'Simultaneous bilateral refractive lens exchange a viable option for ametropic patients

Dr. Blaylock presented his experience performing SBRLE in a series of 391 patients. His results showed the patients achieved excellent visual acuity. Refractive predictability was high, and complications were few and did not include any cases of endophthalmitis, uveitis, or IOL exchange.

"There are a number of advantages to simultaneous surgery, including avoidance of anisometropia and unhappy patients [with unilateral implants] who are reluctant to have second-eye surgery," said Dr. Blaylock, a private practitioner, Valley Laser Eye Centre, Abbotsford, British Columbia.

"An increased potential for bilateral refractive surprises and concerns about bilateral endophthalmitis or toxic anterior segment syndrome are legitimate concerns, and I am aware of a report of bilateral endophthalmitis from a patient operated on at a good center," Dr. Blaylock said.

"However, I believe the safety and efficacy outcomes in my large series provide good evidence that simultaneous surgery is a reasonable option," he said.