[How much waiting time is acceptable for cataract patients?].

BACKGROUND

Lengthy waiting times are linked to a decline in visual acuity and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients' maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A total of 300 consecutive cataract patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The main question addressed the patient's MAWT to undergo cataract surgery. Patients' visual impairment (VF-14 score), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), education, profession, and social status were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean MAWT was 3.25+/-2.3 months. A significant correlation between VF-14 score and MAWT (r=0.241, p=0.001) and between MAWT and BCVA (r=0.187, p=0.01) was found. Well-educated patients (4.30+/-2.53 months, p=0.004) and patients living with a partner (3.62+/-2.41 months, p= 0.031) were more likely to tolerate longer MAWT. Patients living alone (2.94+/-2.21 months, p= 0.107) and patients who had to take care of a nursing case (2.83+/-1.90 months, p=0.589) tended to shorter MAWT.

CONCLUSIONS

MAWT is dependent on subjective visual impairment and objective BCVA. Availability of social services was also a strong predictor from the patients' perspective.