Document Type
Honors Thesis
Publication Date
5-2013
Abstract
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. Examining the effects of cataract surgery on depression and quality of life will help better understand the full risks and benefits of cataract surgery.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Paige, "The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Depression and Vision-Related Quality of Life in an Elderly Population" (2013). Honors College. 101.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/101