Post-operative Cognitive Decline After Ambulatory Cataract Surgery in the Elderly Population

Postoperative cognitive decline is a recognized complication following anesthesia and surgery in older adults; however, its incidence after ambulatory cataract surgery performed under sedation is not well understood. This prospective observational study aims to determine the proportion of patients aged 65 years and older who develop postoperative cognitive decline at 3 weeks and 3 months following ambulatory cataract surgery. Participants will complete a baseline Tele-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) before surgery and repeat the assessment remotely at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Demographic, medical, anesthetic, and procedural data will also be collected. The findings will improve understanding of postoperative cognitive outcomes in elderly patients undergoing ambulatory cataract surgery and help identify patients who may be at increased risk for postoperative cognitive decline.

Inclusion Criteria: 1\. All patients ages 65 and older Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to understand instructions in English 2. Lack of access to a computer, tablet, smartphone, or internet access 3. Patients with established cognitive deficit diagnoses (e.g. Alzheimer's, TBI, stroke) 4. Patients with known psychiatric diagnoses 5. Patients who have undergone any procedure or surgery requiring sedation, regional, neuraxial or general anesthesia within the past 6 months