[Cataract surgery and its impact on balance and autonomy in elderly].
OBJECTIVE
Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment among elderly. Cataract surgery improves visual afferencies and can have an impact on balance. The present study assessed the impact of cataract surgery upon balance and autonomy in elderly. We realized clinical examinations and objective tests the day before surgery and 2-months later.


METHODS
The initial cohort consisted of 66 patients that had to undergo a cataract surgery. Their mean age was 79 +/- 0.5. For logistic reasons, only 33 patients have been completely evaluated before and after surgery. Each patient underwent a history and examination that have assessed autonomy, walking, visual and then cochleo-vestibular functions including bone vibratory test and dynamic computerized posturography (Equitest).


RESULTS
After 2 months, cataract surgery had no incidence on balance. The fear of falling has stayed the same whereas the number of falls has been noticeably reduced by surgery. The overall score of Equitest has shown an increase in visual dependence after surgery. Although cataract surgery has no incidence on autonomy, it may improve the quality of life among older people by leisure activities recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
An early physical rehabilitation facilitated by visual improvement after surgery can also prevent visual dependence and autonomy loss. We recommend vestibular rehabilitation in elderly with major visual dependence.
Raynal
M
M
Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Percy, Service d'Oto-Rhino Laryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, 101 avenue Henri Barbusse, BP 406, 92141 Clamart cedex, France. marc.raynal@wanadoo.fr
Aupy
B
B
Jahidi
A
A
Ettien
D
D
Le Page
P
P
Briche
T
T
Kossowski
M
M
Pailllaud
E
E
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D004856:Postural Balance