Fear Among Cataract Patients Undergoing Surgery and Nurses’ Role

Abstract

Aims: This article aimed to review the fear experienced by cataract patients. Background: Cataracts are the primary cause of blindness and significantly decrease quality of life. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide, which is done under local anaesthesia. Methods: We included studies from various credible scientific databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Results: Fear experienced by cataract patients was at its peak during the pre-operative period. Their experience during the surgery contributed to the fear in a few of the patients as it is performed under local anaesthesia. Postoperatively, their fear subsided and various interventions, such as handholding and massages, can decrease the anxiety or fear that they experienced. Conclusion: Patients undergoing cataract surgery experience fear of blindness, anxiety and nervousness about the surgery, and misconceptions can also contribute to the fear. They require adequate counselling and specific interventions to improve their overall experience of the surgery. Keywords:Fear, anxiety, cataract surgery, phacoemulsification, local anaesthesia, retrobulbar anaesthesia, nursing interventions