NJ Surgeon on Cataract Surgery & Broken Hips

NJ Cataract Surgeon Roslyn Stahl, M.D of The Eye Care & Surgery Center commented on a recent article about cataract surgery, broken hips and preventing hip fractures. A study recently published in The Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Coleman at Jules Stein Eye Institute UCLA looked at the incidence of hip fractures one year after patients had cataract surgery compared to those in the same age group that did not have surgery. “The authors found that there were 16 percent fewer hip fractures in the year after surgery compared to those who did not undergo cataract operation”, said Dr. Stahl. The study found that patients who were ages 80-84 and those with serious chronic conditions fared the best, with 28% percent fewer hip fractures. “This is consistent with my experience as a cataract surgeon in that we know improving vision helps balance and navigation reducing the rate of falls and therefore fractures,” she further explained. In elderly patients, fractures can cause significant morbidity and mortality, as well as place significant burden on those caring for them. A lot of patients and family members refuse undergoing cataract surgery because of their age or medical conditions, but this study should make them think twice. Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure with little risk and high rate of success. We underestimate the profound effect that it can have on improving ones quality of life and regaining patient’s confidence and independence.