Cataracts, Falls Risk, Dementia and Mental Health: Why Treating Cataracts Matters
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment worldwide. Most people recognise that cataracts cause blurred vision. However, research now shows that cataracts can affect many aspects of health beyond eyesight.
Recent medical studies suggest that cataracts may increase the risk of falls, fractures, depression and even dementia. Importantly, several studies indicate that cataract surgery may reduce some of these risks by restoring visual function.
Understanding these broader health effects helps explain why early assessment and appropriate treatment of cataracts can play an important role in maintaining long-term health.
Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens, which can improve vision for everyday activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
IInfographic showing how cataract surgery can improve vision for everyday activities such as reading, driving and enjoying hobbies.
Cataracts and Falls Risk
Falls are a major cause of injury in older adults. Vision plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, judging distances and identifying hazards in the environment.
When cataracts develop, several visual functions deteriorate. For example, cataracts can reduce:
• visual acuity
• contrast sensitivity
• depth perception
• ability to detect obstacles in low light
As a result, patients may find it harder to recognise steps, uneven ground or changes in lighting. Consequently, the risk of falls can increase.
A large study by Tseng V, et al JAMA 2012 study of more than one million Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years of age and over and compared those who had cataract surgery with those who did not in the US. Overall, those patients who had cataract surgery had a 16% reduction in the adjusted odds of hip fracture within 1 year. For patients over 75 years of age, cataract surgery appeared to reduce the risk of a serious hip fracture by roughly 20–30% within the following year.
The benefit becomes larger with increasing age, likely because:
- vision contributes strongly to balance and spatial awareness
- cataracts reduce contrast sensitivity and depth perception
- improved vision after surgery reduces trip and fall risk
The authors concluded that improving vision through cataract surgery may reduce fracture risk by improving mobility and spatial awareness, particularly in patients above the age of 75 years of age.
Cataracts and Driving Safety
Vision is essential for safe driving. Cataracts can reduce the ability to see clearly in bright sunlight, detect pedestrians and recognise road hazards.
In addition, cataracts often cause glare and reduced contrast sensitivity, which can make night driving particularly difficult.
For many patients, cataract surgery improves visual clarity and contrast. As a result, many people report improved driving confidence after surgery.
Cataracts and Mental Health
Vision loss can also affect emotional wellbeing.
Research shows that people with cataracts frequently experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared with individuals without visual impairment.
A systematic review examining the relationship between cataract surgery and mental health found that vision impairment from cataracts is strongly associated with reduced physical activity, reduced social engagement and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
However, many studies included in the review also found that cataract surgery can significantly improve mental wellbeing by restoring vision and improving daily functioning.
In other words, better vision often helps patients regain independence and return to activities they enjoy.
Cataracts and Dementia Risk
Emerging research also suggests a possible relationship between visual impairment and cognitive decline.
A large prospective cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine followed more than 3000 older adults with cataracts.
The researchers found that patients who underwent cataract extraction had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared with patients who did not undergo surgery.
Importantly, this reduction in dementia risk was not observed after glaucoma surgery, which does not restore vision.
This finding suggests that improving visual input to the brain may help maintain cognitive function.
Although the exact mechanism remains uncertain, several explanations have been proposed:
• improved sensory stimulation to the brain
• increased mobility and physical activity
• greater social engagement
• improved independence in daily life
Together, these factors may support long-term brain health.
How Cataract Surgery Improves Vision
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
Once the cloudy lens is removed, light can reach the retina clearly again. As a result, patients often experience:
• clearer vision
• improved contrast sensitivity
• better depth perception
• reduced glare
For many people, these improvements allow them to return to activities such as reading, driving and social interaction.
Cataract Surgery in Sydney
At Eye & Laser Surgeons in Sydney, patients receive a comprehensive assessment to determine whether cataract surgery may improve their vision and quality of life.
Dr Shanel Sharma and Dr Daya Sharma are specialist ophthalmologists with extensive experience in cataract surgery and vision correction.
During a cataract consultation, the assessment typically includes:
• detailed eye examination
• advanced retinal imaging
• measurement of visual function
• discussion of lifestyle and visual goals
This evaluation helps determine whether cataract surgery is appropriate and which lens options may best suit each patient.
Eye & Laser Surgeons provides care at:
Bondi Junction
Level 2, 35 Spring Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Miranda
Suite 1, 32–36 Urunga Parade
Miranda NSW 2228
When Should You Seek Assessment?
You should consider an eye examination if you notice:
• blurred or cloudy vision
• difficulty reading
• glare from lights
• difficulty driving at night
• increasing falls or balance problems
Or above 75 years of age and have cataracts according to the evidence of
Early assessment allows your ophthalmologist to determine whether cataracts may be contributing to these symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cataracts increase the risk of falls?
Yes. Cataracts reduce visual clarity and contrast sensitivity, which can make it harder to detect obstacles and uneven surfaces. This may increase the risk of falls.
Can cataract surgery reduce falls risk?
Research suggests cataract surgery may reduce fracture risk and improve mobility by restoring clearer vision.
Can cataracts affect mental health?
Yes. Studies show cataracts are associated with increased anxiety and depression, likely due to reduced independence and social activity.
Can cataract surgery reduce dementia risk?
Some research suggests cataract surgery may be associated with a lower risk of dementia. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. However, Cataract surgery has been shown to help patients with dementia orientate themselves better as they can now see the clock to read it, or be easier to dress as they can now see where the leg space is in the pants to dress.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
