Rejuvenation Effects of Cataract Surgery with Ultraviolet Blocking Intra-Ocular Lens on Circadian Rhythm and Gait Speed

BACKGROUND: Previously, we reported improvements in sleep quality and gait speed after implantation of a yellow-colored, blue light-blocking intra-ocular lens (IOL). This study evaluated systemic health parameters for 7 months after cataract surgery with implantation of a clear, ultraviolet (UV)-blocking IOL. METHODS: A total of consecutive 71 patients (average age 74.1 years) underwent cataract surgery with the implantation of a clear, UV-blocking IOL. Participants were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) before and at 2 and 7 months after surgery. Four-meter gait speed was also determined. The metabolic parameters of serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were tested. RESULTS: The pre-operative and post-operative (2 and 7 months after surgery) results were 66.4±16.5, 79.5±12.6, and 81.0±13.0 for VFQ-25 score, 5.7±3.5, 5.1±3.1, and 4.8±2.9 for PSQI, and 0.90±0.22, 0.91±0.22, and 0.92±0.22 meters/sec for gait speed. Significant improvements following surgery were noted in the VFQ-25 score for all cases and in the PSQI for poor sleepers (preoperative PSQI >5.5) (P<0.05, paired t-test). The gait speed and metabolic parameters showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery with implantation of an UV-blocking clear IOL has the potential for improving circadian rhythm and systemic health parameters.