Simultaneous Bilateral Phacoemulsification

OBJECTIVES: Retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral phacoemulsification to establish (1) perceived low complication rate, (2) early binocular visual rehabilitation, (3) lower financial costs in terms of nursing care, bed occupation, short stay and fewer out-patient visits needed postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Incidence of intruoperative and postoperative complications, (2) final visual acuity and refraction as compared with initial state, (3) time from operation to final refraction. RESULTS: There were no cases of conversion from phacoemulsification. Ninety-two per cent of patients had a final corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better with minimal anisometropia. Surgical induced astigmatism was 1.4 D at 2 weeks and 0.97 D at final refraction. The mean final refraction was at 9 weeks postoperation. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral phacoemulsification is a safe, efficient procedure. There are benefits to the patient, surgeon and administration in terms of time and resources. The patient is saved from double preoperative stress, 2 general anaesthetics, time in hospital is shortened and binocular visual rehabilitation is achieved early. Administrative authorities welcome the economy in operative time, anaesthetic time, nursing care and bed occupation.