Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) – Key Points

4 June, 2020

Preamble

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic all elective surgeries in Canada were stopped. This has resulted in a large backlog of deferred cataract surgeries. As elective surgery slowly resumes, procedures and policies need to be changed to minimize the risk of COVID which will reduce efficiencies. To address the issues of COVID-19 risk and reduced efficiencies while trying to manage the significant backlog of cataract surgeries, immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) may be a consideration. Evidence suggests similar visual outcomes and complications for ISBCS and delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS). The COS has developed this guidance document summarizing the pros, cons and logistical considerations of ISBCS. This document should not be considered a replacement of individual due diligence in reviewing the literature in this area and the importance of following best practice and the needs of the individual patient.

Read the full ISBCS guidance document from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society