Manual small incision cataract surgery
Candace Winterton1, Anthony Mai2, Jeff Pettey2
1Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
To provide an updated review of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), including training innovations, advancements in surgical techniques, system-level performance, and equity implications in global cataract care.
Recent Findings:
As global cataract burden continues to rise, MSICS has gained traction as a cost-effective and scalable solution, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Simulator-based training and new surgical tools have enhanced early proficiency among trainees. Recent data highlight MSICS as a procedure with comparable complication rates and patient-reported satisfaction to phacoemulsification, assuming proficiency of the surgeon. Key research gaps persist in skill transferability, long-term outcomes, and sex disparities in access.
Summary:
MSICS remains a pivotal surgical technique in the fight against global cataract blindness. Its affordability and adaptability to resource-limited settings make it a critical part of international efforts to expand cataract surgical coverage and promote equitable eye care delivery.
