Bilateral endophthalmitis after simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery

Bilateral simultaneous endophthalmitis after immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery

Purpose

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) has recently been considered effective due to faster visual rehabilitation and further improvements in quality of life. We report on the treatment course of a case of early postoperative endophthalmitis in both eyes after ISBCS.

Observations

The patient was a 75-year-old woman undergoing anticancer treatment for lung cancer, who had been receiving eye drops for bilateral uveitis and secondary glaucoma since 2019. She underwent ISBCS at another hospital in 2022. In that surgery, the same instruments were used for the surgery of both eyes, without resterilization between eyes. On the night of the following day, she became aware of vision loss in both eyes, and at the examination the next day, hypopyon and corneal edema were found and she was diagnosed with bilateral postoperative endophthalmitis, and referred to our hospital. On the same day, anterior chamber irrigation, posterior capsulotomy, and vitrectomy were performed on both eyes, and the intraocular lenses were preserved. There was no recurrence of postoperative inflammation, and visual acuity was 20/30 in both eyes 6 months after vitrectomy.

Conclusion

ISBCS is recommended to be performed with complete aseptic separation of the patient's two procedures. This important rule was not followed in this case. ISBCS should be performed in accordance with accepted protocols, such as those of the International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

Time and Motion Studies to assess surgical productivity in cataract theatre lists within the National Health Service: Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery versus Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery

BACKGROUND

To compare productivity of National Health Service cataract lists performing unilateral cataract (UC) surgery vs Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS).

METHODS

Five 4-hour lists with ISBCS cases and five with UC were observed using time and motion studies (TMS). Individual tasks and timings of each staff member in theatre was recorded by two observers. All operations were performed by consultant surgeons under local anaesthesia (LA).

RESULTS

Median number of eyes operated per 4-hour list was 8 (range 6-8) in the ISBCS group and 5 (5-7) in the UC group (p = 0.028). Mean total theatre time (defined as time between the entry of the first patient and the exit of the last patient from theatre) was 177.12 (SD 73.62) minutes in the ISBCS group and 139.16 (SD 47.73) minutes in the UC group (p = 0.36). Mean time to complete two consecutive unilateral cataract surgery operations was 48.71 minutes compared to 42.23 minutes for a single ISBCS case (13.30% time saved). Based on our collected TMS data, a possible 5 consecutive ISBCS cases and 1 UC (total 11 cataract surgeries) could be performed during a four-hour theatre session, with a theatre utilisation quotient of 97.20%, contrasting to nine consecutive UC, with a theatre utilisation quotient of 90.40%.

DISCUSSION

Performing consecutive ISBCS cases under LA on routine cataract surgery lists can increase surgical efficiency. TMS are a useful way to investigate surgical productivity and test theoretical models for efficiency improvements.

Outbreak of Bilateral Endophthalmitis After Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery

Importance

Since bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis (BSPOE) after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) can be devastating for the patient, evaluating such cases in depth is important to maintaining patient safety.

Objective

To evaluate whether a systemic breach of sterility was associated with an outbreak of BSPOE after ISBCSs performed on the same day at a single community-based eye clinic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case series included all patients diagnosed with BSPOE at ophthalmology departments in Denmark following an infectious outbreak after ISBCSs performed at a single community-based eye clinic in December 2022.

Exposure

Bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis acquired after ISBCS.

Main Outcome and Measures

Patient recovery from BSPOE after ISBCS was evaluated based on clinical and microbiological reports.

Results

A woman aged 71 years, a man aged 84 years, and a woman aged 79 years consecutively presented with symptoms of endophthalmitis at regional eye departments 4 to 8 days after ISBCS performed on the same date at the same eye clinic. Five of 6 infected eyes underwent vitrectomy, and all eyes received an intravitreous injection of antibiotics. The same strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 4 of 5 eyes that underwent vitrectomy. Contamination of viscoelastics was ruled out with repeated cultures. One eye was eviscerated due to phthisis. In another patient, the final visual acuity of the eye most severely affected was 20/63 Snellen equivalents. Visual acuity of the remaining eyes recovered to 20/25 (3 eyes in 2 patients) and 20/20 (1 eye) Snellen equivalents.

