More than 50% of patients delay cataract surgeries in India: Survey Report
73% have cited fears like losing eyesight, painful procedure or long recovery period when it comes to cataract surgeries
New
Delhi, June 27, 2022: Cataract is the leading cause of vision loss in the
country; however, it is treatable with a simple procedure with over 98% success
rate. According to the research done by the National Eye Institute, it has been
found that 9 out of 10 people who undergo cataract surgery get clear vision.
Cataract also most commonly affects people in the age group of 40 and above. On
the occasion of Cataract Awareness Month, Pristyn Care has launched “The
Great Indian Cataract Survey Report” which aims to create awareness and
promote holistic eye-care. The survey was conducted with over 1000+ respondents
across metros as well as the data analyzed by the Pristyn Care Data Lab on
cataract surgeries performed till now.
According
to the survey, more than 50% of Indians are delaying cataract surgeries. Most
common misconceptions include losing eyesight, painful procedures, or a long
recovery period when it comes to cataract surgery. Among the top criteria for
undergoing cataract surgery, 52% of Indians choose specialized, highly
experienced surgeons, 41% opt for advanced technology, and 26% make the
decision based on the location of the surgery, i.e. Eye hospital and clinic.
Affordability and cost of the surgery ranks last at 24%. On the survey
findings, Dr. Kripa Pulasaria, Ophthalmologist said, “While there can
be multiple reasons for cataract delay, we at Pristyn Care believe that it is
important to address patient concerns and spend time with them one-on-one.
Patients who understand the treatment and benefits of advanced technology are
generally not anxious while undergoing the surgery. Fears of pain, surgical
complications, or losing eye-sight can be mitigated with appropriate
preoperative education.”
According
to Pristyn Care’s Data Lab which also studied 1 lakh+ cataract patient queries
and 7000+ cataract surgeries done by the company, 59% of cataract surgeries are
in the age group of 56 and above. Analysis of data further indicates growing
cataract cases in the younger population, a condition widely believed to impact
the elderly. The risk factors may be prolonged exposure to UV rays, early onset
of diabetes, smoking, alcohol, and environmental factors like food adulteration
and pollution.
Commenting
on the findings, Dr Garima Sawhney, co-founder at Pristyn
Care, said, “Cataract is the major cause of reversible blindness and
visual impairment in the country. According to Pristyn Care’s Cataract survey
report, we have observed that lack of access to information, treatment and
accessibility are the main reasons for delay among Indians. Cataract surgeries
are the most common and frequently performed as compared to other elective
procedures. We are committed to introducing advanced treatments for better and
quick recovery. We also spoke to the patients who have undergone cataract
surgeries and 83% agreed that their pre-surgery inhibitions were unfounded. In
fact, 97% of patients would also recommend cataract surgeries to others.”
Pristyn
Care is one of the largest cataract surgery providers in the country. It
surveyed 7 metros including NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad
and Chennai. The company is also offering free eye check-ups and free
consultations in its effort to promote eye care.
Source
& details :
- Sources
- Survey done across 1000+ respondents
- Insights from the Pristyn Care Data Lab which
studied 1 lakh+ cataract patient queries and 7000+ cataract surgeries
done by the company
- Number of cities - 40+ cities (*Metros
include 7 cities -NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad and
Chennai)
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