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

Lynn B Meuleners, Ying Ru Feng, Michelle Fraser, Kate Brameld, Kyle Chow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of first eye and second eye cataract surgery on the level of physical activity undertaken by older adults with bilateral cataract.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Three public ophthalmology clinics in Western Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-five older adults with bilateral cataract aged 55+ years, awaiting first eye cataract surgery.

OUTCOME MEASURES: The 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.

RESULTS: Participants 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.

CONCLUSION: First 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.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere024491
Pages (from-to)e024491
Number of pages6
JournalBMJ Open
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2019
Externally publishedYes

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