Language, Race, Ethnicity, and Insurance-related Disparities in Blepharoptosis Surgery

Given that patients' primary language, race, ethnicity, and insurance may affect their healthcare, this study assessed differences in blepharoptosis surgical rates, waiting times, and outcomes in patients across different demographic groups and insurance types.

This retrospective cohort study followed up patients diagnosed with blepharoptosis, with primary outcome measures including blepharoptosis surgical procedure, diagnosis-to-procedure interval, procedure type, and procedure complications.

Among 5045 patients diagnosed with blepharoptosis, age at diagnosis differed significantly among ethnic groups, with Hispanic patients presenting younger than the overall cohort (60 versus 64 y). Once diagnosed with blepharoptosis, Hispanic patients underwent surgery at the highest rate (20.8%), followed by Asian (18.5%), White (13.0%), and Black (12.8%) patients. English speakers were least likely to undergo surgery after a blepharoptosis diagnosis (14.3%), whereas Vietnamese (22.8%), Mandarin (21.4%), and Spanish (21.3%) speakers underwent surgery more frequently. Patients needing an interpreter were also more likely to undergo surgery (21.5% versus 14.3%).

Hispanic and Asian blepharoptosis patients undergo surgery at a significantly higher rate than White and Black patients. In non-English speakers and for patients requiring an interpreter, surgery also occurs more frequently.