Waiting time for cataract extraction: Predictive factors and influence on outcomes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cataract extraction is a common surgical procedure.
• Waiting times for cataract surgery can vary significantly.
• Understanding factors influencing wait times is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with waiting list duration for cataract extraction.
• To assess the impact of waiting time on postoperative visual acuity, visual function, and surgical complications.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study was conducted across twelve ophthalmology units in Spain.
• 3787 consecutive patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataract removal were included.
• Data collected included sociodemographic information, visual acuity, and Visual Function Index 14 (VF-14) scores, analyzed using regression models.

Main Results:

• Patients with social support waited significantly longer for cataract extraction.
• Shorter waiting times (under 3 months) were associated with greater visual acuity gains compared to longer waits (over 5 months).
• Waiting time did not significantly affect visual function (VF-14) or complication rates.

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic factors inconsistently influence cataract surgery waiting times, indicating a lack of standardized appropriateness and priority criteria.
• Implementing explicit and homogeneous criteria could improve waiting list management and ensure timely access for patients with the greatest need.