Bilateral vs. Sequential Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is, most usually, carried out on one eye at a time. However, in a small number of cases, there is a possibility to have what’s known as a bilateral procedure. In other words, having cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day. 

Alternatively—and if both eyes are “ripe” for cataract surgery at a similar time, cataract surgery can be performed on one eye, followed by another procedure on the other after the healing process for the first is complete. This is known as sequential cataract surgery.

Demystifying the Jargon Surrounding Bilateral, Sequential, & Other Cataract Surgery Timings

• Both eyes: cataract surgery on the same day 
• Sequential surgery timing

Both eyes: cataract surgery on the same day

Having cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day is currently only performed in a minority of patients. You may also hear this referred to as bilateral simultaneous surgery or immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS).

The main reason this is on the rise is due to the massive advances in the surgical procedure. In non-complicated cases, the risk of side effects and complications has decreased dramatically, making dual-eye cataract surgery a consideration for some.

Advantages of such a procedure include:

• You only have one visit to the eye clinic/hospital/doctor’s office.
• It can be less stressful as you only go through a single surgical procedure.
• It saves time—both for medical professionals and for patients and their families.

Of course, a balanced opinion must also look at the negatives of removing cataracts in both eyes at the same time. These are:

• An increased risk of infection and complications as both eyes are subjected simultaneously to an invasive procedure.
• The potential of temporary reduced vision in both eyes.
• Removing the possibility to assess the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) in the first eye to see if it is the most appropriate for the second.

Only people who are at low risk for complications will be considered suitable for ISBCS.

Sequential surgery timing

Sequential procedures—where both eyes require cataract removal but it’s not done on the same day, will be subject to surgery timing determined by your eye doctor. It takes anything from 6 weeks upwards to recover from cataract surgery. If you’re not a candidate for bilateral immediate sequential surgery, then having procedures a minimum of 6 weeks apart is usually recommended.

However, this could be considerably longer. The exact timing will be tailored to your needs and include considerations, such as:

• How severe your cataracts are: If cataracts are significantly advanced, the eye may take longer to fully heal.
• Any other pre-existing health conditions: These include diseases, such as diabetes, glaucoma, dry eye, previous eye surgery, a history of retinal issues, and more. All of these may affect the recovery time and mean you might need to wait longer between procedures.
• Your age: As we age, the healing process becomes slower. This could mean your surgeon will recommend a longer break between operating on each eye.
• Your preference: You do, of course, have a say in the matter. Once your surgeon has made all their recommendations depending on your needs, the final decision lies, ultimately, in your hands.

This also includes the decision to opt for having both eyes treated on the same day, if your surgeon deems this to be appropriate.

Contact the WBEC for Expert Advice on Bilateral Cataract Surgery on the Same Day & Other FAQs

While having cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day isn’t routinely performed, there are some situations where it might be considered—or, indeed, recommended. 

Whatever the case, the world-leading West Boca Eye Center will determine tailored surgery timing that is wholly dependent on your needs.

Start your journey to cataract-free vision at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/ and call us to arrange your expert consultation.