The Influence of Vision on Balance, Gait and Falls

The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Gait, Balance and Falls in Older Persons

Falls are the most serious and frequent home accident amongst elderly. Most falls occur during walking. Vision is reduced with ageing and visual impairments affect balance. Uncorrected visual deficits and balance problems are reported to be risk factors for falls and fall related fractures. The present project uses a longitudinal design and aims at assessing the impact of cataract surgery on balance and gait as risk factors for falls.

A longitudinal design is used, where subjects referred to the Cataract Unit are tested 1-3 weeks in advance of the surgery, and 4-6 weeks and 12 months after the surgery. Outcome measures are visual function, falls, balance and gait. Secondary outcome is quality of life, fear of falling and daily life functioning

Inclusion Criteria:

• >70 years of age
• referred to cataract surgery on one or both eyes
• able to walk unassisted at least 10 m

Exclusion Criteria:

• terminal illness
• have undergone orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs the last 12 months
• Have had a stroke last 12 months
• dementia (measured by MMSE <20