Relationship between Balance Function and Visual Dysfunction in Elderly Patients with Age-Related Cataract

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between balance function and visual dysfunction in elderly patients with age-related cataract. Methods: A total of 87 elderly patients with age-related cataract were enrolled in a case-series study at the cataract clinical center of the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University between April to October 2017. Data from visual function (LogMAR VA), static balance function (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), dynamic balance function (Timed up and go test, TUG), cognitive (MMSE Questionnaire) and depression status (GDS-15 Questionnaire) were collected from subjects. A variance test, regression line and multiple stepwise linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The average score of the BBS was 50.0±2.8, the average TUG time was 12.1±3.5 seconds. BBS scores and TUG times were related mainly to binocular visual acuity and age: the multiple linear regression equation of the BBS=62.27-4.37×binocular visual acuity -0.12×age (F=23.87, P<0.001), TUG time=-5.07+3.83×binocular visual acuity +0.19×age (F=15.22, P<0.001). The BBS scores (F=3.45, P=0.067) and TUG times (F=3.88, P=0.052) did not quite reach a significant difference between genders. Conclusions: With an increase in visual dysfunction and age, the balance function of elderly patients with cataracts gradually declines, including static balance and dynamic balance function. The effect of age on balance dysfunction is less than that of visual function. Visual impairment mainly affects the dynamic balance function and triggers fall events. Gender differences do not have a significant effect on balance function. Key words: cataract; static balance function; dynamic balance function; visual dysfunction