher rate of dementia, and that restoring clear vision through cataract surgery may reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Is There a Correlation Between Cataracts and Dementia?

More than half of those 80 or older have had at least one cataract. A 2021 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology followed 12,000 subjects aged 55-73 and found that patients with cataracts had an 11% higher incidence of dementia compared to patients with healthy vision.

Can Cataract Surgery Prevent Dementia?

A 2022 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that removing cataracts was "significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia development." In fact, patients who had undergone cataract surgery had a 29% lower rate of dementia. In addition, MRI scans have shown greater brain activity following cataract surgery.

How Can Vision Loss Cause Dementia?

Scientists studying this link suspect that vision loss negatively impacts the brain — the more visual information we receive, the more active our brains are, and brain activity may help fend off dementia. By restoring clear vision, cataract surgery may stimulate the brain and prevent cognitive decline.

There could also be an emotional and social dimension — people who suffer from significant vision loss often feel isolated, and social isolation raises the risk of developing dementia by 50% according to the Centers for Disease Control.

If you have cataracts and feel your quality of life is affected, schedule an appointment with St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville today. Call (740) 695-0444.