title: Effect of cataract surgery on cognition, mood, and visual hallucinations in older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the impact of cataract surgery on cognition, mood, and visual hallucinations in a cohort of patients aged 75 years and older.
  
  
  METHODS
  Secondary care ophthalmology unit in Northeast England.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
authors.affiliation: From the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (Jefferis), Newcastle University, Newcastle Eye Centre (Clarke), Royal Victoria Infirmary, and the Institute for Ageing and Health (Taylor), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Electronic address: jojefferis@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Joanna M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jefferis
authors.affiliation: From the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (Jefferis), Newcastle University, Newcastle Eye Centre (Clarke), Royal Victoria Infirmary, and the Institute for Ageing and Health (Taylor), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: From the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (Jefferis), Newcastle University, Newcastle Eye Centre (Clarke), Royal Victoria Infirmary, and the Institute for Ageing and Health (Taylor), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: John-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology