Dizziness, but not falls rate, improves after routine cataract surgery: the role of refractive and spectacle changes

Publication Summary

PURPOSE: To determine whether dizziness and falls rates change due to routine cataract surgery and to determine the influence of spectacle type and refractive factors. METHODS: Self-reported dizziness and falls were determined in 287 patients (mean age of 76.5 ± 6.3 years, 55% females) before and after routine cataract surgery for the first (81, 28%), second (109, 38%) and both eyes (97, 34%). Dizziness was determined using the short-form of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Six-month falls rates were determined using self-reported retrospective data. RESULTS: The number of patients with dizziness reduced significantly after cataract surgery (52% vs 38%; χ(2) = 19.14(,) p CONCLUSIONS: Dizziness is significantly reduced by first (or both) eye cataract surgery and this is linked with improvements in best eye visual acuity, although changes in oblique astigmatic correction increased dizziness. The lack of improvement in falls rate may be associated with switching into multifocal spectacle wear after surgery. Language: en