Are there specific risk factors or comorbidities that influence the urgency of cataract referrals?

Yes, specific risk factors and comorbidities do influence the urgency of referrals for cataract management. People with systemic comorbidities may require formal preoperative assessment and individualised care plans, which can affect the timing and urgency of referral for cataract surgery. This includes consideration of their capacity to cooperate with examinations, surgery, and postoperative care, as well as social support and mental capacity issues ².

Additionally, ocular comorbidities such as diabetes or uveitis increase the risk of postoperative complications like cystoid macular oedema, which may necessitate more urgent or carefully planned referral and management ¹.

While visual acuity alone should not restrict access to cataract surgery, significant symptoms impacting quality of life (e.g., disabling glare or double vision) or the patient’s expressed wish to continue driving despite not meeting DVLA visual standards may also influence referral urgency ².

Therefore, urgency is influenced by both systemic and ocular comorbidities, patient capacity and support, and the impact of cataract on quality of life rather than visual acuity alone.