Cataract surgery on both eyes during the same visit — one appointment, one recovery
Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS) — also called same-day bilateral cataract surgery — means having cataract surgery on both eyes during the same appointment, rather than treating one eye first and returning weeks later for the second.
At Vale Eye Surgeons, ISBCS is performed by consultant ophthalmologists with over 12 years of surgical experience and complication rates well below the national average.
With the traditional approach, one eye is treated first and the second eye is operated on a few weeks later once the first has healed. With ISBCS, both eyes are treated during the same visit. Each eye is managed as a completely separate, independent operation with:
These precautions are taken to reduce the risk of infection affecting both eyes.
Some patients prefer to have one eye treated first before deciding on surgery for the second eye — your surgeon will help you choose the approach that is right for you.
For carefully selected patients, same-day cataract surgery can be a safe and effective option when performed by an experienced surgical team using strict safety procedures. Your surgeon will advise whether ISBCS is suitable for you based on your eye health, medical history, and lifestyle.
ISBCS may be considered for patients who have cataracts in both eyes, are otherwise healthy eye-wise, have low surgical risk, and want fewer appointments. It may not be recommended for patients with complex cataracts, significant other eye disease (such as severe glaucoma or retinal disease), higher infection risk, or previous eye surgery complications.
Because both eyes are healing together, you may need extra support at home for the first day or two. Vision may be blurred or misty initially, improving steadily over the first week. You will use eye drops in both eyes for several weeks and attend follow-up appointments to monitor recovery. Your surgical team will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
The risks of ISBCS are similar to those of standard cataract surgery. Common side effects include temporary blurred vision, mild discomfort, grittiness, and light sensitivity. Uncommon risks include inflammation, raised eye pressure, and retinal swelling. Rare but serious risks include infection, retinal detachment, and permanent loss of vision. When both eyes are treated on the same day, there is a very small risk that a serious complication could affect both eyes simultaneously — your surgeon will discuss this in detail at your consultation.
Choosing to have both eyes treated at once is the more cost-effective route, with prices starting at approximately £4,600 for both eyes. While your procedure will be performed by the Vale Eye Surgeons team, the surgeries take place at Spire Cardiff Hospital. Because the hospital sets the facility fees, prices are not fixed by Vale Eye Surgeons. Your care coordinator will provide a comprehensive cost breakdown prior to treatment.