Technique modifications in manual small-incision cataract surgery for left-handed cataract surgeons.

Abstract

Learning manual small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is essential for ophthalmic surgeons as it provides an alternative to phaco-emulsification in complicated cases. Nearly 10% of ophthalmic surgeons are left-handed. Left-handed surgeons do face more difficulties because of their laterality, which have been highlighted in various surveys even in other surgical specialities. Surgical training programs, residency programs, and fellowships have traditionally been designed considering the right hand as the dominant hand. Left-handed surgeons (LHSs) are at disadvantage as they are trained by right-handed surgeons (RHSs), which may result in more initial intra-operative errors. Intra-ocular lenses are also designed such that dialing into the bag is relatively difficult for LHSs. Developing customized training modules for LHSs can help them overcome the laterality challenges and enhance their surgical capabilities. In this article, we herein present a brief description of the SICS technique for LHSs, elaborating the crucial steps and customized maneuvers that, if performed differently, may make surgeries easier for them.