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

85% of patients with multifocal lenses see 20/20 or better following bilateral surgery
Moorfields Eye Hospital study of 10,000+ patients shows matching safety to traditional approach
88% of patients walk around their homes unassisted immediately after returning from hospital
Hospital visits drop from four to two when both eyes receive treatment together
Mr. Vincenzo Maurino and Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto lead the research team
Prescription accuracy reaches 88% within half a dioptre for multifocal patients

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust research demonstrates that bilateral cataract surgery (both eyes in one session) delivers 85% success rates for 20/20 vision when surgeons use multifocal lenses. The comprehensive study examined more than 10,000 patients treated from December 2023 to December 2024, comparing bilateral procedures with the traditional method of operating on each eye separately.

Traditional versus bilateral approaches

Cataracts typically affect both eyes, though often at different rates. Standard practice has been to operate on one eye, wait 2-4 weeks, then operate on the second eye. This sequential approach means patients endure two operations, multiple hospital appointments, and extended recovery periods. Between surgeries, patients cope with unequal vision, which affects depth perception and daily activities.

Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) allows surgeons to treat both eyes during one theatre session. Mr. Vincenzo Maurino, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital, leads research examining whether this approach matches traditional outcomes.

Moorfields research findings

Mr. Maurino and Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto analysed visual results across thousands of patients. Multifocal lens recipients achieved the strongest outcomes, with 85% reaching 20/20 vision after bilateral surgery. Patients receiving single-focus lenses achieved 70% success rates for 20/20 vision, regardless of surgical approach.

“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 explained.

The research tracked prescription accuracy closely. Among multifocal lens patients, 88% achieved their target prescription within half a dioptre. This precision indicates surgeons can reliably predict and deliver the intended vision correction.

Dr. Gabriele Gallo Afflitto noted: “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.”

Recovery at home: Danish research

Danish researchers surveyed 157 patients about managing daily activities within 24 hours of bilateral surgery. The team from Silkeborg Regional Hospital and Aarhus University Hospital found 88% could walk through their homes safely upon return. Nearly 80% prepared meals independently, whilst 51% used mobile phones without assistance. Most significantly, 62% required no help from caregivers during day one.

Eye drop administration proved the main challenge, with roughly half needing initial assistance. This requirement typically decreases as patients learn the technique. Ms. Mia Vestergaard Bendixen, lead researcher, stated: “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.”

Practical advantages

Bilateral surgery eliminates the visual imbalance period between operations. Recovery happens simultaneously for both eyes, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner. Elderly patients benefit particularly from fewer hospital journeys, especially those relying on family or friends for transport.

NHS efficiency improves through reduced theatre utilisation, fewer administrative tasks, and decreased bed requirements. As cataract surgery demand increases with population ageing, these efficiencies help manage waiting lists.

Patient suitability and surgical protocols

Pre-operative assessment determines patient suitability for bilateral surgery. Surgeons evaluate home support availability, patient understanding of recovery requirements, and any medical factors that might increase risks. Not every patient qualifies for the bilateral approach.

Surgical teams follow strict protocols, treating each eye as an independent procedure. They use separate instrument sets, different medication batches, and distinct surgical drapes to eliminate cross-contamination risks. The Moorfields data showed consistent outcomes across patient demographics and surgeon experience levels, confirming protocol effectiveness.

Clinical consensus emerging

Dr. Joaquín Fernández, ESCRS Secretary, acknowledged the research demonstrates bilateral surgery achieves equivalent or superior outcomes to sequential procedures when patients recover successfully at home.

Multiple factors support bilateral surgery adoption: strong visual results, fewer hospital attendances, and compressed recovery periods. As techniques advance and evidence accumulates, bilateral approaches may become standard for qualifying patients.

Next steps for patients

The Moorfields research involving 10,000+ patients establishes that bilateral cataract surgery matches or exceeds traditional sequential surgery outcomes. With 85% of multifocal patients achieving 20/20 vision and most managing independently at home within hours, the evidence supports offering this option to suitable candidates.

Mr. Vincenzo Maurino and the Moorfields team demonstrate that correct protocols enable faster visual recovery with fewer hospital visits. NHS services gain efficiency whilst patients return to normal activities sooner.

Patients considering cataract surgery should discuss their suitability for bilateral procedures with their surgeon, considering their home support and visual requirements.

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