Conclusions and Relevance

The finding of the same strain of S epidermidis in all patient cultures suggests a systemic breach of sterility at the clinic on the day of ISBCS. The outcome of these cases emphasizes the need to adhere to a strict surgical methodology and sterile principles during ISBCS.

Comparisons of outcomes and complications of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery and unilateral cataract surgery in a tertiary hospital in South Korea

We investigated the proportions of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) and unilateral cataract surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and compared visual outcomes between the two groups in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. We reviewed 441 cataract surgeries performed between March 1, 2021, and October 31, 2021, at Korea University Guro Hospital by a single surgeon (J.S.S). Medical records of demographics, preoperative visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, axial length, preoperative spherical equivalent, preoperative target (using Barrett's Universal 2 formula), postoperative visual acuity, postoperative refractive error, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Among all patients, 322 (73.0%) eyes underwent ISBCS, and 119 (27.0%) eyes underwent unilateral cataract surgery. The preoperative corrective distance visual acuity (CDVA) was lower in the unilateral cataract surgery group (0.40 ± 0.45 logMAR) than the ISBCS group (0.28 ± 0.16 logMAR, P = 0.008), whereas there was no significant difference in postoperative CDVA between the two groups (0.06 ± 0.10 logMAR vs. 0.07 ± 0.16 logMAR, P = 0.63). There was also no difference in the absolute refractive error between the two groups (0.46 ± 0.37 diopters [D] vs. 0.42 ± 0.38 D, P = 0.63). The preoperative CDVA (P = 0.000) was the significant factor influencing absolute refractive error (r = 0.191, P < 0.001). There was no difference in complications between the two groups, although two patients in the ISBCS group complained of postoperative strabismus.

Immediate bilateral sequential cataract surgery

PURPOSE

There is a constant controversy between performing cataract surgery for one eye or for both eyes in the same surgical session. The objective of this study is to review the scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety, determine the reduction of costs of sequential bilateral cataract surgery on the same day compared to unilateral cataract surgery, as well as to compare the rate of associated complications.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases has been conducted to identify relevant articles on sequential bilateral cataract surgery from 2000 to 31 of December of 2020.

RESULTS

Literature shows that there is strong evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of same-day sequential bilateral cataract surgery. Studies have not found a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to unilateral cataract surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Same-day sequential bilateral cataract surgery is a good surgical option for the resolution of the cataract, provides rapid visual rehabilitation and without greater risks than unilateral surgery. It also provides a reduction in sanitary costs. There is a psychological fear of performing bilateral surgery due to the potential risk of complications that would affect both operated eyes. In this article we discuss the efficacy, safety, complications rate and associated costs in sequential bilateral cataract surgery in the same surgical act.

Endophthalmitis Rate in Immediately Sequential versus Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery within the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry Data

PURPOSE

To compare the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis after immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) using the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS®) Registry database.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the IRIS Registry who underwent cataract surgery from 2013 through 2018.

METHODS

Patients who underwent cataract surgery were divided into 2 groups: (1) ISBCS and (2) DSBCS (second-eye surgery ≥1 day after the first-eye surgery) or unilateral surgery. Postoperative endophthalmitis was defined as endophthalmitis occurring within 4 weeks of surgery by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code and ICD code with additional clinical criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of postoperative endophthalmitis.

RESULTS

Of 5 573 639 IRIS Registry patients who underwent cataract extraction, 165 609 underwent ISBCS, and 5 408 030 underwent DSBCS or unilateral surgery (3 695 440 DSBCS, 1 712 590 unilateral surgery only). A total of 3102 participants (0.056%) met study criteria of postoperative endophthalmitis with supporting clinical findings. The rates of endophthalmitis in either surgery eye between the 2 surgery groups were similar (0.059% in the ISBCS group vs. 0.056% in the DSBCS or unilateral group; P = 0.53). Although the incidence of endophthalmitis was slightly higher in the ISBCS group compared with the DSBCS or unilateral group, the odds ratio did not reach statistical significance (1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.31; P = 0.47) after adjusting for age, sex, race, insurance status, and comorbid eye disease. Seven cases of bilateral endophthalmitis with supporting clinical data in the DSBCS group and no cases in the ISBCS group were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of postoperative endophthalmitis was not statistically significantly different between patients who underwent ISBCS and DSBCS or unilateral cataract surgery.

Bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis (BSPOE): Review of cases reported over the past 50 years

ABSTRACT

A detailed retrospective analysis and literature review were conducted for all previously published reports of bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis (BSPOE) since 1970. There have been seven (nine including the companion paper, and 1 reported elsewhere) cases of BSPOE after immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) reported over 50 years. Generally, in these cases, the surgical protocol recommended by the International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons (iSBCS) was breached or uncertain. Bacterial causes were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3), Burkholderia cepacia complex (1), negative (1) and not determined (1). Visual recovery was light perception, or worse, for Pseudomonas cases, generally good for Staphylococcus and Burkholderia cases, and mixed in cases of unknown etiology. Therefore, BSPOE is rare, and causes vary. Strict adherence to the iSBCS General Principles of Excellence in ISBCS, 2009 surgical protocol and care with operating room construction seem to considerably lessen the risk.

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) adapted protocol during COVID-19: quality-improvement initiative

OBJECTIVE

To describe the steps, hurdles, and recommendations for implementation of the immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) evidence-based protocol at a high-volume Canadian tertiary care centre.

DESIGN

Quality-improvement study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 406 patients who underwent ISBCS from July 2020 to December 2020. Patients were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria including psychosocial factors, refractive error and consent. This initiative impacted staff at all levels involved with cataract surgery.

METHODS

The Model of Improvement framework was used and involved numerous discussions with multidisciplinary teams of ophthalmologists, nursing and support staff, management, pharmacists, and medical device reprocessing teams. This initiative was created and refined via a thorough review of the literature and current best practices. It was implemented in July 2020 after a nursing "huddle." Any adverse outcomes and overall impact were collected from various levels of staff involved.

RESULTS

Each eye was treated as a separate surgery with a double time-out per bilateral case. Additional measures were taken to ensure different lot numbers for medications, equipment, and materials. This practice increased surgical volume by approximately 25% and reduced the number of patient visits by 50%, reducing potential COVID-19 exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The resulting protocol from our study may be useful to other centres wishing to integrate ISBCS as one example of successful implementation. Of the 406 cases of ISBCS performed, we report zero cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome or endophthalmitis. In times of decreased elective surgeries, ISBCS is a safe and effective option to supplement surgical volume and provide significant patient benefits.

Postoperative Endophthalmitis in Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: A Nationwide Registry Study

PURPOSE

To report the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in Sweden.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort registry study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patient data from 1 457 172 cataract extractions, including 1 364 934 unilateral surgeries and 92 238 ISBCSs.

METHODS

Endophthalmitis cases reported to the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) during a 16-year period (2002-2017) were analyzed in comparison to all control cases with regard to patient characteristics, surgical technique, and capsule complication.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Incidence and determinants for PE in ISBCS compared with unilateral surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 422 cases of PE were identified in 1 457 172 cataract extractions, yielding an overall incidence of 0.029% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0262-0.0317). For unilateral procedures, the rate was 0.0299% (95% CI, 0.0270-0.0328) or 408 cases in 1 364 934 operations, whereas that for ISBCS was 0.0152% (95% CI, 0.0072-0.0231) or 14 incidents in 92 238 operations (P = 0.01). In a logistic regression model including all cataract procedures, nonuse of intracameral (IC) antibiotics (ABs), capsule complication, age 85 years or more, male gender, and ocular comorbidity were found to be independent risk factors for PE. All these parameters were less frequent in ISBCS. Notwithstanding, in the same multivariate analysis, ISBCS in itself was associated with a significantly lower risk for PE. At follow-up, 5 of the 14 PE cases in the ISBCS cohort had a visual acuity (VA) of 20/200 or worse. Of these, one 93-year-old ISBCS patient developed bilateral infection.

CONCLUSIONS

After ISBCS in Sweden, PE occurred once in 6600 surgeries. The risk of sustaining a final VA of 20/200 or less was 1 incident in 18 000 operated eyes. When counseling potential ISBCS patients about the risk of PE, it seems reasonable to state that the reported risk in the literature is lower than that with unilateral surgery but not negligible. Precautions remain necessary.

