Effect of cataract surgery on cognition, mood, and visual hallucinations in older adults

To assess the impact of cataract surgery on cognition, mood, and visual hallucinations in a cohort of patients aged 75 years and older.

Secondary care ophthalmology unit in Northeast England.

Prospective observational cohort study.

Participants aged 75 years or older with bilateral cataract and scheduled for cataract surgery were recruited consecutively. Participants were assessed preoperatively and followed for 1 year postoperatively. Cognition was assessed using the revised Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R), mood was measured with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, visual hallucinations were elicited using the North East Visual Hallucinations Inventory, and visual acuity was assessed using a logMAR chart.

One hundred twelve participants were recruited at baseline; 91 (81%) completed 1 year of follow-up. Significant improvements in ACE-R scores were seen between baseline and 1 year postoperatively (95% confidence interval for improvement, 0.5-2.8; P = .005). Improved cognition did not correlate with improved visual acuity (r = -0.13, P = .22). No significant changes in mood were seen during the course of the study (P = .314, repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance). Complete resolution of complex visual hallucinations occurred in 2 patients after surgery.

Small improvements in cognition and reports of resolved complex visual hallucinations indicate that the benefits of cataract surgery might extend beyond visual improvement.

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.