Emotional factors prior to cataract surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychology

Background:

• Cataract significantly impacts daily life and patient well-being.
• Emotional factors are critical in managing chronic conditions and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify emotional factors associated with daily challenges and surgical treatment in cataract patients.
• To understand the psychological impact of cataract on individuals undergoing treatment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing a questionnaire.
• Data collected from patients at a university hospital's ophthalmology cataract unit.

Main Results:

• 82.7% of patients reported daily difficulties due to their cataract.
• Fear of vision loss (54.0%) was common, alongside doubt (32.7%), distress (26.4%), and sadness (25.5%).
• The study included 110 participants (65.5% women, average age 69.0 years) with varying educational backgrounds.

Conclusions:

• Cataract leads to significant daily functional impairments.
• Fear is the primary emotion concerning cataract surgery.
• Intervention programs are needed to emotionally prepare patients for daily life adjustments and surgery.