Cataract: vision loss, treatment and the role of the GP in patient assessment and care
Vision impairment and blindness
Modern cataract surgery is relatively routine, yet the decision to proceed to surgery may be complex. GPs can recognise potential problems and help to guide patients’ postoperative expectations as they are faced with options for improving their vision and gaining independence from prescription glasses.
Cataract remains the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide,1 and the functional and economic impact of vision loss is significant.2 Cataract surgery has been shown to be highly effective in improving visual acuity and contributing to increased social mobility and a reduction in anxiety, depression and overall all-cause mortality.3-6 As primary healthcare provider, the GP can play a pivotal role in disease detection and perioperative assessment and counselling of patients with cataract.
Picture credit: © John D. Williams/iStockphoto.
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