How Long Can You Go Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye?

 Cataract surgery is rarely done on both eyes at the same time. This is done for both practical and clinical reasons. The first is so that you still have unobstructed vision in one eye while the operated one heals. The second is because cataracts often don’t evolve at the same rate in each eye.

If the timelines are similar, then your eye surgeon will discuss the optimal time to wait between operations.

Working Out the Optimal Time Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye

• When is a cataract ripe for removal?
• Why do cataracts evolve differently in each eye?
• What’s the average time between cataract surgery on each eye?

When is a cataract ripe for removal?

Cataracts evolve very slowly—over years, or even decades. The signs that it’s ready to be removed include:

• Frequently changing prescriptions.
• Blurred vision.
• Double vision.
• Colors appear faded, yellow, or brown.
• Seeing halos around lights.
• Problems, such as glare, when driving at night.
• Needing additional light to read or see detail if the light is dim.
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Your eye doctor will monitor your cataracts and advise when surgery is needed.

Why do cataracts evolve differently in each eye?

There are many reasons, but the most common is something called asymmetrical aging. This simply means that one eye progresses faster than the other. This is completely normal.

It can also result from trauma. An eye injury or previous surgery can cause damage to the lens. This can, in some cases, hasten the onset of cataracts. Even if both eyes suffered an injury, the mechanism and result are unlikely to be the same in each. Therefore, one might develop cataracts faster than the other.

What’s the average time between cataract surgery on each eye?

If both eyes are ready for a cataract operation, the average time between having each one done is anything from 6-12 weeks. However, there is no set timescale. Indeed, if one eye is significantly more advanced than the other, then you could potentially go for years between surgeries. 

In a minority of cases, cataract removal can be done on both eyes at the same time. This is known as immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISCBCS). However, while there are no physical reasons against having this done, it’s not generally recommended. This is because it’s preferable to give each eye sufficient time to heal before considering surgery on the other.

When ISCBCS is carried out, it’s only done on those who are at a very low risk of complications.

When the surgery is carried out one eye at a time, your eye surgeon will assess the healing process of the first eye before scheduling the next. If optimal recovery is achieved, then the second operation could be carried out as soon as six weeks after the first. In the case of slightly delayed healing, this might be extended to 12 weeks or longer. 

Get Answers to How Long Can You Go Between Cataract Surgery on Each Eye & Other FAQs at the WBEC 

The West Boca Eye Center is a world-leading cataract facility. Headed by Dr. Brent Bellotte, a preeminent ophthalmologist who’s dedicated his career to the advancement of cataract procedures, there’s no better place to entrust your precious eyesight.

This academic-grade facility is a one-stop-shop for total eye care. From cataract surgery to other ocular diseases—plus, of course, routine eye exams—people travel across the country to avail themselves of such clinical expertise.

Visit https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery to find out more about the advanced cataract procedures on offer.

Cataract surgery is rarely done on both eyes at the same time. This is done for both practical and clinical reasons.

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