Impact of cataract surgery on the quality of life of elderly patients

As we age, progressive visual changes such as cataracts directly impact the autonomy and social integration of older adults. Surgical removal of the cloudy lens, although widely performed, has effects that go beyond improving vision and still lacks comprehensive systematization in the literature regarding its impact on the daily lives of these patients. This study aimed to gather, critically interpret, and synthesize recent publications that explore the consequences of cataract surgery on the practical and emotional lives of people aged 60 and over. The bibliographic search covered PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases, considering studies published between 2014 and 2025 that linked the surgical procedure to subjective dimensions of life experience. The results revealed a wide range of benefits, including restored functional independence, restored self-esteem, increased confidence in external environments, and social reengagement. These findings reinforce the multidimensional nature of the surgical impact. It is concluded that phacoemulsification, in addition to anatomical restoration of vision, acts as a catalyst for social reintegration and psychosocial rebalancing in the elderly and should be recognized as an essential pillar in promoting eye health in old age.