Most cataract patients are happier, more independent after surgery

A new survey from Alcon sheds light on the daily challenges of having cataracts and the emotional benefits of improved vision after surgery.

Nearly three out of four respondents agreed that after having the surgery, they were happier, more satisfied and had a greater appreciation for life, Alcon reported in a press release.

A majority of survey respondents said cataracts made simple, daily tasks more difficult.

Timed with Cataract Awareness Month in June, Alcon conducted the MyCataracts survey with 1,300 U.S. adults, age 60 years and older, who have undergone cataract surgery.

Nearly 60% of respondents said having cataracts made them feel annoyed, frustrated or old.

Of those who expressed an opinion, a majority agreed that after surgery they were happier (74%), more satisfied (76%), had a greater appreciation for their lives (68%) and felt more independent because their eyesight is clear (87%).

Nearly all the people surveyed would recommend cataract surgery.

Many did not recognize the emotional toll of living with cataracts. Of those who expressed an opinion, more than 50% agreed that they did not realize how much they were missing in their lives until they had cataract surgery.

Alcon collaborated with the research firm YouGov in 2017 to field the MyCataracts Survey. Fieldwork was undertaken between April 13 and April 20 using email invitation and an online survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.