Older adults with cataracts are more likely to suffer from depression, claims a new study. Older women and those with lower education are at high risk for depression.
Highlghts
- Cataract increases risk of depression in older adults, finds a study.
- The risk of depression was higher among older women and those with no formal education.
Globally, cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment in the older adults. Depression is very common in elderly. Most of the older adults with depression do not recognize the symptoms, or they do not seek professional help.
‘The study found an association between cataract and depression in older adults, suggesting that cataract surgery may help improve mental health in elderly.’
The current study investigated the links between visual impairment and depression. The study conducted among Chinese older adults provided evidence for an association between cataracts and depression. The study involved 4,600 older adults 60 years or older. The participants had completed a depression questionnaire and underwent a clinical eye examination to rate the presence and severity of cataracts. Participants who had undergone cataract surgery were excluded from the study. About 49% of the older adults had cataracts in at least one eye.
About 8 percent of the participants had depressive symptoms. Depression was more common in women (11%) than men (5%). The study found that 33 percent of older adults with cataracts were more likely to have depressive symptoms. The odds of depression were similar in participants with cataracts in one eye and both eyes.
Cataract - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
A cataract is cloudiness in the crystalline lens of the eye that results in a gradually progressive painless diminution of vision.
A cataract is cloudiness in the crystalline lens of the eye that results in a gradually progressive painless diminution of vision.
After adjusting factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, visual acuity and education, the researchers found that cataract increased depression risk by 14 percent. Older adults with visual impairment are likely to become isolated and withdrawn. Depression may make older adults less likely to seek treatment for cataracts. The researchers noted that their study did not show the direction of the association between cataract and depression.
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Depression Calculator
A quick, simple and anonymous self-assessment health tool to assess the level of depression using the famous Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.
A quick, simple and anonymous self-assessment health tool to assess the level of depression using the famous Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.
"As a next step, it would be important to know if the associated depression in older adults is reversible following the restoration of vision after cataract surgery."
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Cataract Surgery
An Illustration of the Cataract surgery that is performed to restore the sight for the patients suffering from cataract, which is a loss of transparency in the eye's lens.
An Illustration of the Cataract surgery that is performed to restore the sight for the patients suffering from cataract, which is a loss of transparency in the eye's lens.
The study is published in Optometry and Vision Science, the official journal of the American Academy of Optometry.
Cataract
The clouding of the lens of the eye is termed as cataract. This eye condition is more common among the elderly, causing visual impairment.
Facts
- Globally, about 51% of the blindness is due to cataract
- Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in both developed and developing countries.
- Smoking, exposure to UV rays, diabetes and higher body mass index are risk factors for cataract.
- Cataract surgery is effective and successful in restoring vision.
- About 10 million cataract operations are performed each year worldwide.
