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Review
. 2021 Jun;69(6):1587-1591.
doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_3586_20.

Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery and its relevance in COVID-19 era

Jatinder S Bhalla  1 , Mohmad Uzair Zakai  1 , Amit Mehtani  1
Affiliations
Review

Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery and its relevance in COVID-19 era

Jatinder S Bhalla et al. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) involves performing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in both the eyes of a patient, sequentially in the same operative sitting. There are well-documented advantages in terms of quicker visual rehabilitation and reduced costs. The risk of bilateral simultaneous endophthalmitis and bilateral blindness is now recognized to be minuscule with the advent of intracameral antibiotics and modern management of endophthalmitis. Refractive surprises are rare for normal eyes and with the use of optical biometry. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all elective surgeries were stopped. This has resulted in a large backlog of deferred cataract surgeries. Now more than ever before, we should consider ISBCS as an excellent alternative to delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery in the right hospital or surgical setting. In the age of COVID-19, it can help to decrease surgical scheduling and follow-up visits. The one change in practice that could have the most significant benefit in reducing infection exposure risk is ISBCS.

Keywords: Bilateral cataract surgery; COVID-19; ISBCS; SBCS.

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