Cataracts Linked to Depressive Symptoms in Seniors

A prospective long-term study published in Ophthalmic Epidemiology found cataracts were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms in seniors, whether present or previously removed, reports HCPLive . No similar associations were observed in age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma. "Some older adults are able to adapt well to vision loss, adopting a resilient attitude and positive coping skills," said researchers at the University of Ottawa. "However, other older adults struggle to accept and adapt to their vision loss and are at risk of depression." The investigators conducted the three-year study with follow-up visits from July 2015 and December 2018 with more than 23,000 participants. Depressive symptoms developed in 7.7 percent of the cohort within the study period, and cataract was associated with incident depressive symptoms and relative risk of 1.20, after controlling for multiple demographic factors. "Cataract-related factors besides visual acuity that might affect depressive symptoms include difficulty with glare sensitivity or contrast sensitivity, fear of cataract surgery, difficulty doing visual tasks, or complications with obtaining surgery such as long wait times or uncovered surgical costs," the researchers suggested.