Cataract and cognitive impairment: a review of the literature. Issue 1 (31st August 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jefferis, J M; Mosimann, U P; Clarke, M P
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 95:Issue 1(2011)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2010-08-31
• Subjects: Cataract -- dementia -- cognitive impairment -- visuoperceptual impairment -- optics and refraction -- degeneration -- visual perception; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2009.165902
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Acquired cataract and cognitive impairment are both common age-related problems, and ophthalmologists are increasingly likely to encounter patients who have both. Patients with dementia types who display early visuoperceptual impairment may present first to ophthalmology services. When these patients have coexisting cataract, it may be difficult to distinguish visual complaints due to cataract from those due to dementia. The interaction between visual impairment due to cataract and neurodegenerative disorders affecting the central visual pathways, is not fully understood. Visual impairment due to cataract may stress impaired attentional mechanisms and cataract extraction may improve cognitive performance in some patients with early cognitive impairment; however, the benefits of cataract surgery in established dementia are less clear. In this study, the literature on this subject was reviewed and the implications for practice were considered.