Improvements in Sleep Quality and Gait Speed After Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Cataract surgery effectively improves sleep quality and slow gait speed.

Rejuvenation Effects of Cataract Surgery with Ultraviolet Blocking Intra-Ocular Lens on Circadian Rhythm and Gait Speed

“…In the present study, statistical significance was found in sleep latency (before vs. 2 months after surgery) of the cases with severe nuclear sclerosis cataract, and global score and many other sub-scales of PSQI remarkably improved, whereas the same improvements were not observed in those with mild nuclear sclerosis cataracts (Table 4). These findings were not reported in cases implanted with yellow-colored IOLs, 4 and we speculate the distinct difference in light transmittance between yellow crystalline lens and clear IOLs might underlie such a surgical effect. We believe sleep disorders in older persons include ''cataract-related sleep disorder'' due to decreased intra-ocular light transmittance in old age leading to circadian rhythm dysfunction.…”

“…Special attention was paid to the sleep quality results because poor sleepers significantly improved at 2 and 7 months after surgery, whereas our previous results showed improvement only at 2 months after surgery. 4 Visual improvement and relief from stress after surgery could have contributed to the improved sleep because depression or stress is an exacerbation factor for sleep quality. Other investigators reported mental improvement with Cataquest or SF-36 after implantation of clear IOL for 145 cases.…”

“…4 In terms of the IOL color, a clear lens has greater light transmittance than a yellow-colored IOL and thus the effect on circadian rhythm synchronization may be stronger. [43][44][45] Sleep quality is affected by many physiological and mental factors, as is photo-entrainment calculated from the IOL spectral transmission.…”

“…[1][2][3] Previously, we reported enhanced gait speed and sleep quality after cataract surgery with implantation of yellow-colored, blue light-blocking intra-ocular lens (IOL). 4 The clear, ultraviolet (UV)-blocking and the yellow-colored IOLs currently available show similar properties in terms of visual function with the exception of vision in mesopic or scotopic light conditions. [5][6][7][8][9] Glare reduction is an additional advantage of yellow-colored IOL, although concerns have been raised that the blue lightblocking effects of such a lens might disturb normal circadian rhythms 10,11 because intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells mediate melatonin secretion by photoreception of blue light.…”

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“…1,2 Fortunately, surgery to remove cataracts is very safe 3 and improves both vision and quality of life, translating to significant improvements in real-life activities and emotional and social functioning. [4][5][6][7] Additionally, costs associated with cataract surgical procedures have decreased by 34.4% from 2000 to 2012. 8 Given the advantages of cataract surgery, coupled with an increasing population health need, it is vital for ophthalmology residents to obtain high-quality cataract extraction (CE) experience during their training.…”