For many years, we’ve known that a person’s vision is a significant factor in their overall quality of life. What is becoming clearer now is the direct link between cataracts and patients living with dementia.
It’s important to be clear: this research is not suggesting that cataracts cause dementia. Instead, it highlights that for patients already living with dementia, poor vision can worsen their symptoms. At the same time, managing eye health in someone living with dementia can be challenging, as the condition can affect how they see and process the world.
Individuals living with dementia may be less likely or able to relay symptoms of reduced vision, they may appear to be less engaged, and may be at a greater risk of falls. This may be assumed to be due to dementia or cognitive decline, but is actually a result of reduced vision and amenable to treatment by having the cataract removed.
A key takeaway from the ESCRS 2025 congress – where Professor Muhtaseb was also a speaker – was that vision is now considered a potentially modifiable risk factor for progressive dementia. This is an exciting development, as it means that treating reduced vision due to cataracts could help manage or even reduce the risk of cognitive decline in these patients.
The Role of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery isn’t just about improving a patient’s sight. For those living with dementia, a successful procedure can also have a positive impact on their cognitive and behavioural symptoms. By improving vision, we can help people living with dementia navigate their surroundings more easily and potentially improve their independence, engagement with the environment and overall quality of life.
The symposium also highlighted the importance of a collaborative, patient-centred approach. When we care for patients with both cataracts and dementia, it is essential to work closely with their caregivers to ensure the best possible outcome. This includes simplifying post-operative care and choosing the most suitable treatment options. For example, for patients living with dementia, it’s often best to avoid multifocal lenses that require a lot of ‘neuroadaptation’ or cognitive adjustment.
A Brighter Future
The evidence is clear: treating cataracts can do more than just improve vision—it may also play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive health for those living with dementia. Professor Muhtaseb is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments to ensure he provides the most comprehensive and compassionate care to all his patients.
