Cataract blindness related falls among older adults: A prospective cohort study in Ghana

Abstract

Background

Cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, can significantly impair visual function.

Purpose

This study investigated the association between cataract-related falls among the elderly population in the Central region of Ghana.

Methods

The prospective cohort study among cataract patients aged 65 years and older, using purposive sampling to select facilities and consecutive sampling to recruit participants. 

Results

The study achieved a 40% successful follow-up rate at 3 months post-surgery. Among the 500 older adult patients, 131 (26.2%) reported falls before undergoing cataract surgery. Of the 200 patients who had 24.0% falls pre-operatively, the prevalence of falls 3 months after surgical intervention was 16%. Demographics were not significantly associated with the risk of falling before cataract surgery (p > 0.05). However, participants with chronic conditions were 2.18 times more likely to fall than those without chronic conditions. Patients with hypertension (2.23 times) and diabetes (2.49 times) had higher risk of fall compared to those without these conditions. Additionally, patients with retinal conditions (2.86 times), and those with balance problems (1.86 times) were more prone to falling before surgical intervention than their counterparts without.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant impact of cataract surgery in reducing fall prevalence among older adults.