Immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery

Abstract

Thanks to progress in surgical techniques and intracameral antibiotic use, the safety of cataract removal procedures has improved substantially. 1 Friling E Johansson B Lundström M Montan P Postoperative endophthalmitis in immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: a nationwide registry study. Ophthalmology. 2022; 129: 26-34 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (0) Google Scholar Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) is a procedure during which a cataract is removed from both eyes of a single patient during the same surgery, compared with delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) in which a cataract is removed sequentially within a certain timespan. 2 Malvankar-Mehta MS Chen YN Patel S Leung AP Merchea MM Hodge WG Immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2015; 10e0131857 Crossref Scopus (31) Google Scholar ISBCS offers multiple benefits from societal, health-care, psychological, and economic perspectives. Among these benefits, the reduction in the number of visits to the clinic appears to be of utmost importance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3 Dmuchowska DA Pieklarz B Konopinska J Mariak Z Obuchowska I Impact of three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of elective cataract surgeries at a tertiary referral center: a Polish perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 188608 Crossref Scopus (8) Google Scholar Safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery in the Netherlands (BICAT-NL study): a multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trialOur results showed non-inferiority of ISBCS versus DSBCS regarding effectiveness outcomes, comparable safety, and superior cost-effectiveness of ISBCS. National cost savings could amount to €27·4 million (US$34·5 million) annually, advocating for ISBCS if strict inclusion criteria are applied. Full-Text PDF