Authors : Pradeepa BV1*, Priya B Navalagund1, Deepika Jain2, Krishnaprasad R2
Volume : 2
Issue : 5
Year : 2025
Page No : 35-39
Background: Cataract is a common problem that impacts vision-related quality of life. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the changes in daily living activities and levels of independence among individuals following cataract surgery, to assess the impact of cataract surgery on social participation and overall quality of life, and to develop and validate a questionnaire designed to collect data from patients with bilateral cataracts. Methods: This was a hospital-based, prospective cross-sectional study conducted including 160 patients diagnosed with bilateral cataracts who attended community clinics and camps at M.M. Joshi Eye Institute in Hubli, Karnataka. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different age groups, genders, and socioeconomic statuses. Results: The present study showed that quality of life significantly improved after surgery in four areas: mobility (mean change = +0.24, t(159) = -2.43, P=0.016), social (mean change = +0.61, t(159) = -5.35, P <0.001), self-care (mean change = +0.58, t(159) = 5.67, P <0.001), and functional capacity (mean change = +0.22, t(159) = -2.28, P=0.024). Interestingly, compared to people over 60, those between the ages of 40 and 59 showed more notable gains in mobility, social engagement and functional capacity. Conclusion: Cataract surgery significantly improved the quality of life and socioeconomic status of individuals with bilateral cataract blindness, underscoring the importance of accessible surgical interventions in enhancing patient well-being.