Patients' visual experience during phacoemulsification cataract surgery and associated fear

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Patient Experience

Background:

• Phacoemulsification cataract surgery can induce visual sensations causing patient fear.
• Limited data exists on this phenomenon in Pakistan.
• This study investigated visual experiences and fear during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia in Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the intraoperative visual experiences of patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
• To assess the prevalence and nature of fear associated with these visual sensations.
• To evaluate the impact of preoperative counseling on patient experience.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
• Adult patients (>18 years) undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation under topical anesthesia were enrolled.
• Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on visual sensations (colors, shapes, movements) and associated fear.

Main Results:

• All 53 enrolled patients (mean age 60.4 years) reported visual sensations, including light perception (100%), colors (77.4%), and movements (37.7%).
• Commonly perceived colors were white, blue, red, and yellow.
• 26.4% of patients experienced fear due to these sensations, with only 7.5% receiving preoperative counseling.

Conclusions:

• Patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anesthesia frequently experience diverse visual sensations.
• The reported prevalence of frightening visual sensations in this Pakistani cohort is higher than in previous studies.
• Targeted interventions and improved preoperative counseling are necessary to address patient fear related to intraoperative visual experiences.