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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Refractive Surgical Correction for Presbyopia and Exploring Postoperative Visual Acuity
Published on: September 20, 2024
Impact of Refractive Surgery on Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction: A Six-Month Assessment in Palestine
Ithar M Beshtawi1, Mohammad Shehadeh2, Mohammed Aljarousha3
1Optometry, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, PSE.
Background:
Refractive surgery has advanced significantly recently, leading to improved visual outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess vision quality, satisfaction, happiness, ability to perform daily activities, and postoperative symptoms among patients who underwent refractive surgery in Palestine.
Materials And Methods:
This prospective observational study included 100 patients (69 females; mean age: 28.7±6.7) who underwent refractive surgery. Visual acuity and the spherical equivalent (SE) of manifest refraction were measured preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was evaluated via structured telephone interviews using a validated questionnaire covering demographics, motivations for surgery, satisfaction and happiness, and postoperative symptoms.
Results:
86% of participants achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) between 0.0 and -0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), with a mean postoperative SE of -0.2±0.3D. A significant correlation was found between preoperative SE and postoperative UCVA (r=0.4; p=0.0), as well as between preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative UCVA (r=0.4; p=0.0). High levels of satisfaction (84%; mean score 3.8±0.3), happiness (90%; 3.9±0.3), goal achievement (93%; 3.9±0.2), improved quality of life (93%; 3.9±0.2), and willingness to recommend the procedure to others (96%; 3.9±0.2) were reported. Overall satisfaction was strongly correlated with both preoperative SE (r=0.8; p<0.0) and postoperative UCVA (r=0.6; p<0.0). Between 56% and 95% of participants reported improved ability to perform daily activities, which significantly correlated with overall satisfaction and happiness (p≤0.05). Less than 10% reported adverse symptoms, which didn't correlate with postoperative SE or UCVA (p>0.05).
Conclusions:
Refractive surgery would significantly improve vision, quality of life, and the ability to perform daily activities. The majority of patients were satisfied, pleased with the outcomes, and willing to recommend the surgery to others.
