Sequential bilateral eye surgery

The ophthalmologist may suggest performing sequential (simultaneous) bilateral surgery (on both eyes), on the same day, to promote visual adaptation and avoid the inconvenience of multiple trips to the clinic.

As a rule, the eyes are operated on approximately 30 minutes apart. This gives the nurses time to reorganize the operating room, replenish all of the instruments, supplies and substances. This procedure is comparable to operating on the second eye on another day.

Of course, we will proceed with the surgery on the second eye on the same day if there are no unplanned events during the surgery on the first eye.

Sequential bilateral surgery is not recommended for all patients because strict criteria must be observed and the results must be foreseeable. You may not be a suitable candidate if:

• You have a condition that makes it more difficult to calculate intraocular lens power (e.g. previous corneal refractive laser surgery)
• You have a condition that increases the risk of complications (e.g. history of eye trauma)
• You are uncooperative during the surgery (e.g. difficulty staying in one position for several minutes, significant anxiety).