Influence of cataract surgery on the psychological well-being of the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: the stage of the elderly, in Cuba from the age of 60, involves changes that affect physical and psychological well-being. Cataract, common in this population, can generate frustration and daily limitations, negatively affecting psychological well-being. Cataract surgery, by improving visual acuity, can promote social participation, autonomy and functionality and presumably positively influence the psychological well-being of older adults. Objective: to characterize the particularities of psychological well-being in older adults with cataract undergoing surgical treatment by Blumenthal technique in only one eye. Methods: a single-group pre-experimental design was used with an exploratory-descriptive approach. Data were collected pre- and post-surgery from clinical history, measurement of visual acuity with refraction, semi-structured interview, surveys and the 28-item Ryff scale validated in Cuba. A lexical-graphic analysis, t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were performed. Results: significant changes were found in the visual acuity and psychological well-being of the sample members and it was statistically demonstrated that the improvement in visual acuity had a positive influence on psychological well-being. Conclusions: although previous studies have linked improvement in visual acuity after cataract surgery in older adults with psychological benefits, this study specifically addresses psychological well-being, underscoring the need for more similar investigations given the possible variability of results in different contexts and populations.

Keywords

• cirugía de catarata
• bienestar psicológico
• adulto mayor