Interesting Findings from an International Survey on Cataracts
Alcon, a global manufacturer of products and equipment in the Ophthalmology arena conducted a survey in March and April 2023 in Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, South Korea and the United States, designed to evaluate vision and cataract insights among the world’s growing aging population. Participants in the survey included pre and post-cataract patients aged 50+ who had received their diagnosis within the last 5 years and people aged 50+ who had not been diagnosed with cataracts. As anticipated, the survey found that cataract surgery not only improves vision with almost half (45%) of post surgery patients stating they have the vision of someone younger. Alcon noted that in every region included in the survey, vision connection with mobility was the second most important quality of aging (83%) with only memory scoring higher at 84%.
Cataract surgery patients are able to correct their vision and eliminate or reduce the need for glasses with a presbyopia correcting lens (PC-IOL). There are different types of PC-IOLs including advanced technology options offering patients the possibility of 20/20 vision at distance (driving), intermediate (using a computer) and near (using a mobile device) following surgery. A standard lens option that improves distance vision is called a monofocal lens.
Survey results showed 84% of the global population aged 50+ currently wear and rely on glasses. Of little surprise, 69% of those surveyed, including those who had not been diagnosed with cataracts would feel liberated without their glasses. Post surgery, the percent of patients who reported reliance on glasses fell from 81% (pre-surgery) to 45%.
Developing cataracts is a normal part of the aging process. It should be noted that cataract extraction and lens replacement is the most frequently performed surgery, with nearly 30 million cataract surgeries performed annually. Yet, more than 1 in 4 people in the survey did not know that cataract surgery has a short recovery time. In addition, only 51% of the global population aged 50+ understood they can select from different types of IOLs to fit their unique needs. Further, only 58% of the global population aged 50+ recognized cataract surgery involves implanting a permanent lens into the eye.
It is indisputable that as people age, they will lose abilities. Cataract surgery, however, offers a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to regain vision and improve quality of life.
Union Square Eye Care recommends scheduling an appointment with one of our Ophthalmologists to discuss cataract diagnosis, lens options, the actual surgery (if and when needed) and to better understand the post-surgical lifestyle advantages.
/ 53 Reviews