Small Incision Cataract Surgery Research Articles

Teaching of manual cataract extraction in ophthalmic surgical training programmes.

Manual cataract extraction techniques such as extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or manual small incision cataract (MSICS) surgery have been replaced by phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Surgical training opportunities for manual techniques of cataract extraction are limited in modern surgical training programmes. This study evaluated the current trends of ECCE/MSICS training opportunities amongst trainees and trainers in the Irish Ophthalmic Surgical Training Program. An electronic survey was distributed to all ophthalmic surgical trainees and consultants in the country. It addressed the experience and exposure to ECCE/MSICS. Nineteen of 33 (57%) trainees and 29 of 55 (55%) of consultants completed the survey. Twelve of 19 (63%) trainees viewed an ECCE procedure performed live. Twenty-seven of 29 (93%) consultants performed an ECCE procedure during their surgical career; 8 of 27 (30%) performed an ECCE within the last 1-3 years. Fourteen of 19 (74%) trainees stated they do not feel confident converting from phacoemulsification to ECCE independently. Sixteen of 19 (89%) trainees believe manual cataract extraction training should be included in their surgical training. Nineteen of 29 (65%) consultants believe training in manual cataract extraction should be part of the surgical training programme. There is a paucity of manual cataract extraction being performed in Ireland, limiting live surgical training in this technique. This survey highlights the limited experience of trainees in this valuable skill that is occasionally required for a successful surgical outcome. The authors conclude that wet laboratory simulated training of manual cataract extraction will bridge this gap.

Comparison of Surgically Induced Astigmatism Following Manual Sics: Superior and Temporal Approach

Aim: The operable cataract cases in the developing world is high compared to the cataract surgical rate, and economical and effective methods are required to deal with this curable blindness, in order to provide the highest achievable uncorrected distance visual acuity. This study aimed to compare the surgically induced corneal astigmatism in patients undergoing manual small incision cataract surgery by superior (s-MSICS) and temporal (t-MSICS) scleral tunnel incisions. Methods: Prospective, interventional cases series of 60 eyes of 60 patients. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), mean keratometry (KMean) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) were the main outcome measures which were compared between the two groups, s-MSICS and t-MSICS. Results: The mean patient age was 58.60 ± 7.11 years and 59.63 ± 8.39 years in the s-MSICS and t-MSICS groups respectively. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) on day 90 was 0.27 ± 0.14 logMAR in the s-MSICS group and 0.18 ± 0.16 logMAR in the t-MSICS group (p=0.05). At the final assessment s-MSICS had 1.43 ± 0.99D of SIA and t-MSICS had 0.76 ± 0.66D of SIA (p=0.02). Four patients in the s-MSICS group and 25 patients in the t-MSICS group had WTR astigmatism (p<0.001). Likewise, there were 26 cases of ATR and one case of ATR in the s-MSICS and t-MSICS respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this prospective study, t-MSICS had significantly lesser surgically induced astigmatism than s-MSICS. The temporal incision decreased against the rule astigmatism, as well, which is the astigmatism prevalent in the adult population.

Intraoperative partial thickness compression suturing for descemet’s membrane detachment: A Novel technique

: To evaluate the efficacy of partial thickness transcorneal compression suturing with air desmetopexy in descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) during cataract surgery: This is a retrospective review of records of patients who were managed for non-planar DMDs during phacoemulsification or small incision cataract surgery with partial thickness suturing with air descemetopexy in virgin eyes. : A total of fifteen cases were identified including 11 females and 4 males with average age of 67 years. All patients involved in the study underwent uneventful cataract surgery. All 15 cases involved in the study with DMD during cataract surgery were caused by intra-operative trauma during different instrumentations. Five cases had peripheral DMDs and ten cases had central DMDs. The average size of non-planar DMD was 4 mm. Ten cases had DMDs with scrolled margins. Eight patients achieved the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/6 at the end of one month with clear corneas. Descemet’s membrane (DM) got completely attached at two weeks follow-up. The suture removal was done approximately after one month of follow-up. : Partial thickness transcorneal compression suturing with air desmetopexy in non-planar DMD is very helpful in recovering traumatic corneal edema during cataract surgery.

