Changes in driving performance-related visual function and visual processing in older drivers following first or second eye cataract surgery

Abstract

Purpose: We aim to investigate changes in visual function and visual processing measures associated with driving performance in older adults following first or second eye cataract surgery. Methods: This prospective comparative study included older licensed drivers, aged 55years or above, undergoing elective cataract surgery. Visual function was assessed pre-operatively and at 1month post-operatively, using standard measures of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, and a battery of driving-related visual function measures: timed visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, motion sensitivity, useful field of view (UFOV) and visual search and executive function (Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B). Self-reported driving difficulty was measured using the Driving Habits Questionnaire pre-operatively, and at 1 and 3months post-operatively. Results: Uncomplicated surgery was performed on 18 older adults (10 first and 8 second eye; mean age 71.4±8.9years). Standard visual function measures improved significantly post-operatively, but there were also significant improvements in timed visual acuity and motion sensitivity (P <0.01). Postoperative improvements were also found for TMT-A (P=0.004) and UFOV scores (P=0.047). These changes were even stronger for the second-eye surgery group, with significant improvements in TMT-A and TMT-B (P<0.02) and UFOV crash-risk category (P= 0.048) post-operatively. Conclusions: While standardized visual function im-proved after cataract surgery, there were also significant improvements in several driving-related visual function measures, suggesting that older drivers may benefit from timely removal of cataracts, including second-eye surgery. These findings have implications not only for improving driving-related visual function for older adults with cataracts but also for their driving safety and independence.L620130727 <br />