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

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of cataract surgery on cognition, mood, and visual hallucinations in a cohort of patients aged 75 years and older. SETTING: Secondary care ophthalmology unit in Northeast England. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Small improvements in cognition and reports of resolved complex visual hallucinations indicate that the benefits of cataract surgery might extend beyond visual improvement. (C) 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS