We all should have a vision for our lives. Not only do we live in the present, but one of the motivating things for us getting up every day is having a vision for our future and what we want it to look like and what we are doing today to get a step closer to realizing that vision.
Our visions are usually always clear – none of us report a cataract or obstacle to our vision. Clear vision can improve our quality of life.
It turns out, based on a recent study, that the same holds true physically as well as mentally when it comes to vision.
Quality of life can often be determined by physicality – especially the use of our five senses. The healthier our senses are, it seems the higher quality of life we have, and this study seemed to indicate that a better quality of life seems to correspond to a longer life of quality as well.
The study looked into nearly 75,000 women aged 65 and older who have had cataract surgery to correct their visions and clear the clouds that collect behind the lenses of their eyes. While careful not to place cataract surgery in a causal position to the effects, the data from the study showed that the women who had the surgery possessed a 60-percent lower risk of dying from “all” causes.
What does this mean, exactly? Some experts say it has to do with improving the quality of life for these women, and when they have a better quality of life, they tend to live longer because they enjoy life more.
This can manifest through better vision because women can better read their medication labels, better see obstacles that may result in trips or falls, they may want to exercise more or just be more active in general. When they do these things, the lower their risks of trouble and have healthier, better lives.
The study only looked into women and did not make any determination about men that get the same surgery, but some experts note that there seems to be a connection between estrogen deficiency and the increase of cataract in women. Cataract is not exclusive to women, but it does seem to be hormonal.
This is one of the more expansive studies surrounding cataract surgery and it benefits and effects beyond the clearing of vision. There are some procedures which not only improve physical conditions, but also can improve that somewhat-ethereal “quality of life” dynamic that can help people live longer because they are happier.
Who says a physical procedure can’t have emotional effects?
