Last updated: January 12th, 2024
Cataracts affect more than 20 million people in the United States and cataract removal surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Traditionally, cataract surgery has been performed on one eye at a time, with several weeks between eyes, which requires people to take time out of their lives for two separate procedures.1 At Summit Eye Care, Dr. John Vukich offers bilateral cataract surgery, in which both eyes are treated on the same day so you can quickly get back to your life with improved vision.
Same Day Cataract Surgery in Wauwatosa and Milwaukee
Same day cataract surgery, also called Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS), approaches each eye as a separate procedure—the difference between this and standard delayed sequence cataract surgery is that the procedure for each eye is performed on a single day. Dr. Vukich is widely regarded as a leading cataract surgeon and he uses his expertise to offer this advanced solution because he knows that many patients appreciate the ease and convenience.
Benefits of Bilateral Cataract Surgery
- Allows you to regain vision and resume regular activities more quickly than the traditional staggered procedure approach2
- Less recovery time means less time away from work or other activities
- Save time with fewer office visits
- Reduces the risk of anisometropia, a condition in which the eyes focus unevenly due to differences in visual acuity3
How Does Bilateral Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery works by replacing your eye’s clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are a variety of IOL options, including advanced lenses that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
Preparing for Bilateral Cataract Surgery
The first step is a consultation appointment to discuss your cataract surgery options. If you decide to schedule bilateral cataract surgery, we will provide detailed pre-procedure guidelines. You should plan to have a friend or family member drive you home from your surgery.
What Happens During Bilateral Cataract Surgery
Bilateral cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed in two parts. Our team will prepare you for surgery by numbing your eyes with anesthetic drops. Dr. Vukich will make a small incision and remove the clouded lens, then replace it with your IOL. Once one eye is complete, we will bring you to a recovery room while we completely sterilize and prepare the procedure room for surgery on your other eye.
Recovery After Bilateral Cataract Surgery
Once you are home after your cataract surgery, you may feel mild discomfort or irritation. It is important to not rub your eyes. We will provide you with eye shields to wear while you sleep during recovery and you may be prescribed eye drops to use while your eyes heal. Patients typically resume regular activities within several days, but you will need to avoid strenuous activities for a week and avoid swimming for at least two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bilateral Cataract Surgery
Am I a candidate for bilateral cataract surgery?
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and you would like the convenience of treating both eyes in one day, then bilateral cataract surgery may be right for you. Take our cataract surgery candidacy quiz.
What are the risks of bilateral cataract surgery?
The risks of bilateral cataract surgery are similar to that of traditional cataract surgery.4 While any surgery carries some risk of side effects or complications, cataract surgery is considered to be a low-risk procedure and potential risks include infection, post-operative pain, swelling, and retinal detachment.5
How much does bilateral cataract surgery cost?
Cataract surgery is a covered expense for qualified patients on most health insurance plans, including medicare. The additional cost of advanced IOLs is an additional out-of-pocket cost and pricing will depend on the type of IOL and other factors.
Contact Summit Eye Care of Wisconsin
Dr. Vukich and our team of cataract surgery specialists are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life through better vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about bilateral cataract surgery.
1 National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts. Accessed October 6, 2020.
2 Nassiri N., Nassiri N., Sadeghi Yarandi S.H., Rahnavardi M. Immediate vs delayed sequential cataract surgery: a comparative study. Eye (Lond) 2009;23(1):89–95. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
3 Kontkanen M., Kaipiainen S. Simultaneous bilateral cataract extraction: a positive view. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002;28(11):2060–2061
4 Arshinoff SA. Immediately Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery—A Global Perspective. US Ophthalmic Review. 2015;8(1):14–8
5 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract Surgery. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-cataract-surgery. Accessed October 6, 2020.