Impact of Cataract Surgery on Sexual Quality of Life in Women: A Prospective Study Using the Sexual Quality of Life–Female
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33719/sexscij.2604.33Keywords:
cataract surgery, functional vision, sexual function, Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F)Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of cataract surgery on sexual quality of life in female patients using the Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire.
Methods: This prospective observational study included 67 female patients who underwent cataract surgery. Sexual quality of life was assessed preoperatively and again at 3 months postoperatively using the Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) scale. This is a validated 18-item Likert-type instrument that assesses emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual life. Scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale, with higher scores indicating better sexual quality of life. Demographic variables included age, education level, employment status, and economic status. Statistical comparisons between preoperative and postoperative scores were performed.
Results: Sixty-seven women participated. Sexual quality-of-life scores improved after cataract surgery. For patients over 60 years, SQOL-F scores rose from 58.7 ± 7.2 to 76.9 ± 11.3 (p < 0.05). Patients under 60 showed no significant improvement. Those with lower education and those with low or high economic status showed significant gains (p < 0.05), whereas university-educated or employed patients did not. These results show that cataract surgery’s impact on sexual quality of life differs by sociodemographic group.
Conclusion: Cataract surgery can improve sexual quality of life in women, especially older patients and those with lower socioeconomic status. This suggests cataract surgery offers psychosocial benefits beyond vision improvement. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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