Bilateral Keratoconus Progression: Immediate Versus Delayed Sequential Bilateral Corneal Cross-linking

PURPOSE

To compare immediate sequential bilateral corneal cross-linking (CXL), wherein both eyes are treated on the same day, to delayed sequential bilateral CXL, where each eye is treated on different days for bilateral progressive keratoconus.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case note review of all patients who underwent sequential CXL or delayed CXL for keratoconus at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom. Parameters assessed were the change in maximum keratometry and minimum central corneal thickness on corneal tomography scan, corrected distance visual acuity, and cost estimates of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients (31 men and 7 women) with keratoconus with a mean age of 25.3 ± 7.0 years were included. Twenty patients received sequential CXL and 18 received delayed CXL treatment. In both the sequential CXL and delayed CXL groups, the treated eye(s) showed no evidence of progression after the corneal CXL treatment at last follow-up visit after 358 ± 158 days for sequential CXL and 451 ± 205 days for delayed CXL. There were no complications from the treatment in either group. In the delayed CXL group, the mean time interval between the two CXL procedures was 146 ± 129 days. Five of 18 patients (27%) showed progression of keratoconus in their second eye during the waiting time. Economical evaluation showed that four visits were saved for each sequential CXL treatment compared to delayed CXL.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed CXL carries a risk of progression in the second eye and is associated with a higher economic burden. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(8):552-556.].

Recurring themes during cataract assessment and surgery

The aim of this review was to discuss frequently encountered themes such as cataract surgery in presence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dementia, Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS), discussing non-standard intraocular lens (IOL) options during consultation in the National Health Services (NHS) and the choice of the biometric formulae based on axial length. Individual groups of authors worked independently on each topic. We found that cataract surgery does improve visual acuity in AMD patients but the need for cataract surgery should be individualised. In patients with dementia, cataract surgery should be considered 'sooner rather than later' as progression may prevent individuals presenting for surgery. This should be planned after discussion of patients' best interests with any carers; multifocal IOLs are not proven to be the best option in these patients. ISBCS gives comparable outcomes to delayed sequential surgeries with a low risk of bilateral endophthalmitis and it can be cost-saving and efficient. Patients are entitled to know all suitable IOL options that can improve their quality of life. Deliberately withholding this information or pressuring patients to choose a non-standard IOL is inappropriate. However, one should be mindful of the not spending inappropriate amounts of time discussing these in the NHS setting which may affect care of other NHS patients. Evidence suggests Hoffer Q, Haigis, Hill-RBF and Kane formulae for shorter eyes; Barrett Universal II (BU II), Holladay II, Haigis and Kane formulae for longer eyes and BU II, Hill-RBF and Kane formulae for medium axial length eyes.

Evolution of and developments in simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery. Update 2020

The debate on role of ‘simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery’ (SBCS) continues. The world population has exponentially increased during last fifty years and average human lifespan has increased by a decade during the last century. This translates to ever increasing geriatric population with its inherent problem of preventable blindness because of cataract formation in the elderly. We are adding to the backlog of cataract surgeries not only in the ‘developing world’ but also in the ‘developed world.’ Times demand that we reconsider our old fashioned approach of staggering bilateral cataract surgeries. Serious, but a potential, risk of simultaneous bilateral infection/endophthalmitis has been the biggest deterrent in acceptance of SBCS as a routine procedure. The opponents of SBCS strongly believe in this argument that has not been documented when strictly followed the recommendations regarding separate procedures of each eye. The advantages of reducing the ever-increasing backlog of preventable/treatable blindness, faster visual recovery, economic benefits to patients as well as health care providers, lesser risk of amblyopia in pediatric population, and decreased risk of as serious a complication as death by exposure to general anesthesia in pediatric and adult population, etc. outweigh the disadvantages of SBCS when compared with ‘delayed bilateral cataract surgery’ (DBCS). SBCS is favored over DBCS in pediatric population and in uncooperative, mentally retarded and physically disabled adults needing general anesthesia to reduce the risks and complications of general anesthesia. Considering such factors and review of available literature strongly support that SBCS has a definite role where indicated, under certain circumstances, and in certain select group of patients in both developing as well as developed countries.

Acceptability of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in a public health care setting before and after COVID-19: a prospective patient questionnaire survey

Objective

To ascertain patient acceptance of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in the National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

A survey was devised using a 5-point Likert scale for questions related to ISBCS, which patients undertook during their cataract outpatient appointment pre-COVID-19 lockdown and by telephone during the lockdown.

