Impact of first eye cataract surgery on falls among patients of advanced age: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of falls between patients with visually significant cataracts in both eyes and those who have undergone first-eye cataract surgery. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study involved patients with a history of cataracts in both eyes who had undergone first-eye cataract surgery within the past 9 to 12 months (pseudophakic group). The control group comprised patients with cataracts in both eyes (cataract group). We assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), systemic comorbidities and medications (using the Charlson comorbidity index), and independent daily activities (using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale). The patients were questioned about experiencing two or more falls in the last 6 months. RESULTS: Each group comprised 50 patients. Binocular BCVA was significantly better in the pseudophakic group (0.05 ± 0.06 logMAR) than in the cataract group (0.77 ± 0.34 logMAR). Of all participants, 22% reported experiencing two or more falls in the last 6 months. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly better BCVA in participants with less than two falls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of advanced age with visually significant cataracts in both eyes are at a higher risk of falling. First-eye cataract surgery may mitigate the occurrence of falls by improving binocular BCVA.

Changes in Anterior Chamber Parameters Measured by Pentacam in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: A Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in anterior segment parameters measured by imaging in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODS: This longitudinal observational study included patients who recovered from COVID-19. All subjects exhibited a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 with a positive result of nasopharyngeal reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction evaluation. Corneal Pentacam (Oculus, Dutenhofen, Germany) imaging was performed at least two weeks after recovery from systemic COVID-19. Measurements were repeated one and three months later. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients, 11 (55%) of whom were females, with a mean age of 35.5 ± 7.1 years (age range: 25-51 years) recovered from nonhospitalized COVID-19 infection, were enrolled in this study. An increase in the keratometry mean front, keratometry mean back, cornea volume, and anterior chamber depth was observed in the longitudinal evaluation; however, they showed no statistical significance. The anterior chamber volume was statistically increased at three-month follow-up, compared to baseline (baseline: 177.8 ± 36.68 mm3; three months: 182.25 ± 39.58 mm3, P=0.048). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection may affect the cornea and anterior segment.