Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: A 6 Year Review Of Cases At An Ophthalmology Department In The West Of Ireland

To describe the trends and outcomes of Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) at our department over a 6 year period. 

Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital Galway, Ireland

All cases of ISBCS from 01/01/2018 to 01/01/2024 were included for analysis. Demographical data was obtained along with indication for ISBCS, anaesthetic choice, intra-operative and post operative complications and refractive outcomes where available. 

144 eyes in 72 patients were included in total. The number of ISBCS cases dropped during the COVID pandemic and lockdowns but rose substantially thereafter. The rate of intra-operative and post operative complications was comparable to those of delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). One patient required a bilateral lens exchange due to refractive surprise. No other patients suffered complications that could be attributable to the bilateral nature of the procedure. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. The majority of cases were carried out under general anaesthetic. The most common IOL used was a single piece acrylic lens.

ISBCS has become more popular at our institution over the last 6 years. The main indication is to reduce anaesthetic burden in patients who require a GA for their surgery. The complication rate was similar to DSBCS.