Results

Questionnaires were completed for 267 patients. Most respondents were aged over 71 (51%) and were female individuals (60%). Forty-five per cent agreed/strongly agreed with opting for ISBCS. A positive correlation was identified between opting for ISBCS and convenience to the patient (r=0.76, p<0.01) and family/carer/partner (r=0.71, p<0.01) and wanting to limit numbers of hospital visits (r=0.57, p<0.01). Fifty per cent agreed/strongly agreed that they were worried about the risk of simultaneous bilateral ocular complications, with this correlating with being less likely to opt for ISBCS (r=-0.49, p<0.01) and being scared of ISBCS (r=0.67, p<0.01). During COVID-19 lockdown, patients were less likely to want to minimise the time taken off work (p<0.05) and less intolerant of a prolonged hospital visit (p<0.05). Only 23% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they had familiarity with ISBCS.

Conclusions

ISBCS was acceptable to 45% of our sampled population, suggesting limited routine implementation in the NHS is possible. Convenience and reduction in hospital visits appeared to contribute to this acceptance. Half of the patients expressed concern regarding bilateral complications and such concerns need addressing. Some attitudes did appear to change during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The familiarity of the concept of ISBCS is low suggesting the need for patient education.

Economic modelling of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in the National Health Service based on possible improvements in surgical efficiency

Objective

To test a hypothesis that operating room (OR) productivity in the National Health Service (NHS) can be improved with the introduction of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS).

Methods and analysis

Previously published time and motion data of 140 unilateral cataract surgeries conducted at five different NHS locations were reanalysed to construct a hypothetical model where only ISBCS (±one unilateral case) were conducted while maintaining time durations of all key tasks previously studied. Possible time efficiency savings were calculated for the ISBCS model and percentage increases in numbers of eyes operated per 4-hour theatre session calculated. Gains in efficiency were correlated with factors from the baseline data to predict which settings could improve efficiency most by undertaking ISBCS.

Results

Based on remodelling our time and motion study (TMS) data as hypothetical ISBCS cases, we could expect a mean 16% reduction (range 9.8%–17.8%) in the time taken for two cataract operations, translating into a mean 54% improvement (range 38%–67%) in number of cases currently performed per list and an 18% improvement (range 9%–28%) even if the number of unilateral cases per list had been fully maximised. An average number of four ISBCS cases per list (range 3–6) were required to achieve sufficient time savings to allow an extra unilateral surgery to be conducted.

Conclusion

The introduction of routine ISBCS has the potential to improve the productivity of cataract surgery within the NHS, with efficiencies being possible in both high-volume and low-volume surgical models.

A survey exploring ophthalmologists' attitudes and beliefs in performing Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

The standard approach to treat cataracts is Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (DSBCS), during which patients have a separate operation date for each eye. An alternative method of delivery is Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS). The aim of this project was to examine the attitudes and beliefs of UK ophthalmologists towards ISBCS, explore their reasons to either practise or not practise ISBCS and identify barriers hindering its implementation in the UK.

METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed to consultant members of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth, UK) and collected electronically. An initial screening question in regards to prior experience with ISBCS directed the rest of the survey; participants were asked to rate the importance of several factors with regards to performing ISBCS. Free text options were also available. Descriptive analysis was subsequently performed.

RESULTS

Of the 1357 recipients, 130 (9.6%) ophthalmologists completed the survey. Of those, 13.9% were currently performing ISBCS, 83.1% had never performed, and 3.1% had previously done so but since stopped. The main factors that acted as barriers were lack of: (1) College approval (20.5%); (2) medico-legal approval (20.2%); (3) evidence to support the use of ISBCS (16.0%); and (4) hospital approval (13.3%). Additionally, the perceived risk of complications for patients played an important role when considering ISBCS, with the risk of endophthalmitis being most feared.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrates some of the barriers that prevent ophthalmologist's performing ISBCS in the UK. There is a need for further exploration in this field to evaluate the effect of addressing any of these concerns on the implementation of ISBCS.

Outcomes and complications of immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery in children

PURPOSE

To present the largest series to date comparing outcomes and complications of immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS vs DSBCS) in children at a single center over a 10-year period.

