The Level of Knowledge and Attitudes of Cataract Patients Towards Cataracts and Cataract Surgery at Prima Vision Eye Hospital

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 9 views

The Level of Knowledge and Attitudes of Cataract Patients Towards Cataracts and Cataract Surgery at Prima Vision Eye Hospital

Introduction

Cataracts are a common eye disorder that occurs due to changes in the lens of the eye, causing it to become murky. This condition is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide. According to the results of the examination from the Enumerator officer in Riskesdas 2013, the prevalence of cataracts in Indonesia was recorded at 1.8%, with the highest prevalence in North Sulawesi Province (3.7%) and the lowest in DKI Jakarta (0.9%). Meanwhile, in North Sumatra Province, the prevalence of cataracts reached 1.4%. Despite the availability of surgical treatment, many cataract sufferers in Indonesia have not undergone the operation. This is primarily due to two main factors: lack of knowledge about cataracts and financial inability to bear the operating costs.

Purpose and Methodology

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of cataract patients towards cataracts and cataract surgery at Prima Vision Eye Hospital. This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional design. The sample used was taken through a consecutive sampling technique, where 46 patients were randomly selected and calculated using the appropriate statistical formula.

Results

The results showed that of 46 respondents, as many as 56.5% had a good level of knowledge about cataracts and cataract surgery. In addition, a good level of attitude towards cataracts and cataract operations was 69.6%. This finding shows that the majority of patients have a good understanding of cataracts and medical solutions available to handle it.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The good level of knowledge among cataract patients is very important because it can influence their decision to undergo surgery. Adequate knowledge of diseases and their treatment can encourage patients to take proactive steps in caring for their eye health. For example, patients who understand that cataracts can be operated on may be more motivated to consult a doctor and consider the necessary medical actions.

On the other hand, although there is a good level of knowledge, financial challenges remain a major barrier for patients to undergo cataract surgery. This shows the importance of efforts from various parties, including the government and health institutions, to provide assistance or subsidies for underprivileged patients. With this support, it is expected that the number of cataract patients undergoing surgery can increase, thereby reducing blindness due to cataracts in Indonesia.

Implications for Health Service Providers

This research provides important insights for health service providers to improve educational programs for the community. Increasing understanding and awareness of cataracts and its treatment is very important in reducing the stigma and misunderstanding. With the right information, patients can make better decisions and take the right steps for their eye health.

Conclusion

Overall, although the level of knowledge and attitudes of cataract patients at Prima Vision Eye Hospital shows a good category, there are still many things that need to be done to ensure that more cataract sufferers get the treatment they need. Through collaboration between medical personnel, patients, and related institutions, it is expected that the incidence of cataracts can decrease and the quality of life of patients can increase.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health institutions should provide educational programs for the community to increase awareness and understanding of cataracts and its treatment.
The government and health institutions should provide assistance or subsidies for underprivileged patients to overcome financial challenges.
Medical personnel should collaborate with patients and related institutions to improve the quality of care and increase the number of cataract patients undergoing surgery.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the incidence of cataracts can decrease, and the quality of life of patients can increase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

Q: What is a cataract?

A: A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. It is a common age-related condition that can cause blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light.

Q: What are the symptoms of cataracts?

A: The symptoms of cataracts can include:

Blurred vision
Double vision
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty seeing at night
Fading or yellowing of colors

Q: Can cataracts be treated?

A: Yes, cataracts can be treated with surgery. The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Q: What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

A: The benefits of cataract surgery include:

Improved vision
Reduced sensitivity to light
Reduced glare
Improved quality of life

Q: What are the risks of cataract surgery?

A: The risks of cataract surgery include:

Infection
Bleeding
Retinal detachment
Cataract formation in the other eye

Q: How long does cataract surgery take?

A: Cataract surgery typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour per eye.

Q: Is cataract surgery painful?

A: Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the eye and prevents pain.

Q: How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

A: The recovery time for cataract surgery can vary depending on the individual, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.

Q: Can cataract surgery be covered by insurance?

A: Yes, cataract surgery is typically covered by insurance, but the specifics of coverage can vary depending on the insurance provider.

Q: What are the alternatives to cataract surgery?

A: The alternatives to cataract surgery include:

Glasses or contact lenses
Medications to improve vision
Laser surgery to improve vision

Q: What are the long-term effects of cataract surgery?

A: The long-term effects of cataract surgery can include:

Improved vision
Reduced sensitivity to light
Reduced glare
Improved quality of life

Q: Can cataract surgery be reversed?

A: No, cataract surgery cannot be reversed. Once the cloudy lens is removed, it cannot be replaced.

Q: What are the complications of cataract surgery?

A: The complications of cataract surgery can include:

Infection
Bleeding
Retinal detachment
Cataract formation in the other eye

Q: How can I prevent cataracts?

A: There is no surefire way to prevent cataracts, but some risk factors can be reduced, such as:

Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly to reduce the risk of age-related diseases
Getting regular eye exams to detect cataracts early

By understanding the risks and benefits of cataract surgery, you can make informed decisions about your eye health. If you have any further questions or concerns, consult with an eye care professional.