September is National Falls Prevention Month
After learning she had cataracts in both eyes, Linda W. of Dallas began researching cataract surgeons near where she lives. Today, she is beyond thrilled with how well she can see since having her cataracts removed at Carter Eye Center in 2020. “I am truly thankful that I stepped out to have this done,” said Linda. “My vision now is so very good!”
In reality, Linda’s surgery likely did more for her than improve poor vision. When people see better, they can also move and get more exercise. The surgery also improves visual contrast, which decreases the risk of falls.
Falling: A Significant Health Threat to Seniors
According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and can come with significant economic and personal costs.
Falls have become an epidemic in America and are now the leading cause of death due to injury for those over 65, accounting for 40% of all nursing home admissions. Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related ER visits for older adults, the primary cause of hip fractures and are responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Nearly half of all seniors sustaining a fall DO NOT resume independent living.
Not all falls are due to poor vision and depth perception, but some are.
Modern Cataract Surgery
Carter Eye Center is doing its part to help counteract this negative reality of falling for seniors.
Cataract surgery is incredibly safe and effective. It has a 98 percent success rate and complications are very rare.
Harvey Carter, MD, founder of Carter Eye Center
Cataract surgery is the most performed surgical procedure in the U.S. today, with more than 3 million Americans having cataracts removed each year (Prevent Blindness America). Cataract surgery has come a long way over the years.
Technological advances and the advent of laser-assisted cataract surgery have brought new levels of accuracy and safety to an already safe procedure. What used to require general anesthesia, a hospital stay and weeks of recovery time is now performed in an outpatient setting with a local anesthetic, tiny incisions, no stitches and minimal downtime.
Premium Lenses Offer Visual Freedom
The artificial lenses used to replace the cloudy ones in cataract surgery come in a variety of choices geared toward each patient’s lifestyle and goals. Carter Eye Center offers a variety of premium lens implants (we call them LifeStyle Lenses) you can choose from. These lenses make it possible to not only eliminate cataracts but also give the opportunity for reduced dependency on glasses, bifocals and even readers.
LifeStyle Lenses are considered the gold standard in cataract lens replacements today. During traditional cataract surgery, a monofocal lens is used to replace the natural lens. The traditional monofocal lens will allow you to see clearly at only one distance – near, intermediate or far. Most patients will still require glasses for reading and up-close activities. Our premium LifeStyle Lenses allow you to see clearly at all distances. Talk about freedom!
If you’re someone who has worn glasses or contacts your whole life, post-cataract surgery vision with a LifeStyle Lens from Carter Eye Center may be considerably better than any vision you’ve ever experienced.
Dr. Carter is a sought-after cataract surgeon with decades of experience. Ready to learn more about cataract surgery at Carter Eye Center? Schedule your cataract evaluation today.
