Influence of visual acuity level on sexual function in patients with cataract

PURPOSE: To assess the association of sexual function with visual acuity. METHODS: Patients were included in the mild to moderate visual impairment (MVI), severe visual impairment (SVI), and profound visual impairment (PVI) groups based on bilateral corrected distance visual acuity. All patients completed the Turkish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Glombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) scales before and at 1 month after the cataract surgery. RESULTS: Mean IIEF scores did not improve after cataract surgery in the MVI group (P > 0.05). Sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and total IIEF score were significantly improved after cataract surgery in both the SVI and PVI groups (P < 0.05). Mean GRISS subscale scores did not improve after cataract surgery in the MVI group (P > 0.05). Non-sensuality, avoidance, dissatisfaction, infrequency, noncommunication, and total GRISS score were significantly improved after cataract surgery in both the SVI and PVI groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results documented the association of low visual acuity and decreased sexual desire and satisfaction and revealed the beneficial effect of visual improvement.