METHODS

The medical records of children <2 years of age who underwent ISBCS and DSBCS were reviewed retrospectively. Data was collected on outcomes and complications (ophthalmological and anesthesia-related) up to 8 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 53 children were included: 37 ISBCS and 16 DSBCS. There were no differences between groups with regard to sex, age at surgery, and type of surgery. The ISBCS group had significantly more patients with systemic or ocular comorbidities than the DSBCS group (35% vs 6%; P = 0.029). Mean operating room time was significantly lower for the ISBCS group (3.61 vs 4.09 hours; P = 0.037), whereas total surgical time was similar. No major intraoperative surgical complications or anesthesia-related adverse events occurred in either group. Postoperative complications (most commonly, raised intraocular pressure) occurred in 5 eyes (7%) in the ISBCS group and 8 eyes (25%) in the DSBCS group (P = 0.009). Patients in the ISBCS group required significantly fewer follow-up visits compared to the DSBCS group (4 vs 6; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

ISBCS avoids multiple anesthesia sessions and reduces follow-up visits, with intra- and postoperative ophthalmological or anesthesia-related complications comparable to DSBCS.

Incidence of acute-onset endophthalmitis after separate bilateral cataract surgeries less than 5 days apart

Purpose

To assess the incidence of acute-onset endophthalmitis after separate bilateral cataract surgeries less than 5 days apart (SBCS5).

Methods

The medical records of all patients who underwent SBCS5 at a single medical center between October 10, 2012 and July 31, 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The medical records for treatment of 5374 eyes of 2687 patients were examined. The mean interval between the first and second surgeries was 3 days. No case of bilateral simultaneous endophthalmitis was observed. Unilateral endophthalmitis developed in five eyes of five patients. Thus, the incidence of endophthalmitis after SBCS5 was 0.093%. All cases of endophthalmitis occurred in the first operated eye. SBCS5 was 15% less expensive than unilateral cataract surgery.

Conclusion

The incidence of endophthalmitis after SBCS5 was acceptably low with topical but not intracamaral antibiotic prophylaxis. SBCS5 was also less expensive than unilateral cataract surgery.

Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: A 5-year retrospective analysis of 2470 eyes from a tertiary care eye center in South India

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and benefits of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective data analysis of patients who underwent immediate sequential bilateral phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation under topical anesthesia from January 2011 to September 2016 was performed. Patients with visually significant bilateral cataract within the axial length range of 21.0–26.5 mm were included in the study. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results:

Two thousand four hundred and seventy eyes from 1235 patients with a mean age of 68.34 years (range: 4–90 years) were analyzed. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.40 ± 0.17 to 0.08 ± 0.10 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). Nearly 92.05% eyes achieved a target postoperative refraction of ± 0.5 D spherical equivalent. Main complications observed were prolonged postoperative inflammation in 25% (n = 31), posterior capsular tears in 0.45% (n = 11), and unilateral cystoid macular edema in 0.08% (n = 2) eyes. No sight-threatening complications such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, corneal decompensation and intraocular hemorrhage occurred in any of the eyes. Out of the 288 (23.2%) patients who underwent bilateral multifocal IOL implantation, 23 patients (46 eyes) had femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery procedure. Two pediatric and one Downs syndrome patient underwent bilateral cataract surgery under general anesthesia and intravenous sedation, respectively.

Conclusion:

IBSCS may be considered as a preferred practice in eligible cases considering significant patient benefits such as early visual rehabilitation, time and cost-effectiveness, and better compliance with postoperative medications. In debilitated patients and special situations, such as pediatric cataract and Downs syndrome requiring general anesthesia it may be the ideal procedure.

Pros and cons of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS)

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) is currently a "hot topic" in ophthalmology. 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. Where a general anesthetic is indicated for cataract surgery, the risk of death from a second anesthetic is much higher than the risk of blindness. A widely recognized protocol from the International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons needs to be adhered to if surgeons wish to start practicing ISBCS.

Customized Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Adult Cataract in Iran

Purpose:

To customize clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cataract management in the Iranian population.

