Small incision cataract surgery

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) is a type of cataract surgery that involves making a small incision to remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Unlike traditional cataract surgery, SICS does not require sutures and typically involves a self-sealing incision.

Procedure Steps

• Anesthesia: Local or topical anesthesia is used to numb the eye, ensuring the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
• Incision: A small incision (typically around 5-7 mm) is made on the sclera (the white part of the eye) or at the corneal-scleral junction.
• Capsulorhexis: A circular opening is created in the anterior capsule of the lens to access the cataract.
• Lens Removal: The cataract is removed using a technique called manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), where the lens is delivered through the small incision using a technique called "blumenthal technique" or similar methods. The nucleus of the lens is often manually expressed or removed in one piece, depending on the size and hardness of the cataract.
• IOL Implantation: A foldable or rigid intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision and positioned inside the lens capsule.
• Incision Closure: The small incision is usually self-sealing and may not require sutures, although in some cases, a single stitch may be placed to ensure the wound is secure.

Benefits of Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

• Minimally Invasive: The small incision reduces tissue damage, leading to less postoperative discomfort and quicker recovery.
• No Need for Sutures: In most cases, the self-sealing nature of the incision eliminates the need for sutures, reducing the risk of infection and irritation.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Patients typically experience faster healing and can resume normal activities sooner compared to traditional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).
• Reduced Risk of Complications: The smaller incision size decreases the likelihood of complications such as infection, bleeding, and induced astigmatism.
• Versatile and Adaptable: SICS can be performed on a wide range of cataract types and densities, including very hard and mature cataracts. It is suitable for patients with coexisting eye conditions where phacoemulsification might be challenging.
• Excellent Visual Outcomes: The procedure is highly effective in restoring vision, and the outcomes are comparable to those of phacoemulsification.
• Accessibility: SICS can be performed in settings where advanced technology for phacoemulsification is not available, making it accessible to a larger population.