THE IMPACT OF A NOVEL MOBILE APPLICATION ON COMPLIANCE, SURVEILLANCE, POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY, AND SATISFACTION IN CATARACT SURGERY PATIENTS

Abstract

Background:
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed ophthalmic procedures worldwide, significantly improving visual function and quality of life. However, postoperative adherence to medications, compliance with follow-up visits, and understanding of recovery instructions remain significant challenges, particularly among elderly patients. Mobile health (mHealth) applications have emerged as effective tools for improving patient engagement, yet their role in cataract postoperative care remains underexplored.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, with 370 cataract surgery patients randomized into two groups:
• Intervention group (n=180): Used a mobile application for postoperative care.
• Control group (n=180): Received standard postoperative care (verbal and written instructions).
The primary outcomes included medication adherence, compliance with postoperative instructions, and follow-up attendance. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, visual acuity improvement, and incidence of complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Patients in the intervention group demonstrated significantly better medication adherence (89.4% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.049), compliance with postoperative instructions (96.1% vs. 81.7%, p = 0.00001), and follow-up attendance (93.3% vs. 78.3%, p = 0.00004) compared to the control group.
• 92.2% of intervention group patients found the app helpful, and 93.3% expressed willingness to
continue using it.
• Visual acuity at Week 1 was significantly better in the intervention group (86.7% achieved 6/6 vision
vs. 41.1% in the control group, p < 0.001), though no significant differences were noted at Weeks 2, 4, and 6.
• Complication rates (dry eye, CME, PCO) did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
The mobile application significantly improved adherence, follow-up compliance, and patient satisfaction, suggesting its potential for integration into routine postoperative cataract care. Future research should explore the long-term benefits, cost-effectiveness, and broader applicability of mHealth interventions in ophthalmology.