Bilateral Cataract Surgery Issues 2014
Purpose
To analyze global issues that arose in 2014 with respect to bilateral cataract surgery.
Methods
As co-presidents of the International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons (iSBCS), issues are constantly brought to our attention Two issues merited significant attention in 2014. They were investigated.
Results
1. In September of 2014 a case of bilateral endophthalmitis after ISBCS (immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery) came to the attention of attendees at the annual meeting of the iSBCS, in London, England. Investigation of the case raised concerns about some protocols for immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery. 2. At symposia at both the 2014 ASCRS and ESCRS annual meetings, opposition to bilateral cataract surgery appeared to have diminished considerably from previous meetings. Some causes for this change, and concern for some jurisdictions arose.
Conclusion
1. The performance of bilateral cataract surgery should adhere to strict protocols for safety. 2. Financial penalties in many jurisdictions remain significant impediments to wider adoption of bilateral cataract surgery. 3. Efforts should be made to avoid trivializing cataract surgery as ISBCS becomes more common. 4. Adoption of bilateral cataract surgery should occur only when all components of the procedures at the surgical facility can be validated to be safe and effective.