From the Research
The optimal interval between surgeries for bilateral cataract extraction is less than 3 months, as it has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health outcomes and reduce the number of mental health consultations 1.
Key Considerations
- The time interval between cataract surgeries for both eyes can affect mental health outcomes, with a shorter interval corresponding to a lower reduction in the number of mental health consultations 1.
- Most surgeons prefer to wait at least one week between operations to allow the first eye to heal and to evaluate its visual outcome before proceeding with the second eye.
- Patients should expect to use prescribed eye drops (typically antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications) for several weeks after each surgery.
- The exact timing may vary based on individual healing rates, the complexity of the case, and the surgeon's preference.
Supporting Evidence
- A cohort study of 585,422 patients found that a time interval of less than 3 months between cataract surgeries for both eyes was associated with the lowest number of mental health consultations 1.
- Another study found that bilateral highly myopic patients may undergo second-eye cataract surgery earlier, even if cataract in that eye is not severe enough to affect the visual acuity, as it can improve binocular single vision function 2.
- The risk of postoperative endophthalmitis after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery is low, and the use of intracameral antibiotics can significantly reduce this risk 3.