Same Day Cataract Surgery on Both Eyes are Now Possible and Safe

Research from Moorfields Eye Hospital analysing over 10,000 patients confirms that same-day cataract surgery on both eyes achieves exceptional outcomes, with 85% of multifocal lens patients reaching 20/20 vision or better. Led by Mr. Vincenzo Maurino, the study shows this approach matches traditional sequential surgery for safety whilst reducing hospital visits from four to just two.

Key Takeaways

Visual outcomes: 85% of patients receiving multifocal lenses achieve 20/20 vision or better with same-day surgery
Safety profile: Research from Moorfields Eye Hospital analysing over 10,000 patients confirms same-day surgery matches traditional sequential procedures for safety
Home recovery: 88% of patients can navigate their home independently immediately after surgery; 62% need no caregiver support during the first day
Efficiency: Single surgical session reduces hospital visits from four or more to approximately two
Research team: Led by Mr. Vincenzo Maurino and Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Prescription accuracy: 88% of multifocal patients achieve results within half a dioptre of target prescription

Research from Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust shows that operating on both eyes during a single surgical session achieves success rates of 85% for 20/20 vision when using multifocal lenses. The study, analysing over 10,000 patients treated between December 2023 and December 2024, provides evidence that same-day bilateral cataract surgery matches the safety profile of traditional sequential procedures whilst offering practical benefits for patients and the NHS.

How Cataract Surgery Has Changed

When cataracts develop in both eyes, surgeons traditionally operate on each eye separately, typically waiting 2-4 weeks between procedures. This approach requires two surgical sessions, two sets of pre-operative assessments, and double the recovery time. Patients often struggle with imbalanced vision between surgeries, particularly when one eye has been corrected whilst the other still has a significant cataract.

Same-day surgery on both eyes, known as immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS), addresses these issues. Mr. Vincenzo Maurino, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, led research comparing outcomes between same-day and traditional sequential approaches.

Moorfields Comparative Study: Same-Day versus Sequential Surgery Outcomes

Mr. Maurino and Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto examined visual outcomes for patients receiving either same-day or sequential surgery. The data revealed that patients receiving multifocal lenses with same-day surgery achieved the highest success rates, with 85% reaching 20/20 vision or better. Single-focus lens patients achieved 70% success rates for 20/20 vision, whether they had same-day or sequential procedures.

“For the patients and the hospital, this approach offers potential efficiency gains, including reduced waiting time, faster visual rehabilitation and fewer clinic appointments, as well as reduced waiting time and lower overall costs, all without compromising patient outcomes,” Mr. Maurino noted.

Prescription accuracy proved particularly strong. Among multifocal lens patients having same-day surgery, 88% achieved results within half a dioptre of their target prescription. This means their vision correction matched what the surgeon planned within a very small margin.

Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto explained: “For patients, these findings are encouraging. They suggest that having cataract surgery performed in both eyes on the same day, particularly when combined with multifocal lens implantation, can deliver excellent vision, reduce dependence on glasses, and allow faster recovery.”

Patient Recovery at Home

Danish researchers at Silkeborg Regional Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital surveyed 157 patients about their ability to manage daily tasks in the first 24 hours after bilateral surgery. The results showed that 88% could navigate their homes independently upon arrival, 79% prepared food without help, and 51% used their mobile phones. Overall, 62% needed no caregiver assistance during the first day.

Approximately half the patients needed help administering eye drops initially, though this requirement typically decreases as patients become familiar with the process. Ms. Mia Vestergaard Bendixen, who led the Danish study, observed: “Many people can expect to manage well soon after surgery, which may ease anxiety about needing support. However, some still benefit from a caregiver during the first day.”

Benefits for Patients

Same-day surgery eliminates the visual imbalance that occurs when eyes are operated on weeks apart. Both eyes heal together, and patients achieve their final vision improvement sooner. For elderly patients or those who rely on others for transport, reducing hospital visits from four or more (including pre-operative assessments and follow-ups) to approximately two makes a considerable difference.

The NHS also benefits from increased efficiency. Operating on both eyes in one session reduces theatre time, administrative work, and bed occupancy. With cataract surgery demand rising due to an ageing population, these efficiency improvements help reduce waiting lists.

Patient Selection and Safety Protocols

Not every patient suits same-day bilateral surgery. Pre-surgery assessment determines whether patients have appropriate home support and understand the recovery process. Surgeons treat each eye as a separate procedure, using different instrument sets and medications to prevent any potential cross-contamination.

The Moorfields research findings remained consistent across different patient ages, genders, and surgeon experience levels, indicating that the approach works well when proper protocols are followed.

Current Evidence and Future Practice

Dr. Joaquín Fernández, ESCRS Secretary, commented that the research confirms same-day bilateral surgery can be performed safely, with patients recovering well at home and achieving visual outcomes equal to or better than sequential procedures.

The combination of strong visual outcomes, reduced hospital visits, and shorter overall recovery time makes same-day bilateral cataract surgery a viable option for suitable patients. As surgical techniques and lens technology continue to advance, this approach may become standard practice for patients who meet the selection criteria.

Conclusion

The Moorfields Eye Hospital research involving over 10,000 patients demonstrates that same-day bilateral cataract surgery achieves visual outcomes equal to or better than traditional sequential procedures. With 85% of multifocal lens patients achieving 20/20 vision and 62% of patients managing independently at home within 24 hours, the evidence supports this approach for suitable candidates.

Mr. Vincenzo Maurino and the Moorfields team have shown that when proper protocols are followed, same-day surgery offers patients faster visual recovery, fewer hospital visits, and reduced time away from normal activities. For the NHS, the approach provides efficiency gains that help address growing demand for cataract surgery.

Patients considering cataract surgery should discuss with their surgeon whether same-day bilateral surgery suits their individual circumstances, support situation, and visual needs.

For more information about bilateral cataract surgery options or to schedule a consultation with Mr. Maurino, please contact our office.

References

1.Bendixen, M.V., et al. (2025). Recovery Of Self-Sufficiency And Need For Assistance After Simultaneous Bilateral Cataract Surgery. ESCRS25-ESONT-2746, ESONT Presented Poster, 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Copenhagen. https://pag.virtual-meeting.org/escrs/escrs2025/en-GB/pag/presentation/572613

2. News Medical. (2025, September 11). New evidence supports same day cataract surgery for both eyes. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250911/New-evidence-supports-same-day-cataract-surgery-for-both-eyes.aspx

3.Powers Health. (2025, September 12). Same-Day Cataract Surgery On Both Eyes Safe And Effective. https://www.powershealth.org/about-us/newsroom/health-library/2025/09/12/same-day-cataract-surgery-on-both-eyes-safe-and-effective

4.European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. (2025, September 12). Cataract surgery on both eyes can be carried out safely and effectively in one go. https://www.escrs.org/channels/news/cataract-surgery-on-both-eyes-can-be-carried-out-safely-and-effectively-in-one-go