Study: Cataract surgery has no effect on circadian photoentrainment

Increased activation of blue light photosensitive ganglion cells has been seen after cataract surgery but has little effect on circadian photoentrainment, according to a study.

Investigators at the American Academy of Ophthalmology conducted a study to find the difference between patients who received blue-blocking vs. neutral IOLs.

A total of 41 women and 35 men with a mean age of 73.7 years were randomized to blue-blocking or neutral IOL implantation. The effect of the blue light transmission traits of each implanted IOL was tested, as was the effect of cataract surgery on circadian photoentrainment and sleep patterns.

Patients who underwent cataract surgery and had no prior sleep disturbances or ophthalmic disease participated. They were examined 1 to 4 weeks before surgery and 3 weeks after surgery.

Study results were determined by pupil responses to red light (PIPR) measurements, actigraphy, salivary melatonin concentration measurements and subjective sleep quality. The mean PIPR increased to 24% at 3 weeks postoperatively (P < .001), and no significant difference was discovered between patients with blue-blocking vs. neutral IOL.

Onset levels of melatonin increased also but did not reach a significant level of difference. Mean visual acuity before cataract surgery was 0.35 logMAR and increased to –0.03 logMAR 3 weeks postoperatively.

Findings show evidence of increased activity within photosensitive ganglion cells but no significant difference in circadian rhythms after cataract surgery. However, subtle effects in sleep disturbances were found in blue light transmission preoperatively. Differences in IOL implants do not affect sleep or circadian photoentrainment, according to the researchers’ findings. –by Kate Sherrer

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Source:

Bronsted et al. Ophthalmology. 2015;doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.06.033