Methods:

First, four CPGs (American Academy of Ophthalmology 2006 and 2011, Royal College of Ophthalmologists 2010, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society 2008) were selected from a number of available CPGs in the literature for cataract management. All recommendations of these guidelines, together with their references, were studied. Each recommendation was summarized in 4 tables. The first table showed the recommendation itself in clinical question components format along with its level of evidence. The second table contained structured abstracts of supporting articles related to the clinical question with their levels of evidence. The third table included the customized recommendation of the internal group respecting its clinical advantage, cost, and complications. In the fourth table, the internal group their recommendations from 1 to 9 based on the customizing capability of the recommendation (applicability, acceptability, external validity). Finally, customized recommendations were sent one month prior to a consensus session to faculty members of all universities across the country asking for their comments on recommendations.

Results:

The agreed recommendations were accepted as conclusive while those with no agreement were discussed at the consensus session. Finally, all customized recommendations were codified as 80 recommendations along with their sources and levels of evidence for the Iranian population.

Conclusion:

Customization of CPGs for management of adult cataract for the Iranian population seems to be useful for standardization of referral, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the benefits and harms associated with immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) with specific emphasis on the rate of complications, postoperative anisometropia, and subjective visual function in order to formulate evidence-based national Danish guidelines for cataract surgery. A systematic literature review in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane central databases identified three randomized controlled trials that compared outcome in patients randomized to ISBCS or bilateral cataract surgery on two different dates. Meta-analyses were performed using the Cochrane Review Manager software. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE method (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). We did not find any difference in the risk of complications or visual outcome in patients randomized to ISBCS or surgery on two different dates. The quality of evidence was rated as low to very low. None of the studies reported the prevalence of postoperative anisometropia. In conclusion, we cannot provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of ISBCS due to the lack of high quality evidence. Therefore, the decision to perform ISBCS should be taken after careful discussion between the surgeon and the patient.

Same-day cataract surgery should not be the standard of care for patients with bilateral visually significant cataract

Benefits of sequential surgery include assessment of the outcome of the first surgery to tailor the surgical technique, intraocular lens (IOL) power, and choice of IOL for the second surgery. Additionally, recovery may be prolonged from corneal edema, anterior chamber inflammation, or cystoid macular edema. Allowing the patient to maintain visual function in one eye during the recovery of the other eye can be important. Therefore, the few benefits of simultaneous surgery are greatly outweighed by risks of bilateral complications, inability to foresee refractive outcome, inability to alter IOL choice, potential loss of physician reimbursement, and possible increased legal ramifications.

Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery with IOL implantation in children in Kenya

PURPOSE

To investigate the cost implications, safety, and refractive outcomes of simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) with intraocular lens implantation in pediatric patients in a developing world setting.

METHODS

Children aged 3 months to 10 years with bilateral congenital or developmental cataracts who underwent surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study. Cost data were compared for simultaneous and sequential cases. Postoperative complications and refraction data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-six children (192 eyes) were included, 48 in the SBCS group and 48 in the sequential group. The mean age of the SBCS group and the sequential group was 3.4 and 4.7 years, respectively (P = .04). The total estimated surgical cost was $274 per child for SBCS and $344 for sequential surgery, a reduction of 20.3% for cases of SBCS. Fibrin formation of any amount occurred in 52 of 192 eyes (27.1%), 25 in the SBCS group and 27 in the sequential group (P = .75). Twenty-one eyes (10.9%) had additional surgery to remove visual axis obstruction, 14 in the SBCS group and 7 in the sequential group (P = .11). The incidence of early endophthalmitis in all cases of pediatric cataract surgery in an 11-year period was 0.16%. The incidence of anesthetic-related death during the same period was 0.11%.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral simultaneous pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation may be a safe alternative to sequential surgery, with advantages in cost reduction and no difference in sight-threatening complications.

Prevention, diagnosis, and management of acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis

This distillation of the peer-reviewed scientific literature on infection after cataract surgery summarizes background material on epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis, describes the roles of surgical technique and antibiotic prophylaxis in prevention, and discusses diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cases of suspected endophthalmitis.

Simultaneous vs sequential bilateral cataract surgery for infants with congenital cataracts: Visual outcomes, adverse events, and economic costs

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence of adverse events and visual outcomes and to compare the economic costs of sequential vs simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery for infants with congenital cataracts.

