New evidence presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) suggests that cataract surgery on both eyes in one session can be safe, effective, and highly practical for many patients.
Two major studies – one from Denmark and one from the UK – show that immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) delivers outcomes at least as good as, and in some cases better than, the traditional delayed sequential approach (DSBCS).
The Danish researchers from Silkeborg Regional Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital surveyed 157 patients who underwent same-day cataract surgery. The majority reported strong independence upon returning home:
- 88% could move around the home without assistance
- 79% managed to prepare food
- 51% used their mobile phones without help
While just over half required support for eye drop administration, 62% said they needed no caregiver at all within the first 24 hours.
Ophthalmic nurse Ms Mia Vestergaard Bendixen from Silkeborg Regional Hospital noted the importance of these findings.
“Our results show that many people can expect to manage well soon after surgery, which may ease anxiety about needing support. For clinicians, these findings support offering same-day cataract surgery, while emphasising patient education and planning for temporary help if needed.”
A second study, led by Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, analysed outcomes from more than 10,000 patients between December 2023 and December 2024.
Key results included:
- Multifocal lenses with same-day surgery delivered the best outcomes, with 85% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.
- Among monofocal lens patients, around 70% reached 20/20 vision, regardless of whether surgery was same-day or delayed.
- Prescription accuracy was highest in the multifocal same-day group, with 88% achieving results within ±0.5 dioptres.
Lead investigator Dr Gabriele Gallo Afflitto said the findings show strong benefits.
“For patients, these findings are encouraging. They suggest that having cataract surgery performed in both eyes on the same day, particularly with multifocal lenses, can deliver excellent vision, reduce dependence on glasses, and allow faster recovery.”
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Vincenzo Maurino highlighted potential system-wide advantages, including reduced waiting times, fewer appointments, and lower costs, “all without compromising patient outcomes.”
While acknowledging the benefits, ESCRS Secretary Dr Joaquín Fernández emphasised the importance of maintaining safety standards.
“Not only does [same-day surgery] reduce hospital visits for patients, it also saves time for hospital staff, potentially allowing them to see more patients. However, we need to be sure that this approach maintains the highest standards of safety and does not increase the risk of surgical or postoperative complications.”
Overall, the studies provide reassurance that same-day cataract surgery can be performed safely, with patients recovering well at home and achieving visual results equal to or better than those treated on separate days.
To view ‘Recovery Of Self-Sufficiency And Need For Assistance After Simultaneous Bilateral Cataract Surgery’, by Mia Vestergaard Bendixen et al, click here.
To view ‘Immediate Vs. Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: Visual And Refractive Outcomes In Mono- Vs. Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation’, by Gabriele Gallo Afflitto et al, click here.
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