Immediate versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery for paediatric congenital cataracts in a teaching institute: A comparative study

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of ISBCS (immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery) over DSBCS (delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery), to evaluate the cost analysis and convenience of ISBCS over DSBCS and to evaluate the risk of anaesthesia involved with ISBCS against DSBCS. Materials and Methods: We have studied 50 paediatric cataract cases for this retrospective evaluation. 25 cases were operated as bilateral sequential surgeries and the other 25 were operated after 1 week apart for the other eye. Results: Visual acuity was comparable between both groups at 6 months, Post op inflammation was 12% in ISBCS group and 16% in DSBCS group, Parental satisfaction was significantly higher in ISBCS group. Conclusion: ISBCS surgery is a safe and effective alternative to DSBCS when performed under strict aseptic precautions. Single anaesthetic exposure was the key factor for parental satisfaction.