Fear of Vision Loss May Delay Cataract Surgery: Study Finds - Video

Fear of vision loss may deter some patients from undergoing necessary cataract surgery, according to a newly published study published in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. The study highlights the trust patients place in their physicians and the critical role of doctor-patient communication in making medical decisions.

The research team surveyed 42 patients at Hoxworth Eye Clinic, the training site for UC's ophthalmology residents located near UC Medical Center. The study explored a possible link between health literacy and fear surrounding cataract surgery.

Among those surveyed, 36% reported fear of cataract surgery, and more than half of those specifically feared it would lead to vision loss. However, researchers found no correlation between this fear and a patient's health literacy level.

"We found patients who would benefit from surgery reasonably understood the procedure after we educated them," said Lisa Kelly, MD, a Taylor Asbury-endowed professor-educator and director of medical student education in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. "But even with clear explanations, sometimes their fear persisted."

The study pointed to the importance of open communication.

"Yes, patient education matters, but it's not always sufficient," said Kelly. "What's equally important is building relationships and trust to help patients overcome fear."

Reference: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/04/uc-study--fear-may-deter-patients-from-cataract-surgery.html