Medical sciences
Impact of Cataract Surgery on Postural Control and Fall Risk in Adults and the Elderly: A Systematic Review
By Pereira J, Oliveira RF, Sudré TMF and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Cataracts are a major cause of reversible visual impairment worldwide, particularly among older adults. Visual deterioration associated with cataracts may compromise spatial perception, postural control, and balance, thereby increasing the risk of falls. In this context, cataract surgery has emerged not only as an effective intervention for visual rehabilitation but also as a potential strategy to improve mobility and functional performance in aging populations.
Objective
The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the impact of cataract surgery on postural control, balance, and fall risk in adults and older individuals by comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted following a protocol registered in PROSPERO. Searches were initially conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus on 20 October 2025, and rerun on 10 March 2026, which was considered the final search date. Twelve studies were included, encompassing prospective cohorts, retrospective population-based analyses, and comparative studies. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework, and the methodological quality of individual studies was evaluated using JBI critical checklists.