Cataract Surgeons
Technically speaking, yes, it is possible to do cataract surgery on both eyes at once. Most cataract surgeons will not do it because the risks outweigh the benefits. The risk of complications in cataract surgery is very low, but if an infection or serious complication does occur, the consequences are far worse when both eyes are affected. Having the surgery on separate days not only minimizes risks, it gives your surgeon the chance to evaluate the outcome of the first procedure and make adjustments to the procedure on the second eye if a better visual outcome can be achieved.
Risks When Having Cataract Surgery on Both Eyes at Once
Although serious complications after cataract surgery are rare, the following complications can occur:
- Endophthalmitis – severe inflammation of the anterior and/or posterior chambers of the eye that is usually, but not always, caused by bacterial or fungal infection
- Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) – inflammation caused by introduction of a noninfectious substance
Having cataract surgery in both eyes at once does not increase the likelihood of either complication, but it means that if a complication occurs it will affect both eyes. With either of these complications, the recovery period is much more difficult if both eyes are affected. There is the chance of permanent vision loss, which could affect both eyes instead of just one.
Different Protocols and Antibiotics
Performing cataract surgery on both eyes on the same day is technically referred to as simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS). The small number of cataract surgeons who do it regularly use special protocols and intracameral antibiotics.
One protocol that is used to minimize the risk is performing the surgeries on each eye as a completely separate surgical event, as if it were being performed on a different patient. This involves using a new drape, new gowns for the surgeon and staff, new instruments, all new supplies and even cleaning and preparing your skin as if you had not just had surgery on the other eye.
Intracameral antibiotics are antibiotics that are administered by injection into the inside of your eye. This is not yet widely available in the U.S.
Other Issues
Sometime in the future, SBCS may become more common in the U.S., but even so there are some people for whom it is not appropriate. This includes patients who cannot sleep on their backs. When the surgery is performed in just one eye, you can lie on your other side while the eye heals. Patients who have the surgery on both eyes must sleep on their backs to avoid putting pressure on their eyes.
Another concern is losing the opportunity to learn from the results of first surgery. When the visual outcome of the first surgery can be evaluated, you and your surgeon may decide to use a different type of intraocular lens (IOL) in the second eye, to achieve the optimal combined visual outcome.
Learn more about your eyes and eye health by talking to your ophthalmologist.