• Asher Milstein, Ayala Pollack, Guy Kleinman, and Yoram Barak.
• Ophthalmology Department, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.
• Int Psychogeriatr. 2002 Sep 1;14(3):301-6.

BackgroundDelirium is frequently observed in clinical practice, particularly in medical and surgical wards and more so among patients at risk, especially elderly with preexisting central nervous system impairments.ObjectiveDespite the severe consequences of delirium, epidemiological data relating to incidence of delirium following "minor" surgery are lacking. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of delirium following cataract surgery in community-dwelling patients.OutcomeFor purposes of the present study, the Confusion Rating Scale was used.ResultsOf 296 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 13 (4.4%) had had immediate postoperative delirium. The two variables that significantly differentiated between delirious and nondelirious patients were older age (82.1 vs. 73.06 years; p < .001) and more frequent use of benzodiazepine premedication (69% vs. 39.9%; p < .002).ConclusionThese findings suggest that the incidence of delirium following cataract surgery requires greater awareness, possibly changes in premedication, and a longer observation period in the very old.

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