Patient with cataract – observations after 2 years of the pandemic and future prospects

Abstract

Cataract is a disease in which the natural lens becomes completely or partially cloudy. During the pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the number of cataract surgeries performed compared to previous years, due to fear of the disease and the safety of the procedures performed. Cataract surgery should be performed in patients whose visual acuity deterioration has an impact on the performance of life or work activities. Due to the pandemic, some patients report to a more advanced stage of cataract, which leads to a reduction in their quality of life. Such surgery can be associated with a higher risk of surgical complications and longer recovery time. The development of new intraocular lens technologies, increased life expectancy, as well as changing lifestyles and increased activity of the elderly contribute to the increasing choice of premium intraocular lenses by patients. These lenses enable patients to achieve satisfactory uncorrected visual acuity not only for distance, but also for near and intermediate distances.