SATISFACTION INDEX AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

introduction: Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed ophthalmologic procedures worldwide and generally results in high rates of visual rehabilitation. However, patient satisfaction extends beyond objective measures of visual acuity and involves subjective perceptions, expectations, and psychosocial factors. Identifying the variables that shape satisfaction is essential for improving surgical care and patient-centered outcomes. Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to examine the multiple clinical, functional, and psychological elements that influence patient satisfaction following cataract surgery. Secondary goals include exploring the impact of intraocular lens selection, postoperative symptoms, and perioperative counseling on satisfaction levels. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “cataract surgery,” “patient satisfaction,” “visual outcome,” and “quality of life.” The review included peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2019 and 2024 that reported on patient satisfaction and related outcome measures. Results and Discussion: findings suggest that while postoperative visual acuity remains a core indicator of success, patient satisfaction is also significantly shaped by preoperative education, lens selection, subjective symptoms such as dry eye and glare, and psychosocial status. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide valuable insight into satisfaction and should be incorporated into clinical practice. Age, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and bilateral procedure planning were also found to influence patient perception. Conclusion: Patient satisfaction after cataract surgery is multifactorial, integrating both objective clinical outcomes and subjective experiences. Individualized approaches, comprehensive counseling, and integration of PROMs may optimize satisfaction and improve overall care delivery in cataract surgery.