The effect of eye exercises applied to stimulate neuroadaptation after multifocal intraocular lens implantation on visual function and quality of life

This study was conducted to examine the effects of eye exercises aimed at stimulating neuroadaptation following multifocal intraocular lens (Multifocal IOL) implantation on patients' visual function and quality of life. In the study, 74 individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: the Study Group (SG) (n=37) and the Control Group (CG) (n=37). The Study Group performed home-based yoga eye exercises for at least one session (~30 minutes) daily for a total of 12 weeks after the patients' condition stabilized following multifocal IOL implantation, while the Control Group was scheduled for assessments only. Assessments were conducted three times for both groups: preoperatively and at the first and third months postoperatively. The Sociodemographic Data Form, prepared by the researchers, was used to collect participants' sociodemographic data; the Timed Reading Test was employed to assess reading performance; the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) was utilized to evaluate vision-related quality of life; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measured anxiety levels; and the Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT) was used to assess cognitive performance. In addition, an ophthalmologist performed measurements of refractive error, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure, pupil diameter, and kappa angle. Data from the initial assessment showed that the Study and Control Groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic, physical (age, height, weight, BMI), physiological (pupil diameter, kappa angle), and cognitive (SMMT) characteristics (p>0.05). Following the yoga eye exercises, the Study Group demonstrated significant improvements in intraocular pressure, reading performance, quality of life, and anxiety levels compared to the Control Group (p0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that yoga eye exercises performed after multifocal IOL implantation can improve patients' visual function and vision-related quality of life. Furthermore, these exercises contribute to positive changes in reading performance and anxiety levels, although their effects on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity appear to be limited. In the field of physiotherapy, the implementation of such complementary exercise programs aimed at enhancing visual function and quality of life offers an innovative approach to improving daily living skills and supporting rehabilitation processes. The integration of exercises that promote neuroadaptation and support visual function into standard protocols for ocular health rehabilitation is particularly important.