Cataract Surgery in Seniors Is Actually Life-extending, New Study Says
If you had the opportunity to improve your vision, overall health, and maybe even length of life, would you? We would too!
New research suggests cataract surgery not only allows you to see more clearly, it also may actually live longer.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research says Americans over 65 are living longer and with fewer disabilities. Their research believes that a main reason for this is cataract surgery, and its ability to prevents falls and allows seniors to continue working and driving safely.
The same study found that those who have cataract surgery are less likely to experience disability than people who don’t. Between 1992 and 2008, healthy life expectancy at age 65 increased by 1.8 years, the National Bureau of Economic Research study says, and two largest influencers of that are better cardiac care and cataract surgery.
Another study, for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, showed financial benefits of cataract surgery as well. For one thing, the cost is going down: in 2012, the surgery cost 34% less than in 2000, and 85% less than in 1985. This is a trend that is expected to continue to the future.
It is estimated that over the past 13 years, Medicare saved a total of $36.4billion; Medicaid, $3.3 billion; and to other insurers, $9.6 billion due to the reduced price of the surgery. These savings were extended to patients as well, Over the same time, the amount saved by patients totaled $48.6billion, the study said.
If you are suffering from cataracts, you can improve the quality, and maybe even the length, of your life with cataract surgery – an excellent way to stay committed to your future!
