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Cataract surgery reduces risk of falls in the elderly

Cataract surgery reduces risk of falls in the elderly

People who underwent cataract surgery are less likely to suffer falls and fracture of the hips than people who have not undergone the procedure, a new study says. The finding was made from the assessment of more than one million elderly people with at least 65 years diagnosed with the disease between 2002 and 2009. The study was conducted by a specialist at the Jules Stein Eye InstituteThe researchers compared 410,809 patients who underwent cataract removal surgery with those who did not take the intervention. Age, race, gender, place of residence, cataract degree, and other limiting physical conditions of each participant were taken into account. The data showed that those most benefited by the surgery were the elderly of 80 to 84 years, which reduced the risk of fractures by 28%. Those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, were 26-28% less likely to break their hips. Among those with advanced cataracts, the risk of fractures was 23% lower. Experts already imagined that surgical intervention could reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. However, no relevant study on the subject had been done to determine how beneficial this surgery could be. The finding was published in the The Journal of the American Medical Association

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Cataract is a cloudy spot that can develop in the lens of the eye. As it progresses, vision becomes increasingly blurred, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls and fractures. Falls are common but dangerous in old age According to Unifesp orthopedist Moises Cohen, statistics say that about one-third of the elderly fall over a period of one year. With this, some suffer serious consequences such as fractures, hemorrhages, cranial trauma and even death, caused directly or indirectly after the fall. Some still develop the so-called "Post-Fall Syndrome", a clinical picture characterized by uncontrollable dread of walking again.

After a fall, many elderly people have difficulty walking. One factor that may have contributed is osteoporosis, a disease that leads to loss of bone mass. However, the question should be the reason for this downfall. Therefore, multidisciplinary treatment is usually needed to try to rehabilitate these patients.

The causes of falls depend on many factors. They may be due to inadequate use of many medications, visual problems, Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis of the knees, low back pain, urinary incontinence, among others. These are intrinsic risk factors for old age.

Extrinsic risk factors, ie, that may be modifiable in the environment or habits are: walking in high heeled shoes, wearing slippery soles, walking on smooth mats, inadequate lighting in transition environments, waxed floors, staircases without handrails, sanitary toilets, beds and chairs that are too high or too low, sedentary or physical activity, such as running.

Therefore, the elderly and his family should be aware of routine consultations to preserve their health and provide a better quality of life.


Sputum examination detects bacteria or fungi that can cause infection in the lungs

Sputum examination detects bacteria or fungi that can cause infection in the lungs

The sputum test detects bacteria or fungi that can cause infection in the lungs or airways. Sputum is a thick liquid produced in the lungs and airways which is eliminated with cough. For sputum examination, a sputum sample is placed in a container with substances that promote the growth of bacteria or fungi.

(Health)

Cardiac massage: when it is recommended and how to do it

Cardiac massage: when it is recommended and how to do it

Cardiac massage is recommended when there is cardiorespiratory arrest, which happens when the heart can not pump enough blood to keep the brain and other organs working, leaving the person unconscious. This occurs suddenly, usually by ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Less often, it happens through bradycardia or other causes.

(Health)