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Increased blue-light transmission after cataract surgery may boost cognitive function
Br J Ophthalmol. 2011;95(12):1656-1659.
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Improved blue-light transmission after cataract surgery may enhance cognitive function in older patients, a study found.
The study authors used reaction time tasks to gauge objective improvement in cognitive function after cataract surgery and IOL implantation.
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells express the photopigment melanopsin and transmit irradiance signals to various subcortical structures, the study authors said.
"Aging is associated with insomnia, depression and cognitive decline," the study authors said. "Removal of a yellow opaque crystalline lens and replacement with a clear intraocular lens as a means of increasing blue-light transmission has potential benefits to non-visual melanopsin-dependent brain responses, the human circadian rhythm and its downstream physiological effects."
The study included 15 patients with bilateral cataracts. Mean patient age was 75.4 years. Patients performed reaction time tasks before and after unilateral cataract surgery. Investigators measured and assessed complex reaction time and simple reaction time.
Patients underwent phacoemulsification and received an ultraviolet-blocking AR40 Sensar IOL (Abbott Medical Optics).
Study results showed that complex reaction times were appreciably faster after surgery (P = .016). Simple reaction times were also more rapid, but the difference was statistically insignificant.
Analysis showed that visual acuity did not correlate with preoperative or postoperative reaction times.
"Hence, reaction time differences are not due to differences in visual acuity," the authors said.
The study was limited by the relatively small patient group. The low cost and portability of the reaction time tasks were advantageous, they said.