Cataract Surgery Works—But Fear Still Holds Patients Back 

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To give patients confidence rather than fear, doctors should mix helpful education with being kind and caring. 

United States: Cataract surgery enjoys a very high success rate in the U.S., with researchers estimating it at 95%. Every year, millions of people in the U.S. go through this procedure with little risk and soon get back on their feet. On the other hand, many aging individuals avoid it—even though they know the positive outcomes, as reported by HealthDay. 

A new study published in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology reveals that fear of blindness is a major barrier for some patients, even when they’re well-informed. 

Fear Runs Deeper Than the Facts 

Researchers found that 36% of a selected patient group reported fear about undergoing cataract surgery. More than half of those individuals specifically feared losing their vision. 

“We found patients who would benefit from surgery reasonably understood the procedure after we educated them,” said Dr. Lisa Kelly, senior researcher. “But even with clear explanations, sometimes their fear persisted.” 

Experts don’t believe this fear comes mainly from being misinformed; it’s more emotional, they think. 

What Do Cataracts Mean? 

Proteins clustering on the eye’s lens causes cataracts and results in blurry or clouded vision. They’re a common side effect of ageing and most elderly people experience them. The Cleveland Clinic reports that cataract surgery is recommended to about half of those 90 or older. 

During the procedure, a cloudy lens is taken out and an artificial clear one is put in. You will see quick, smooth and highly successful results. 

A Closer Look at Patient Fears 

In the latest study, researchers examined 42 patients at the Hoxworth Eye Clinic at the University of Cincinnati. The average patient was 66 years old, and most were Black. The team explored the roots of surgical hesitancy. 

While health literacy is often considered a factor, this study showed that fear of blindness persisted even among well-informed patients. Simply providing more information wasn’t always helpful. 

“Overloading patients with data doesn’t necessarily ease their concerns,” said lead researcher Stephanie Hu, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Cincinnati. 

Building Trust May Be the Key 

Experts believe that giving patients information is necessary, but often not enough on its own. It is just as important to make sure providers and patients trust one another, as reported by HealthDay. 

Whenever patients have their voices heard and are supported, they tend to advance more, according to Dr. Kelly. We need to both inform and understand in our profession.