Abstract

GONZALEZ SOTERO, Janet et al. Limiting factors in the surgery of cataracts from a scientific-technological perspective. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2011, vol.15, n.3, pp.134-143. ISSN 1561-3194.

Objective: to assess the surgery of cataracts from a scientific-technological perspective and its social impact in the underdeveloped context. Method: an exploratory study from October to December 2010 about the topic. The theme was sought out in the Bibliographic Database of Medline, Ebsco, Hinari, Scielo and others. The information was collected to write the final report of the research, as well as interviews to experts. Development: Medical Sciences constitute an example of the interaction science-technology-society and Ophthalmology has always been aware of current problems, among them the prevalence of blindness due to cataracts, which treatment is surgical, where technical and scientific developments are observed. Despite; there are millions of blind people, the majority of them from the underdeveloped countries capriciously. Conclusion: the main social limiting factors to perform the cataract surgeries are:  lack of trained human resources and medical supplies, the high cost of the surgery, lack of quality in health services, remoteness of hospital facilities, social and cultural barriers, ignorance about health services, fears to negative surgery outcomes and lack of political will of the governments. Cuba has designed a national program to prevent blindness and constitutes a worldwide paradigm in Ophthalmology.

Keywords : CATARACT [classification]; BLINDNESS [complications]; BLINDNESS [diagnosis]; SURGERY.

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