Eye exams might help detect seniors at risk for a common syndrome in which they emerge from surgery in a state of delirium, new research suggests.

Seniors who have thicker retinas are about 60% more likely to develop post- surgical delirium, researchers recently reported in the journal General Psychiatry.

The retina is the layer of cells along the back of the eye that translates light images into nerve signals to the brain. In particular, a thicker macula — an oval-shaped set of sensors in the center of the retina that contribute to detailed vision — is associated with a risk of post-surgical delirium, researchers found.

“Our findings suggest that macular thickness … may serve as a noninvasive marker and identify individuals vulnerable to developing postoperative delirium after anesthesia and surgery among geriatric patients,” concluded a team led by senior researcher Dr. Yuan Shen, a professor with Tongji University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China.

About 26% of older patients develop post- surgical delirium, according to the American Medical Association.

Patients with post-surgical delirium require longer hospital stays and are more likely to require support at home following their discharge, researchers said. They also face a greater risk of cognitive decline.

Unfortunately, there’s no simple test for identifying people at risk for post- surgical delirium, researchers said.

However, previous studies have identified vision problems as an independent risk factor for delirium following surgery. Retinal thickness has also been associated with cognitive impairment and risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Post-surgical delirium can be prevented, according to the American Geriatrics Society. Having patients walk multiple times daily, allowing overnight sleep without interruption and avoiding use of catheters can help ward off delirium.