Which factors influence patients' maximum acceptable waiting time for cataract surgery? - a questionnaire survey

Purpose: To evaluate patients' maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT) and to assess the determinants of patient perceptions of MAWT. Methods: A total of 500 consecutive patients with cataract were asked to fill out a preoperative questionnaire, addressing patients' MAWT to undergo cataract surgery. Patients' visual impairment (VF-14 score), education, profession and social status were evaluated, and an ophthalmologic examination was performed. Univariate analysis included Spearman's correlation test, unpaired Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Univariate and multivariate associations were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Results: The mean MAWT was 3.17 +/- 2.12 months. The mean VF-14 score was 72.10 +/- 22.54. Between VF-14 score and MAWT, there was a significant correlation (r = 0.180, p = 0.004). Patients with higher education (high school, university) accepted significantly longer MAWT (3.92 +/- 2.38 months versus 3.02 +/- 2.00 months, p = 0.009). Patients who had self-noticed visual impairment were nearly four times (OR: 3.88, 95% CI = 2.07-7.28, p < 0.001) more likely to accept only MAWT of < 3 months. Conclusions: Patients with low tolerance for waiting had greater self-reported difficulty with vision. Patients' acceptance of waiting was not associated with clinical visual acuity measures. Education, ability to work, living independently and taking care of dependents were also strong predictors from patients' perspective. Considering the implementation of standards for waiting lists, these facts should be taken into account.