Age‐Related Cataract Extraction Is Associated With Decreased Falls, Fractures, and Intracranial Hemorrhages in Older Adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion (CEIOL) is among the most frequently performed surgeries in the United States and is indicated for individuals with age-related cataracts causing visual impairment. The association between CEIOL and falls and hip fractures has been described, but there is a paucity of literature describing the association between CEIOL and various other common morbidity and mortality-increasing age-related traumatic injuries. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized TriNetX, a health database, to access de-identified electronic medical records. Cohorts of patients aged 60 years and older were identified using diagnostic and procedural codes. Cohort 1 was defined as patients with age-related cataracts who underwent CEIOL within 10 years of documented diagnosis of cataracts. Cohort 2 was defined as patients with age-related cataracts who did not undergo CEIOL within 10 years of documented diagnosis of cataracts. Propensity score matching for demographics and other relevant comorbidities was completed. Chi-square analysis was performed, and data were reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Outcomes analyzed included proximal humerus fracture, distal radius fracture, hip fracture, ankle fracture, fall, subdural hemorrhage, and epidural hemorrhage. RESULTS: Patients who underwent CEIOL demonstrated significantly lower odds of falls (p < 0.0001), proximal humerus fracture (p = 0.016), distal radius fracture (p = 0.0004), hip fracture (p < 0.0001), ankle fracture (p = 0.0002), subdural hemorrhage (p < 0.0001), and epidural hemorrhage (p = 0.006) as compared to patients with a documented diagnosis of age-related cataract without CEIOL. CONCLUSIONS: CEIOL was significantly associated with decreased falls and reductions in major fall-related injuries among patients with age-related cataracts. These findings strongly support improved screening protocols to detect vision loss secondary to age-related cataracts, as this may decrease the incidence of common major fall-related injuries among patients with age-related cataracts.
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19441
Authors: Caitlin M. Hackl, Brady P. Moore, Imanouel M. Samai, Brian R. Wong
Institution: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4408546313