[Phacoemulsification of first and second eye: indication criteria and results].

PURPOSE To compare indication criteria, intra- and postoperative complications, visual outcomes and time interval between the first and second eye surgery (phacoemulsification). METHODS Prospective study was done in 96 eyes of patients who underwent bilateral consecutive phacoemulsification surgery, performed by a third-year ophthalmology resident. An established protocol was filled out before, during and after the surgery. The same surgical technique was used. Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn multiple comparison and Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. Bicaudal tests were used in all situations. p<0.05 rejected the null hypothesis. RESULTS The indication for the second eye surgery was done earlier and with best correct visual acuity when compared with the first eye (p=0.016). The mean phacoemulsification ultrasound time (US time) of the first eye was significantly higher (p=0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in relation to type of cataract, previous intraocular diseases, final visual acuity and mean spherical equivalent. The incidence of intra- and postoperative complications was smaller in the second eye, but was not statistically significant (p=0.07). Time interval between the first and second eye surgery was significantly lower along the trimesters. CONCLUSION The patients underwent the second eye phacoemulsification surgery earlier (with better visual acuity and shorter time interval), had a shorter phacoemulsification time and tendency to be followed by less intra- and postoperative complications.