Cataract surgery can improve patients’ mental status and cognitive function

This was a prospective case series to evaluate the influence of cataract surgery on cognitive function and depressive mental status of elderly patients.

It included 88 patients, with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or worse in both eyes. A standard visual functioning questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was used to ascertain vision-related quality of life. Cognitive impairment and depression were assessed by interviewing patients using standardized tests. Results were recorded before and two months after cataract surgery.

Not only was the NEI VFQ-25 score significantly better after surgery, the patients' scores correlated significantly with the changes in logMAR BCVA after surgery.

The authors conclude that cataract surgery can significantly improve patients' mental status and cognitive function, unless these conditions stem from organic disturbances like Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular diseases.