Impact of cataract surgery on a delirium-related electroencephalography index in older adults

The bispectral electroencephalography (BSEEG) method is a simple one-channel quantitative electroencephalography approach that yields a single index, with higher scores previously associated with more severe delirium in older adults. We prospectively measured BSEEG scores in 21 patients over 60 years old before and 1 month after cataract surgery. BSEEG scores significantly decreased after surgery (p=0.001), and this decrease significantly correlated with improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (r=0.52; p=0.02). Improved visual function after cataract surgery was associated with lower BSEEG scores.