An Australian study found the incidence of falls among over-65s decreased from an average 0.81 falls per year after first-eye cataract surgery to 0.32 falls per year after second-eye cataract removal. 

Led by Professor Lisa Keay, head of the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of New South Wales, researchers said age- and sex-adjusted fall incidence prior to first-eye surgery among the study’s 118 participants was 1.17 falls per year. Mean habitual binocular visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.32 before surgery, 0.15 after first-eye surgery, and 0.07 after second-eye surgery, they said.  

Older people with cataract in Australia can wait for substantial periods for both first and second-eye cataract surgery in the public hospital system, which has been exacerbated by deferral of elective surgery during the coronavirus pandemic and particularly affects those who rely on public hospital services, said Prof Keay. “Our study adds to the body of evidence supporting investment in timely access to cataract surgery for older people, as it is cost-effective for improving vision and preventing falls.”