Background: Gait speed and sleep quality are health indices related to longevity and mortality. In the present study, we measured sleep quality, quality of life, gait speed, and visual acuity before and after cataract surgery to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure on systemic health.

Methods: The study was conducted on 155 patients (93 women; average age 74.8 years) undergoing cataract surgery with the implantation of a yellow soft acrylic lens. Patients were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25; vision-related quality of life) before and then 2 and 7 months after surgery. Four-meter gait speed was also determined.

Results: Of the 155 patients, 68 (43.9%) were classified as poor sleepers (PSQI>5.5) prior to surgery. Significant improvements were noted in sleep 2 months after surgery (p<0.05, paired t-test), but thereafter the improvements were not significant. Prior to surgery, 117 patients (77.0%) were classified as slow walkers (speed<1.0 meter/s). Gait speed increased significantly in these patients 2 months after surgery (p<0.001, paired t-test). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between the preoperative VFQ-25 score and both PSQI (p<0.05) and gait speed (p<0.001). Postoperative increases in the VFQ-25 score were positively correlated with decreases in the PSQI (p<0.05). Improvements in visual acuity were correlated with improvements in the VFQ-25 score, but not with either PSQI or gait speed.

Conclusion: Cataract surgery effectively improves sleep quality and slow gait speed.