SIGNIFICATIONS IMPUTED BY MONOCULAR VISION CAREERS TO VISUAL LOSS AND CATARACT SURGERY

Abstract

Purpose: To identify perceptions and significations relating to the visual loss and the cataract surgery among monocular vision patients who present surgical indication by means of a impairment. Methods: A qualitative study through open interviews with 8 individuals identified by the Cataract Project, was conducted in Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School (HC-FMUSP), during November, 2004. Results: The study included 4 women and 4 men, ages from 38 to 86 years old. They reported professional activities as liable for the visual loss, pointed out difficulties to get medical care and revealed popular beliefs and insufficient knowledge about their own ocular problem. Conclusions: Meanings, perceptions, feelings, reactions and experiences were identified related to cataract and visual loss, in general attributed to their professional activity. The occurence of cataract in a single eye signified to them anguish and conflictive situation related to loss of independence. Expectancy of seeing again through surgical procedure became attached to the sense of having a normal and useful life and by the fact of returning to the labour market.