Visual outcome after manual small-incision cataract surgery by viscoexpression technique

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Public Health

Background:

• Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally, impacting millions.
• Surgical removal is the only effective treatment for cataracts.
• Manual small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is a cost-effective alternative to phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), especially in developing regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate visual acuity and surgically induced astigmatism in patients over 40 undergoing manual SICS.
• To assess the effectiveness of the viscoexpression technique for nucleus management in manual SICS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 50 patients over 40 years old undergoing manual SICS with viscoexpression.
• Analysis of preoperative and postoperative astigmatism at 1, 4, and 6 weeks.
• Comparison of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery.

Main Results:

• 96% of patients (48 out of 50) achieved good vision 6 weeks post-surgery.
• Manual SICS using viscoexpression demonstrated favorable visual outcomes.
• The study analyzed changes in astigmatism following the surgical procedure.

Conclusions:

• Manual SICS with viscoexpression facilitates early visual rehabilitation.
• This technique results in minimal surgically induced astigmatism.
• Manual SICS is a viable and effective alternative for cataract treatment.