Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Cataract Surgery On Depression And Vision-Related Quality Of Life In An Elderly Population, Paige Martin

Honors College

Cataracts due to age affect the ability to perform daily visual activities, thereby reducing independence, which can leave a person feeling depressed. This project is designed to study the relationships between cataract surgery and depression and vision-related quality of life in an elderly population. Two groups were studied: Participants undergoing cataract surgery and a wait-list control group. Levels of depression and vision-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and at one-month post-surgery/baseline point. Changes in depressive symptoms did not differ between the two groups; however, vision-related quality of life and visual acuity are significantly increased with cataract removal surgery. …