Key Takeaways

  • Studies conducted in rural Mozambique suggest cataract surgery is associated with greater work participation, and improved food and income security

  • Median quality-of-life scores increased from 38.5 to 81 at 12 months following cataract surgery

Two studies conducted in rural Mozambique suggest cataract surgery is associated with improvements extending beyond vision restoration, including greater work participation, improved food and income security, reduced stigma, and better quality of life.

The research, supported by international development organization Sightsavers, highlights the potential social and economic benefits of expanding access to cataract surgery in underserved communities.

The quantitative study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Africa, collected data from more than 800 adults before cataract surgery and at 12-month follow-up. Median quality-of-life scores increased from 38.5 before surgery to 81 after surgery.

Researchers also reported several improvements in participants' daily functioning and economic circumstances:

  • Severe functional difficulties in nonvision domains, including self-care, decreased by 44.2 percentage points

  • Participation in personal work activities, including farming, increased by 40.7 percentage points

  • Reported food and income insufficiency decreased by 42.3 and 25.8 percentage points, respectively

  • Internalized stigma and community stigma decreased by 51 and 34.7 percentage points, respectively

A companion qualitative study, published in SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, examined participants' experiences following surgery, documenting improvements in independence, confidence, and engagement in daily activities.

Stevens Bechange, PhD, global technical lead for health and disability research at Sightsavers and lead author of both studies, emphasized the broader implications for health policy.

“Eye care is often a ‘missing’ topic from health and development priorities. But our studies show that cataract surgery is associated with improved daily functioning, renewed confidence and greater economic participation, as well as better vision,” Dr. Bechange said.

The findings reinforce calls for increased investment in accessible eye care, particularly in regions where cataracts remain a major contributor to avoidable vision impairment.