Effectiveness of Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery in Treating White Cataracts

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Public Health

Background:

• Cataract surgery remains crucial for addressing global blindness.
• Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) offers a safe, effective, and economical approach.
• MSICS is particularly suitable for managing white cataracts and patients with systemic health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and safety of MSICS in patients with white cataracts.
• To evaluate visual outcomes and complication rates in a cohort undergoing MSICS.
• To determine the suitability of MSICS for patients with co-existing systemic comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 108 patients (108 eyes) who underwent MSICS between May 2023 and October 2024.
• Comprehensive preoperative ocular and systemic evaluations were conducted.
• Surgical results, including visual acuity and complication incidence, were systematically analyzed.

Main Results:

• A high success rate was observed, with 99% achieving best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/18 or better, and 89% achieving 6/9 or better at 45 days post-surgery.
• Intraoperative complications were minimal, with only one instance of posterior capsular rupture reported.
• Postoperative complications, such as corneal edema and iritis, occurred in 18.5% of cases but were fully resolved before patient discharge.

Conclusions:

• MSICS is a safe and highly effective surgical option for treating white cataracts.
• The technique yields excellent visual results, even in complex cases involving patients with systemic comorbidities.
• MSICS presents a cost-efficient solution for cataract management, improving patient vision and quality of life.