| Reasons for suggesting bilateral phacoemulsification: |
| Significantly disturbing cataract in both eyes (cataract in the second eye expected to cause glare or binocular problems if left unoperated) |
| Reasons for speeding up visual rehabilitation: concurrent ophthalmic or general pathology, social situation |
| Unilateral surgery would result in postoperative anisometropia |
|
| Reasons for deferring bilateral phacoemulsification: |
| Patient uninterested or uncertain |
| Quality of postoperative care uncertain |
| Pathology of eye or its adnexa or general health problem with increased risk of complications |
| Significant difference in the density of the cataract |
| Increased risk for deviation from calculated postoperative refraction—eg, previous refractive corneal surgery, very short or long axial lengths or extreme or irregular corneal curvatures |
| Complication at first operation |