METHODS

Retrospective review of simultaneous vs sequential bilateral cataract surgery for infants with congenital cataracts who underwent cataract surgery when 6 months or younger at our institution.

RESULTS

Records were available for 10 children who underwent sequential surgery at a mean age of 49 days for the first eye and 17 children who underwent simultaneous surgery at a mean age of 68 days (P = .25). We found a similar incidence of adverse events between the 2 treatment groups. Intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in 14 eyes. The most common postoperative complication was glaucoma. No eyes developed endophthalmitis. The mean (SD) absolute interocular difference in logMAR visual acuities between the 2 treatment groups was 0.47 (0.76) for the sequential group and 0.44 (0.40) for the simultaneous group (P = .92). Payments for the hospital, drugs, supplies, and professional services were on average 21.9% lower per patient in the simultaneous group.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery for infants with congenital cataracts is associated with a 21.9% reduction in medical payments and no discernible difference in the incidence of adverse events or visual outcomes. However, our small sample size limits our ability to make meaningful comparisons of the relative risks and visual benefits of the 2 procedures.

Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery in children

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery (SBIS), defined as sequential bilateral intraocular surgery completed in one visit to the operating room, is a controversial topic. The reluctance of ophthalmologists to perform SBIS has been mainly attributable to concerns about bilateral catastrophic complications (endophthalmitis, expulsive hemorrhage, or retinal detachment). Herein we report our experience with SBIS in children and review the literature.

METHODS

The medical records of 44 patients who underwent 48 cases of SBIS between 1994 and 2009 were reviewed. Of the 48 cases, 27 were bilateral cataract extractions, 1 including intraocular lens placement; 21 were cases of bilateral glaucoma surgeries, including goniotomy, trabeculotomy, and filtering tube placement. Bilateral surgeries were performed in one session under general anesthesia with strict aseptic separation of the 2 surgeries.

RESULTS

All but one of the cataract cases were performed in patients <1 year of age, and the majority (15/27) were performed in patients < or =1 month of age. Postoperative complications included aphakic glaucoma (5 patients) and reproliferation of lens material (3 patients). The majority of patients who underwent glaucoma procedures were <1 year of age (19/21), with 4 of 21 <1 month of age. One eye developed hyphema that required anterior chamber wash out. There were no catastrophic complications from the surgery or anesthesia (death, asphyxia, cardiac or respiratory arrest, or seizures) in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery was performed safely in 48 cases during a 15-year period. In selected pediatric cases requiring bilateral intraocular surgery for glaucoma or cataract, SBIS may reduce risks related to anesthesia and delayed surgery.

Immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery: an analysis of costs and patient value

PURPOSE

To compare resource utilization of two different strategies for bilateral cataract surgery: immediate sequential cataract surgery (ISCS) versus delayed sequential cataract surgery (DSCS). The purpose was also to analyse the value for the patient of undergoing ISCS versus DSCS.

METHODS

Differences in routines and resource utilization between ISCS (n = 17) and DSCS (n = 80) were studied in a cohort of cataract surgery patients at our clinic in Karlskrona, Sweden. Costs were extracted from an earlier publication by the same clinic. The value for the patient was studied using the capability index, based on published data on the benefit to the patient of ISCS or DSCS using the Catquest questionnaire.

RESULTS

Operating both eyes of a patient was 1.14 times more expensive with DSCS than with ISCS including all surgical costs. The value to the patient of undergoing ISCS depended on the time between first- and second-eye surgery in DSCS and the remaining lifetime after both-eye surgery. A long waiting time for second-eye surgery and a short remaining lifetime decreased the patient value of DSCS compared to ISCS.

CONCLUSION

DSCS is 14% more expensive than ISCS. The value for the patient of ISCS compared to DSCS depends on how long the period will be between first- and second-eye surgery in DSCS and also on the patient's survival time after surgery.

Bilateral Pseudomonas aeruginosa endophthalmitis following bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery

A bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery (BSCS) was performed on a 67-year-old man. The surgeon had not changed the surgical settings in between the two procedures for the two eyes. The patient developed fulminant bilateral endophthalmitis a day following the BSCS. Intravitreal culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The source of infection was not found. Immediate bilateral vitrectomy and intravitreal, subconjunctival, topical and systemic antibiotic did not save the eyes. Patient ended up with bilateral visual loss.