Cataract surgery: expectations of patients assisted during a community project in São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To identify social characteristics and expectations of individuals seen during a community project for the treatment of senile cataracts. Expected results from their eye surgery and its consequences to their quality of life were studied as well.


METHODS
Cataract patients (visual acuity equal to or lower than 0.2 in the more superior eye) aged 50 years or over, were surveyed by means of interviews held during their visit at the Cataract Project in São Paulo city, State of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1999.


RESULTS
The sample was composed of 331 subjects of low socioeconomic level ranging in age from 50 to 97 years (average = 71.8 years). Expectation of total recovery from the cataract condition by means of surgery was declared by 80.0% of the respondents, with no significant differences between male and female subjects (P < 0.1723). Hope to resume manual activities was expressed by 59.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
A predominance of expectations of resuming normal activity and achieving a better quality of life after cataract surgery were identified.
Kara-Júnior
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Discipline of Ophthalmology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Temporini
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ER
Kara-José
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N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014792:Visual Acuity