Delirium after cataract surgery: review and two cases

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Geriatrics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Delirium is a recognized complication after cataract surgery.
• Anticholinergic medications are commonly used in perioperative settings.
• The specific etiology of postcataractectomy delirium requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and review existing literature on postcataractectomy delirium.
• To investigate the potential role of anticholinergic toxicity in this condition.
• To present new clinical data on patients experiencing and not experiencing this delirium.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies based on Dupuytren's original description of delirium.
• Prospective data collection on patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• Comparison of clinical data between patients with and without postcataractectomy delirium.

Main Results:

• The study defines postcataractectomy delirium based on historical criteria.
• Data were collected from 2 patients with delirium and 25 without.
• Preliminary findings suggest a correlation between anticholinergic toxicity and delirium.

Conclusions:

• Postcataractectomy delirium may be a manifestation of anticholinergic toxicity.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of anticholinergic agents.
• This finding could inform medication management strategies in cataract surgery patients.