How severe are ocular surface abnormalities 3 months following cataract surgery? An observational study

Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the pattern of ocular surface changes seen 3 months after undergoing phacoemulsification or manual small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) and match them with age-matched normal individuals. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the ophthalmology outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary care center. Consecutive patients coming to OPD were grouped into three study groups – Group 1 included 25 patients who had undergone manual SICS, Group 2 included patients who had undergone clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery, and Group 3 included age-matched controls. Patients with ocular and systemic diseases were excluded. All the patients underwent Schirmer’s test, tear film breakup time, ocular surface staining, and ocular surface disease index score. One-way analysis of variance test was used for the comparison of data, and P = 0.05 or less was considered to indicate a significant difference. Results: Significant dry eye changes after 3 months of cataract surgery were present in SICS and Phacoemulsification groups as compared to age-matched normals (p-value < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between SICS and PHACOEMULSIFICATION surgery groups in the incidence of dry eye incidence. Conclusion: Dry eye symptoms are significant following cataract surgery irrespective of the type of surgery either SICS or phacoemulsification.

Comparison of pupil dilation in manual small incision cataract surgery using topical versus intracameral mydriatic agents – A randomised controlled trial

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to assess and compare the efficacy of an intracameral mydriatic solution with conventional topical agents in the completion of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in a black population. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted among 102 patients undergoing MSICS under sub-tenon’s block. Mydriasis in the topical group was achieved with a pre-operative topical dilating combination of tropicamide 0.8% and phenylephrine 5% while surgery was commenced in patients in the intracameral group without dilation, and mydriasis was achieved intraoperatively with an intracameral solution of lidocaine 0.5% and adrenaline 0.001%. Pupil sizes were measured serially, before, and at four different junctures during surgery. The proportion of patients needing supplementary mydriasis in either group was noted, as well as post-operative pinhole visual acuity (VA). Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistical Product and Service Solutions(SPSS) version 25.0 (IBM, Chicago, Illinois). The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Mean pupil diameter before dilating and blocking was 2.5 ± 0.6 mm in the topical group and 2.5 ± 0.7 mm in the intracameral group (P = 0.752). This increased to 7.7 ± 1.1 mm and 7.4 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P = 0.134), after administering either mydriatic agents. After that, mean pupil diameter progressively reduced in both groups but was significantly higher in the intracameral group at each point of measurement (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the VA between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Using an intracameral mixture of lidocaine and adrenaline gives adequate mydriasis for the successful completion of MSICS without pre-operative dilation.

Starting manual small incision cataract surgery as a phaco surgeon

Starting manual small incision cataract surgery as a phaco surgeon

Fusion-Flanged Intrascleral Intraocular Lens Fixation Technique: Simple, Safe, Efficient.

To develop a new, sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation technique based on the Yamane double-needle and Canabrava 4-flanged techniques. The Fusion-Flanged technique involves using a 7-0 polypropylene suture loop threaded through the eyelets of the IOL. Afterward, both ends of the suture are passed outside the eye through a 27-gauge needle. This technique creates a single flange by joining the 2 suture ends through handheld cautery, and this flange is then embedded into the scleral tunnel to securely fix the IOL in place. This technique was performed on a total of 7 aphakic patients. Four of them had encountered complications following manual small incision cataract surgery, while the remaining 3 experienced complications after phacoemulsification. The results indicated a significant improvement in visual acuity, with mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuities of 0.77 ± 0.11 and 0.27 ± 0.08 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units), respectively. The Fusion-Flanged intrascleral IOL fixation technique offers improvements in simplicity, safety, and the overall efficiency when compared to existing sutureless intrascleral fixation techniques. Notably, this technique is versatile and can be applied to both non-foldable and foldable IOLs.

