Effectiveness of cataract surgery in reducing driving-related difficulties: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of cataract surgery in improving vision and driving performance while reducing driving-related difficulties.


METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis.


METHODS
Twelve electronic databases were searched from the date of inception of each database to May 2007. Other sources of potentially relevant information were also identified and examined.


METHODS
Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCT), non-RCT, quasi-experimental, case-control, controlled-before-and-after, and cohort studies that examined driving-related indicators in patients undergoing cataract surgery.


METHODS
The outcome measures included any type of driving-related indicator. A secondary outcome measure was motor vehicle (MV) crash involvement.


RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the review and five in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.12 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.16). Results suggest that the risk of driving-related difficulties was reduced by 88% following cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Cataract surgery is associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of driving-related difficulties. This supports the efficacy of cataract surgery to improve driving in older people, as well as positive implications for a reduction in MV crashes, overall traffic safety, and individual well-being.
British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Centre for Community Child Health Research, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
S
S
Subzwari
E
E
Desapriya
G
G
Scime
S
S
Babul
K
K
Jivani
I
I
Pike
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery