HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL,UPDATE

 

Considering cataract surgery? Let the doctors of Harvard Medical School reveal everything you should know before saying yes (or no) to cataract surgery. An essential eye-opening report for older adults. Inside this clarifying and calming new guide you’ll discover... ✓ How cataracts develop and the first symptoms you’re likely to face ✓ Are you ready for cataract surgery? 10 questions that may tip the scales ✓ The best artificial lens choice if you want perfect vision after surgery ✓ Could surgery increase your risk of glaucoma or a retinal detachment? ✓ What to expect during cataract surgery and in the days that follow ✓ Seven simple preventive steps that may delay cataracts’ onset ✓ The Medicare “trap” that could cost you thousands out-of-pocket ✓ Plus, much, much more. Dear Reader, Cataracts are a very common eye condition, particularly as we get older. Cataracts are more than just an annoyance causing murky vision and making it hard to differentiate colors. Untreated cataracts can limit vision to the point of blindness. The only definitive cure for cataracts is surgery. The procedure has a remarkable record of safety and success. But how do you decide if and when it’s right for you? Can you slow cataracts’ progression? What are the real risks? A new online guide from Harvard Medical School answers all those important questions and more. You’ll find honest, authoritative, and welcome guidance that will take you from diagnosis to decision... What causes cataracts? The most common cause is age. As you get older the chemical composition of your eye’s lens changes causing vision to become cloudy. The effects? Vision becomes blurry, colors fade, and sensitivity to glare increases. Why surgery—and when? Surgery to replace the lens is the only way to get rid of a cataract. You’ll discover lifestyle changes to delay surgery... factors that may say the time is now...whether to do both eyes at same time or separately...and four important benefits of surgery beyond clearer vision. Which surgery? Which type of lens? Which surgeon? The surgical procedure is usually less than half an hour, but you need to take time for key choices first. Should you opt for the new laser-assisted surgical option? Which type of intraocular lens (IOL) is best for you? And what’s the one defining characteristic of surgeons with the lowest complication rate? What about recovery? What about risks? You’ll learn how quickly your eye should heal. You’ll read about the common complications, the new option that spares you post-surgery eye drops...and more. This report will assure you that you see your options as clearly as possible before making your decisions about treating cataracts. Sincerely, Timothy Cole Chief Editor, Harvard Health Publishing P.S. When you order Clearing The Fog of Cataracts now, you’ll save 30% from the regular price! SUBSCRIBE | SHOP THE BOOKSTORE A sharper mind: tai chi can improve cognitive function Up until about two decades ago, it was believed that your brain only produced new cells early in life. But research has shown that the brain has the ability to change throughout your entire life span, growing new cells, making new connections, and even increasing in size. These changes can improve cognitive function-and various forms of exercise, including tai chi, can help. In a meta-analysis of 20 studies on tai chi and cognition, tai chi appears to improve executive function-the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions-in people without any cognitive decline. In those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed the progression to dementia more than other types of exercise and improved their cognitive function in a comparable fashion to other types of exercise or cognitive training. Get your copy of An Introduction to Tai Chi Mind-body exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, have been gaining popularity over the past few decades. This is not surprising, given the increasing number of studies on the positive effects of these gentler forms of exercise — everything from lowering blood pressure and managing depression to building strength and improving balance. There is even evidence that tai chi may help you live a longer, more vital life.   SHOW ME MORE → In one study, researchers had nearly 400 men and women with some cognitive impairment perform either tai chi or a stretching and toning program three times a week. After a year, the tai chi group showed greater improvements, and only 2% of that group progressed to dementia, while 11% from the traditional exercise group did. In another study, tai chi outperformed walking. Following 40 weeks of either tai chi, walking, social interaction, or no intervention, researchers compared MRI images and discovered that brain volume increased the most in the tai chi group. In addition, that group also performed better on cognitive tests. To learn more about tai chi, its health benefits, and how to learn its movements, check out Introduction to Tai Chi from Harvard Medical School. Image: © kali9 | Gettyimages Share this story: FEATURED CONTENT An Introduction to Tai Chi • What is tai chi? • The health benefits of tai chi • Before you start: Safety first • Creating your tai chi practice • Standing Tai Chi Calisthenics • Seated Tai Chi Calisthenics • Traditional Tai Chi Elements Click here to learn more » Visit our website at: https://www.health.harvard.edu Email us at: healthbeat@health.harvard.edu FOLLOW US ON:  Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2026 by Harvard University. Harvard Health Publishing, Gordon Hall, Suite 013, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA