Cataract Surgery and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review on Outcomes in the Elderly

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 7; p. e65469
• Main Authors: Dhawale, Kasturi K, Tidake, Pravin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 26-07-2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Cataracts; Eye surgery; Geriatric psychiatry; Medical Education; Medical Simulation; Mental depression; Older people; Visual impairment; cognitive function; anxiety; depression; elderly mental health; quality of life; cataract surgery
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65469

Cataract surgery is a widely performed and highly effective procedure that significantly improves vision in elderly patients. This narrative review examines the impact of cataract surgery on mental health outcomes in the elderly, focusing on conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. The review highlights the prevalence of cataracts in older adults and the importance of mental health in this demographic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of visual and mental health. Improved vision following cataract surgery has been associated with enhanced quality of life, increased independence, and better psychological well-being. Mechanisms linking visual improvement to mental health benefits include biological pathways, psychosocial factors, and overall health improvements. However, socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and patient education play crucial roles in achieving positive outcomes. This review also compares cataract surgery with other interventions, providing a cost-benefit analysis and discussing the long-term sustainability of mental health benefits. Practice recommendations include pre-surgical mental health screening, integrative care approaches, and guidelines for postoperative care focusing on mental health. The review concludes with suggestions for future research to further explore the relationship between cataract surgery and mental health in the elderly, aiming to enhance clinical practice and public health strategies.