Role of visual acuity in sexual function

Abstract

Background: Good perception of the external world with the senses is critical for sexual arousal and sexual activity. The present study was conducted to investigate role of visual acuity in sexual function. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 60 patients of bilateral cataract or monocular patients with cataract of both genders. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I patients were with bilateral visual acuity values of between 0.2 -0.9 logMAR, group II patients were with bilateral visual acuity values of between 1.0 -1.3 logMAR and group III patients with bilateral visual acuity values of 1.4 - 1.7 logMAR. All patients completed the Turkish version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) before and at 1 month after surgery. Results: The mean age in group I was 62.4 years, in group II was 63.5 years and in group III was 64.5 years. There were 16 smokers in group I, 17 in group II and 12 in group III. 13 patients in group I, 14 in group II and 17 in group III were on anti- hypertensive, 7 in group I, 9 in group II and 8 in group III were on anti- cholesterol. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05).Sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and total IIEF score were significantly improved after cataract surgery in both the group II and group III. The difference was significant (P< 0.05) whereas orgasmic function and erectile function was non- significant (P> 0.05).Conclusion: Authors found an association of low visual acuity and decreased sexual desire in patients undergoing cataract surgery.