The Outcome of Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) Using Ruit’s Technique in Phacomorphic and Phacolytic Glaucoma at Nan Hospital, Thailand

Objective: To evaluate the visual outcome and complications of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) using Ruit’s technique in the treatment of patients with phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 150 eyes in 147 patients with phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma who underwent MSICS by the Ruit’s technique between January 2009 and May 2022 at Nan Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Out of these 150 eyes from the 147 patients, 58 eyes from 58 patients missed the six-week follow-up, and 14 eyes from 14 patients had pre-operative vision impairing pathology. Records were analyzed of the patients with pre-operative, post-operative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), operative time, intraoperative difficulties and complications, and post-operative complications and astigmatism in the second and sixth week after surgery for the 78 eyes out of 75 patients. Results: Seventy-eight eyes of 75 patients treated by MSICS using Ruit’s technique with IOL implanted in the posterior chamber demonstrated no significant intraoperative or post-operative complications. The post-operative UCVA at the sixth-week follow-up was 20/70 or better in 76% of the phacomorphic glaucoma group and 64% of the phacolytic glaucoma group. In the sixth week after treatment, the mean post-operative astigmatism of the phacomorphic glaucoma group was –1.4±0.9 D and –1.3±0.7 D for the phacolytic glaucoma group. The mean post-operative IOP in the sixth week after surgery for phacomorphic glaucoma and phacolytic glaucoma were 10.7±3.7 mmHg and 9.8±4.3 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) using Ruit’s technique is an effective method and excellent at controlling the IOP and achieving good visual acuity with a low rate of complications for patients with phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma. Keywords: Ruit’s technique; Manual small incision cataract surgery; Phacomorphic glaucoma; Phacolytic glaucoma

Visual outcome and complications of phacoemulsification and manual small incision cataract extraction for age related cataract

The purpose of this study is to compare visual outcome and complications of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with posterior chamber IOL implantation (PC-IOL) and phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation for age related cataract. The study compares the visual outcome and complications of MSICS and phacoemulsification with PC-IOL performed in 80 eyes at M & J Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (M&J WRIO) Ahmedabad, by assessing post operative Best corrected Visual acuity (BCVA), Surgically Induced astigmatism (SIA) and complications. This was an Institutional based cohort interventional randomized, prospective study. MSICS and Phacoemulsification was performed on 80 eyes at M & J WRIO. The intraoperative complications were documented. The parameters that were examined on 1 postoperative day, 1 week, and 6 weeks postoperatively included uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 weeks, intra ocular pressure by non -contact tonometry and keratometry at 6 weeks to rule out SIA.Statistical analysis was performed using chi square test. p value <0.05 was taken as significant.: MSICS & phacoemulsification had similar visual outcomes post-operatively. Phacoemulsification group produced less mean SIA (1.27 D) compared to MSICS group (1.29 D) and lesser (5%) complications than the MSICS group (10%). The comparison of all three parameters was not statistically significant between the two groups.: Visual outcomes, SIA and complications were comparably the same in MSICS & phacoemulsification. Therefore, MSICS can be excellent alternative to phacoemulsification.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Post-Operative Corneal Decompensation after Cataract Extract among Patients in Khartoum Eye Hospital - Sudan June 2021 - January 2022

 Background: Corneal decompensation is a medical condition characterized by opacity of the cornea. This condition arises as a result of mechanical injury caused by inadvertent contact of intraocular instruments with the cornea during surgery. Cataract extraction involves a surgical procedure to remove a clouded lens from the eye that has developed over, which can impede vision in the affected eye.  Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of post-operative corneal decompensation after cataract extraction according to the type of surgical procedure  Methodology: This is a Descriptive, retrospective, Cross sectional, hospital-based study, was conducted in Khartoum eye hospital, from June 2021 to January 2022. Patients who underwent cataract extraction between June 2021 - January 2022 Patients who were diagnosed with corneal decompensation were included. Data collection was conducted from medical record by using data sheet. The data will be analyzed via SPSS program (Statistical Package for The Social Sciences) and Microsoft Excel program. using chi square, t-test and correlation then be presented in the form of tables, bar charts and pie charts.  Results: About patient’s gender, males were 53(48.2%), females were 57(51.8%), patients from 70 – 79 years were 42(38.2%), 60 – 69 years were 33(30%), 50 – 59 years were 20(18.2%), and 40 – 49 years were 15(13.6%). About Diagnosed with symptoms of corneal Decompensation, yes 17(15.5%), No 93(84.5%), ; Extracapsular surgery was done in 55(50%) of patients, Phaco was done in 35(31.8%) of patients, and small incision cataract surgery was done in 20(18.2%) of patients, Glaucoma 7(15.5%) was the most common other contributing factors in followed by Trauma 4(36.4) and previous steroid use was 1(25%) respectively, About experience any intra-operative complications, no 108(98.2%) patients, yes 2(1.8%) patients.  Conclusion: Most of patients were females, between 70-79 years old, Extracapsular surgery was the most occuring type of surgery. Extracapsular surgery had the largest percentage of corneal decompensation. There was a notable correlation (significant association) that was observed between between gender, age and corneal decompensation.  Recommendations: Further research involving a larger sample size is necessary to validate the results of this study, Education programs should be developed to raise the awareness of patients.

