Impact of first and second eye cataract surgery on physical activity: a prospective study

• Published in: BMJ open 2019-03, Vol.9 (3), p.e024491-e024491
• Main Authors: Meuleners, Lynn B, Feng, Ying Ru, Fraser, Michelle, Brameld, Kate, Chow, Kyle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Cataract - therapy; Cataracts; Exercise; Eye surgery; Female; Geriatric Medicine; Health risk assessment; Humans; Leisure Activities; Macular degeneration; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time-to-Treatment; Western Australia
• ISSN: 2044-6055; 2044-6055
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024491

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of first eye and second eye cataract surgery on the level of physical activity undertaken by older adults with bilateral cataract.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree public ophthalmology clinics in Western Australia.ParticipantsFifty-five older adults with bilateral cataract aged 55+ years, awaiting first eye cataract surgery.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. The secondary outcomes were participation in walking, gardening and vigorous leisure-time physical activity. Participants completed a researcher-administered questionnaire, containing the Active Australia Survey and visual tests before first eye cataract surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery. A Generalised Estimating Equation linear regression model was undertaken to analyse the change in moderate leisure-time physical activity participation before first eye surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery, after accounting for relevant confounders.ResultsParticipants spent significantly less time per week (20 min) on moderate leisure-time physical activity before first eye cataract surgery compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.04) after accounting for confounders. After second eye cataract surgery, participants spent significantly more time per week (32 min) on moderate physical activity compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.02). There were no significant changes in walking, gardening and vigorous physical activity throughout the cataract surgery process.ConclusionFirst and second eye cataract surgery each independently increased participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. This provides a rationale for timely first and second eye cataract surgery for bilateral cataract patients, even when they have relatively good vision.