Cataract Surgery may Lower Fracture Risk, suggests research

Researchers have found in a new systematic review and meta-analysis that individuals with cataracts face a significantly higher risk of fractures, yet this elevated risk is substantially reduced following cataract surgery. The study, published in Ophthalmology, synthesized findings from multiple cohort studies and clinical trials to evaluate the association between cataract presence, cataract extraction, and fracture risk, offering new insight into the broader health benefits of vision restoration. Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and impaired vision is a known risk factor for falls, which are in turn the primary cause of fractures among older adults. The analysis confirmed that untreated cataracts increase the likelihood of fractures, particularly hip fractures, which are among the most debilitating injuries in the elderly. However, once patients underwent cataract surgery and regained clearer vision, their fracture risk dropped considerably, underscoring the protective role of surgical intervention. The findings highlight that beyond restoring sight and quality of life, cataract surgery may also serve as a preventive measure against injuries with potentially life-threatening consequences. The study authors emphasized that reduced visual acuity impairs depth perception, balance, and spatial awareness, all of which contribute to fall risk, and that improving vision through timely surgical treatment can mitigate these dangers. This is particularly relevant given the aging global population and the projected rise in both cataract prevalence and osteoporotic fractures. The research also suggested that delaying or avoiding cataract surgery could inadvertently increase healthcare burdens by contributing to preventable injuries, reinforcing the importance of access to timely ophthalmic care. While the analysis recognized the need for further prospective studies to explore long-term outcomes across diverse populations, it concluded that cataract surgery should be considered not only as a vision-restoring intervention but also as a strategy with wider implications for public health and geriatric fracture prevention.