Blumenthal technique: psychosocial impact on older adults who have undergone cataract surgery
Keywords:
cataract surgery; Blumenthal technique; psychosocial impact; psychological well-being; older adultAbstract
Introduction: Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in older adults, with significant biomedical and psychosocial consequences.
Objective: To describe the psychosocial impact of the Blumenthal technique for cataract surgery in older adults.
Methods: A mixed-methods study with a concurrent triangulation design and a descriptive-correlational scope was conducted. The sample consisted of 82 older adults (aged 60–91 years). Data collection methods included medical records, visual acuity measurement, semi-structured interviews with computerized lexicographic analysis, and the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale adapted to the Cuban context.
Results: Visual acuity showed a statistically significant improvement (preoperative mean 0.148 ± 0.156 vs. postoperative mean 0.99 ± 0.037; p < 0.001). All dimensions of psychological well-being showed improvement (p<0.05): autonomy (12→13), mastery of the environment (15→17), positive relationships (11→13), purpose in life (23→25), and self-acceptance (29→31). The median score for overall psychological well-being increased from 90 to 99. Qualitative analysis revealed a shift in discourse from terms such as “dependence” and “disengagement” to “independence” and “integration.” 96.3% reported greater active social participation. Conclusions: Cataract surgery using the Blumenthal technique proved to be a biopsychosocial intervention with significant impact on visual recovery, autonomy, social reintegration, and psychological well-being in older adults.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Neyda Alina González Pérez, Idania María Otero Ramos, Niurka Pérez Vázquez, Keilym Artiles Martínez, Jose Guillermo Martínez Urbay
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