Manual small incision cataract surgery

Atlas and epitome of operative ophthalmology

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) is a surgical procedure used to treat cataracts, a common eye condition that leads to the clouding of the eye's natural lens. MSICS is a technique that involves the removal of the clouded lens and the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.

Procedure

The Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the eye, making the procedure painless.

2. Incision: A small incision (around 6-7 mm) is made on the sclera (the white part of the eye) near the cornea.

3. Capsulorrhexis: A circular opening is made in the anterior capsule of the lens to access the cataract.

4. Lens Nucleus Extraction: The clouded lens nucleus is manually extracted through the small incision. This step distinguishes MSICS from phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasound to break up and remove the lens.

5. Cortex Removal: Any remaining lens cortex is removed from the eye.

6. IOL Implantation: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye to replace the natural lens.

7. Wound Closure: The incision is typically self-sealing and may not require sutures.

Advantages

MSICS offers several advantages, including:

• Cost-Effective: It is more cost-effective than phacoemulsification, making it accessible in resource-limited settings.

• Lower Equipment Requirements: MSICS requires fewer specialized machines and equipment compared to phacoemulsification.

• Effective for Dense Cataracts: It is effective in treating dense cataracts, which can be challenging with other techniques.

• Short Learning Curve: Surgeons can learn the technique relatively quickly.

Applications

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery is widely used to treat cataracts, which are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. It is particularly suitable for regions with limited access to advanced surgical equipment.

Complications and Considerations

While MSICS is generally considered safe and effective, complications can occur, and patients must be carefully evaluated before the procedure. Common considerations and potential complications include infection, inflammation, and changes in vision.

See Also

• Cataract Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Eye care

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