Barriers to the Early Uptake of Cataract Surgery: A Study in Patients with Bilateral Mature Cataract

Background: Cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Despite being one of the safest and most frequently performed eye surgeries, the uptake of cataract surgery services remains inadequate. Various barriers hinder access to surgery for patients with cataract-induced blindness. This prospective observational study aimed to identify these barriers among patients with bilateral mature cataracts. Methods: The study included all patients with bilateral mature cataracts who visited the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department over 18 months, from March 2023 to August 2024. Socio-demographic data and factors contributing to delayed uptake of cataract surgery services were collected through a structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 62 patients with bilateral mature cataracts participated in the study. The majority were elderly, female, and from rural areas. Among them, 87.08% sought treatment more than three months after the onset of bilateral blindness. Fear of surgery was the most frequently cited reason for delay. Barriers varied by gender, with females facing attitudinal challenges, while males encountered logistical obstacles. Key barriers identified included advanced age, female gender, and rural residence. Conclusion: With increasing population and life expectancy, the suboptimal utilization of eye care services will lead to a wide disparity between those requiring eye care and those receiving eye care services. Addressing the barriers to cataract surgery is critical to reducing cataract-related blindness. Given the diversity of these barriers, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is essential to improve surgical uptake and access to care.