Double Cataract Surgery Offers Faster Recovery & Excellent Vision, Studies Show
clouding of the eyeS lens, leading to blurred vision adn potential sight loss, is commonly addressed with cataract surgery. New research presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive surgeons (ESCRS) suggests performing surgery on both eyes on the same day - simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery – is both safe and beneficial for patients.
A study from Denmark, surveying approximately 70 patients, revealed that the majority regained self-sufficiency ”instantly” upon returning home after the procedure. However, researchers noted that a “significant portion” still benefited from having a caregiver present during the first 24 hours post-operation.
“Our results show that many people can expect to manage well soon after surgery, which may ease anxiety about needing support. However, some still benefit from a caregiver during the first day,” explained Mia Vestergaard Bendixen, an ophthalmic nurse from Silkeborg Regional Hospital and the study’s author. she further highlighted the potential for reduced clinic visits, decreased caregiver burden, and improved healthcare efficiency if surgery can be completed in a single session.
A second study, conducted by experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, analyzed data from over 5,800 patients who underwent cataract surgery in 2023. The research compared outcomes based on the type of lens implanted – monofocal (for single-distance vision) or multifocal (for multiple distances,aiming to reduce reliance on glasses).
The analysis showed that patients receiving multifocal lenses with same-day surgery achieved the best overall visual outcomes. “For patients, these findings are encouraging,” stated Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto, from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS foundation Trust. “They suggest that having cataract surgery performed in both eyes on the same day, particularly when combined with multifocal lens implantation, can deliver excellent vision, reduce dependence on glasses, and allow faster recovery.”
Dr. Joaquin Fernandez, secretary for the ESCRS, summarized the findings, stating, “Taken together, these two studies show that cataract surgery to both eyes in one session can be performed safely, with patients recovering well at home and, crucially, achieving visual outcomes as good as or better then when surgery is performed in two steps.” He added that the approach offers advantages beyond patient benefit, potentially saving time for hospital staff and allowing them to treat more individuals.
