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Pros and Cons of Bilateral Immediately Sequential Cataract Surgery

  • Cataract & Refractive Surgery (CE Starr and A Brissette, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) has been gaining attention over the past decade as a more efficient way to address the growing need for cataract removal in an aging population, and yet delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) remains the standard of care in many ophthalmologic communities. This review discusses some of the reasons surgeons have been hesitant to adopt ISBCS and hopes to address both the pros and cons of the procedure in the current medical environment.

Recent Findings

Many of the current arguments against the practice of ISBCS involve potential bilateral surgical complications and worse refractive outcomes; however, the literature to date does not support these arguments. The risk of unilateral vision threatening complications appears similar to DSBCL, and no cases of bilateral complications have been reported when the currently recommended protocols have been obeyed. Additionally, refractive targets have been similar to DSBCS in current published studies.

Summary

ISBCS appears to be a more efficient and cost-saving procedure that remains safe and effective for improving visual functioning in patients with bilateral visually significant cataracts.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Services, Sue Anschutz-Rogers Eye Center, University of Colorado Medical School, 1675 Aurora Court, F731, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Derek W. DelMonte

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  1. Derek W. DelMonte
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Correspondence to Derek W. DelMonte.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Cataract & Refractive Surgery

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DelMonte, D.W. Pros and Cons of Bilateral Immediately Sequential Cataract Surgery. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 8, 88–92 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-020-00237-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-020-00237-x

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