The effect of cataract on sleep time and quality in late adulthood.

Aims: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of senile cataract on sleep profiles.

Methods: Clinical interviews and comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were done on 378 patients over 59 years old. Severities of cataract as a whole (LO: lenticular opacity) and nucleosclerosis (LN: lenticular nucleosclerosis) were determined by the LOCS (Lens Opacities Classification System) III. PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) was performed to determine sleep profiles. HAS (Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale) was performed to evaluate emotional status. The relationship between total sleep time per night (TST), wake-up time and bed time with LO and LN were evaluated.

Results: LO and LN were both associated with earlier bed- and wake-up times, but only bed time and LN had significant association (p=0.0006). PSQI sleep quality subscale and global scores were significantly higher with advanced LN (p=0.017, p=0.018).

Conclusion: Advanced nucleosclerosis is associated with earlier bed time and lower quality of sleep. Stimulus by appropriate light to the eye is necessary for the physiologic regulation of sleep.