Abstract
I applaud Li and associates for their thoughtful discussion concerning the risk of endophthalmitis after immediate bilateral cataract surgery. 1 Li O. Kapetanakis V. Claoue C. Simultaneous bilateral endophthalmitis after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: what's the risk of functional blindness?. Am J Ophthalmol. 2014; 157: 749-751 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar The punch line is this: that in view of burgeoning health care costs and limited resources, the authors believe that the risk of blindness from bilateral endophthalmitis is so low that “widespread introduction of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery [I take this to mean same-day bilateral procedures]” is justified. I am not sure I want to explain to the unfortunate bilaterally blind patient my risk/benefit and cost/convenience thinking that leads to the collaborative decision to undertake bilateral simultaneous surgery. Some of my concerns follow. Simultaneous Bilateral Endophthalmitis after Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: What's the Risk of Functional Blindness?American Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 157Issue 4PreviewSome surgeons have embraced immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery for its rapid visual rehabilitation and practical ease for elderly patients, performing it on request in the absence of contraindications.1 It can offer superior short-term visual outcome compared with delayed sequential surgeries2 and can be performed safely with no significant difference in long-term complications or visual outcome.3 Immediate sequential surgeries also offer significant financial savings4 in an era when economization is perceived as paramount. Full-Text PDF ReplyAmerican Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 158Issue 2PreviewWe thank Dr Schachat for his interest in our editorial on (same-day) immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery.1 We had hoped that non–cataract specialists such as Dr Schachat, who is a renowned retinal surgeon, would be interested in the subject. Full-Text PDF
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