New research suggests that patients undergoing double cataract surgery could safely receive simultaneous operations, potentially leading to a quicker recovery.
Typically, individuals requiring treatment for both eyes have their procedures staggered, with several weeks between operations to allow for the healing of one eye at a time.
While the option for double surgery exists, it remains standard practice for cataract procedures to be performed separately, often prioritising the most severely affected eye first.
Cataracts are diagnosed when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy. This causes blurred vision and loss of sight.
New research, published at the Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), suggests surgery can be performed safely and effectively on both eyes on the same day.
One study concluded that double cataract surgery, also known as simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery, “enables a rapid return to self-sufficiency, thereby reducing the overall burden on caregivers”.
Researchers from Denmark surveyed around 70 patients and found that most regained self-sufficiency “immediately” after they arrived home.
But they highlighted that a “significant portion” of patients benefit from having a caregiver present during the first day after the operation.
When was the last time you had your eyes tested? Regular eye tests help monitor and correct your vision as well as detect conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Your optician can refer you to us if needed. #WorldSightDay2023
— Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (@qvh) October 12, 2023
Image: Pixabay pic.twitter.com/ApxNMOWwnM
The author of the study, Mia Vestergaard Bendixen, an ophthalmic nurse from Silkeborg Regional Hospital, said: “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.
“If surgery can be carried out in one go, this could reduce clinic visits and caregiver burden, as well as improving efficiency in healthcare delivery.”
A second study, published by experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, compared outcomes among patients fitted with different types of lenses – monofocal, which provide sharp vision at one distance, or multifocal lenses, which split light to allow focus at multiple distances, aiming to reduce the need for reading or distance glasses.
They analysed more than 5,800 patients who received cataract surgery during 2023 at the eye hospital – some of whom had same-day surgery while others received separate treatment for each eye.
Researchers assessed various different measures of vision after the surgeries were performed.
“Living with cataracts for me is like looking behind a cloud. And at night time, I liken it to looking through raindrops on a window”
— Guide Dogs (@guidedogs) June 24, 2024
This #CataractAwarenessMonth, we're sharing Theresa's story as she describes living with cataracts 👇
[AD version: https://t.co/AuFetCmin3] pic.twitter.com/cgYFxOzoky
Patients receiving multifocal lenses with same-day surgery achieved the best overall visual outcomes, the authors said.
“For patients, these findings are encouraging,” said 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.”
Commenting on the studies, Dr Joaquin Fernandez, secretary for the ESCRS, said: “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 than when surgery is performed in two steps.”
He added: “There are many potential advantages to treating cataracts in both eyes in one go.
“Not only does it reduce hospital visits for patients, it also saves time for hospital staff, potentially allowing them to see more patients.”
Jane Austen fans step back in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the beloved author's birth
Vessel struck by US military off Venezuela was heading back to shore, AP sources say
Improving GP access is the top NHS priority for the public, survey says
First-of-its-kind online tool can assess risk of life-threatening condition
‘I went to A&E with horrific abdominal pain, but then they found a 2kg tumour’
More than half of UK babies born with medical intervention, maternal care audit finds
