ESCRS - FP24.04 - Ophthalmologists’ Perspectives On Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: Attitudes, Practices, And Barriers In A Rapidly Growing Arab Economy

Ophthalmologists’ Perspectives On Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: Attitudes, Practices, And Barriers In A Rapidly Growing Arab Economy

Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FP24.04 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/0b8s-wk36

Authors: Samar A. Al-Swailem* 1 , Khabir Ahmad 2 , Anwar Ahmed 2 , Sami Shahwan 1 , Stefania Fortini 3 , Silvio Paolo Mariotti 4 , Rajiv Khandekar 2

1Medical staff,King Khaled Eye Specialist hospital,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia, 2Research,King Khaled Eye Specialist hospital,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia, 3IAPH,POLO Scientifico,Rome,Italy, 4Prevention of Blindness & Deafness,World Health Organization (HQ,Geneva,Switzerland

Purpose

To our knowledge, there is limited research on immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) among ophthalmologists in Arab countries. This study evaluates the attitudes, practices, and barriers related to ISBCS among board-certified ophthalmologists in a rapidly growing Arab economy.

Setting

 A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated electronic questionnaire distributed to board-certified ophthalmologists in clinical practice.

Methods

This study was conducted using a validated electronic questionnaire distributed to ophthalmologists practicing cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery. The questionnaire included 25 specific questions divided into four domains: benefits and importance, controlling factors, surgeons’ perspectives and selectivity, and reasons for adopting or rejecting ISBCS. Responses were collected through email, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, and the data were analyzed using statistical software.

Results

Of 95 ophthalmologists surveyed, 73 (76.8%) were male and 22 (23.2%) female. Most (60%) had over 10 years of experience, and 69.5% worked in government hospitals. Only 17.9% currently performed ISBCS (Group A), while 76.8% had never performed it (Group B), and 5.3% had stopped (Group C). Among Group A, 82.4% had used ISBCS for over 5 years, and 88.2% applied it to 1–20% of their cataract patients. Key benefits included fewer hospital visits, faster visual recovery, and lower costs. Barriers included concerns about bilateral endophthalmitis, legal risks, and refractive surprises. Some non-practicing surgeons were open to ISBCS for specific cases, like patients needing general anesthesia or congenital cataracts.

Conclusions

ISBCS remains underutilized in this region due to safety concerns and institutional policies. However, many ophthalmologists recognize its potential benefits and may consider its use under certain conditions. Further research is needed to assess clinical outcomes, patient perspectives, and cost-effectiveness to promote wider acceptance of ISBCS.