How Long Do You Have To Wait Between Each Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and effective vision correction procedures performed worldwide. However, many patients undergoing surgery for both eyes often ask the important question:
"How long do you have to wait between each cataract surgery?"
At My-iClinic in North London, our surgeons have over 30years of experience of performing bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery (having cataract surgery in both eyes on the same day).
- Traditionally NHS practices waited a minimum of 2 weeks and typically much longer between cataract surgery in 2 eyes ( bilateral sequential cataract surgery) - the main challenge is being able to reach more people with the limited resources. There is a now a growing interest in performing bilateral simultaneous surgery in the NHS
- If any complications arise in the first operated eye, your surgeon may adjust the approach for the second surgery.
NHS vs. Private Cataract Surgery Waiting Times in North London
NHS Cataract Surgery Waiting Times
If you’re having cataract surgery through the NHS, the waiting period between surgeries can be significantly longer due to appointment availability and demand.
- In North London, NHS patients may wait between 6 to 12 weeks for the second surgery, depending on hospital capacity and referral times.
- Patients on NHS waiting lists often experience delays due to prioritisation of more severe cases.
| Year | NHS Average Waiting Time (Days) | Private Clinics (e.g., My-iClinic) Waiting Time (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 70 | 30 |
| 2010 | 80 | 30 |
| 2015 | 90 | 30 |
| 2020 | 270 | 40 |
| 2025 | 180 | 40 |
Private Cataract Surgery at My-iClinic
Opting for private cataract surgery at My-iClinic means you can undergo both surgeries on the same day.
- Bilateral simultaneous surgery eliminates the inconvenience and imbalance of having one eye corrected then waiting weeks or months for the second procedure.
- You benefit from personalised aftercare, ensuring a seamless experience.
Factors That Affect Your Waiting Time
Several factors influence how long you need to wait between your cataract surgeries, including:
- Surgeon’s Recommendation: Your surgeon will decide the best timeframe based on your individual case.
- Recovery Speed: Some patients heal faster than others, allowing for an earlier second surgery.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure may require a longer waiting period.
- Lens Choice: If you opt for a premium intraocular lens (IOL), adjustments may be needed based on your visual outcome after the first surgery.
- Patient Comfort: Some patients prefer to wait longer between surgeries to adapt to their new vision before undergoing the second procedure.
What to Expect Between Surgeries
While waiting for the second cataract surgery, you may experience:
- Improved vision in the operated eye while the unoperated eye may still have blurry or cloudy vision.
- Temporary imbalance in vision, especially if there was a significant prescription difference between your two eyes.
- Adaptation to a new focus, particularly if you opted for a multifocal lens.
- The need to wear glasses temporarily for the unoperated eye.
Your surgeon will provide guidance on how to manage these changes and whether temporary corrective measures (such as glasses or contact lenses) may be beneficial.
How to Book a Consultation at My-iClinic
At My-iClinic in North London, we offer fast-track cataract surgery appointments, allowing you to complete both procedures on the same day if you wish to have bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery or a short period while receiving top-quality care. If you’re looking for a quicker, more comfortable solution with expert surgeons, we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts
The waiting time between cataract surgeries varies based on medical guidelines, your personal recovery, and whether you opt for NHS or private treatment. At My-iClinic, we ensure a tailored approach that allows you to regain your vision efficiently and comfortably. Contact us today to discuss your cataract surgery options in North London!
REFERENCE
Mr John Bolger is a founding member of the The International Society of Bilateral Cataract Surgeons (ISBCS)
- one of the clinic directors is a world leader and early adopter of the safe provision of Bilateral Simultaneous Cataract surgery
https://eyefoundationcanada.ca/isbcs
This group are pioneers - 25 years later the NHS is looking to adopt ISBS -
John Bolger is a co-aurthor of the first textbook on 1sbs
https://www.google.co.uk/books
- “The key to safe SBCS is to treat the procedure as two separate surgeries performed 5 minutes apart, according to Dr. Bolger, who practices in England. He has performed immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery on over 10000 patients.
It is as a result of pioneering work done by the ISBS club of which John is a founding member that Royal College of Ophthalmologists and NHS are now looking to adopt this as standard practice 25 years later
Research suggests that currently this is offered to less than 1% of NHS patients
Find out more by Speaking to our team
