DOI: 10.36347/sasjs

Pages: 224-228

Abstract: Background: Cataract surgery is an effective treatment for restoring vision and improving quality of life. While delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) remains common, immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) may offer enhanced clinical and functional outcomes. This study aims to compare visual outcomes and patient satisfaction between immediate and delayed sequential cataract surgery. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh, from August 2013 to July 2014. A total of 80 adults (≥60 years) with bilateral senile cataract and visual acuity <6/18 were enrolled and assigned to either the Immediate Surgery Group (n = 40) or the Delayed Surgery Group (n = 40). Pre- and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual function (VF-14), and patient satisfaction were assessed. Data were analysed using SPSS v25.0, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The baseline characteristics were mostly similar between two groups. At one month, the immediate surgery group demonstrated significantly better BCVA (0.11 ± 0.05 vs. 0.14 ± 0.07 logMAR; p = 0.03), greater BCVA improvement (0.56 ± 0.10 vs. 0.51 ± 0.11; p = 0.03), and lower refractive error (0.24 ± 0.10 vs. 0.31 ± 0.12 D; p = 0.005). Contrast sensitivity was higher in the immediate group (1.81 ± 0.22 vs. 1.69 ± 0.24; p = 0.02), and they reported greater satisfaction (9.2 ± 0.8 vs. 8.4 ± 1.1; p = 0.004) and a faster return to daily activities. Conclusion: Immediate cataract surgery provides superior early visual and functional outcomes, as well as higher patient satisfaction, compared to delayed surgery in appropriately selected patients.