Visual outcomes and risk factors of uveitis cataract eyes after phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery.

To examine the visual outcomes and risk factors of uveitis cataract eyes after phacoemulsification and manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Tertiary-care eye hospital in southern India. Retrospective interventional case series. Of the uveitis eyes operated for cataract surgery between 2017 and 2020, eyes with a minimum of 6 months postoperative follow-up were included. Eyes with ocular trauma, lens subluxation, lens-induced uveitis, or retinal detachment-induced uveitis were excluded. Demography, visual acuity, intraoperative and postoperative records, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. 191 eyes of 191 patients with a mean age of 51.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Phacoemulsification was performed in 134 eyes, and 57 eyes underwent MSICS. Synechiolysis and pupil-expanding maneuvers were required in 74 eyes (38.7%). No differences were noted in the rates of complications between phacoemulsification and MSICS eyes, except at 1 year, where higher rates of posterior capsular opacification and vitritis were noted in MSICS eyes ( P = .018). The visual outcomes of eyes that underwent MSICS and phacoemulsification were comparable ( P = .463). In 12 eyes (13.5%), improvement in vision was not significant. This study shows phacoemulsification may be a preferred technique in uveitis cataracts, given the lesser incidence of postoperative complications. Patients should be counseled for realistic expectations.

SICS as a procedure for cataract with severe corneal scar: a case report

Introduction : Cataracts are the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in Indonesia, according to the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey, which is around 70-80% of patients. Meanwhile, corneal disorders are the second cause of blindness after cataract in the world. Incidence of corneal scar in patients with cataracts can exacerbate visual disturbances to cause blindness and require special treatment.
 Case Illustration : A 75 years old woman with blurry eyes since 1 year ago. Acuity of the right eye (OD) was 1/300 and the left eye (OS) was 1/300. Extensive and severe scars were found on the corneas of both eyes. Lens opacities were found in the anterior eye segment. Patient was diagnosed with ODS mature senile cataract and ODS corneal scar. Surgical treatment was carried out using the small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) method, IOL inserted and iridectomy.
 Discussion : Mature cataract patients with advanced age tend to have a denser and harder lens. Cataract extraction performed by phacoemulsification procedure in very dense and hard cataracts requires higher ultrasound energy settings thereby increasing the risk of corneal endothelial trauma and burns which will exacerbate corneal scarring in patients. SICS is a better treatment compared to phacoemulsification in patients with complex situations such as corneal scarring in dense and hard cataracts with minimal surgical complications and optimal results. Iridectomy in cataract surgery can be performed if iris prolapse occurs due to high pressure from the posterior segment of the eye.
 Conclusion : The SICS procedure shows good results for cataract patients with severe corneal scars

Differences in Keratometry Before and After Surgery Between Superior and Temporal Chevron Incision in Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Abstract
 Introduction & Objectives : Cataracts are the most common cases that cause blindness globally, where the lense was haze and characterized by decreased visual acuity and is reversible if optimal treatment is given. Examination before surgery is very important for outcome, where keratometry is one of the examinations before the surgery. Small incision cataract surgery (SICS) is one of cataract surgery technique, where a chevron incision is used in the superior or temporal regions. This study aims to determine which location is the best for an incision based on the results of keratometry.
 Methods : This research is an analytical observational study, bidirectional (prospective-retrospective) with a cohort study approach conducted at the eye polyclinic of Sanglah Hospital and Surya Husadha Hospital, Denpasar. The study sample consisted of 46 eyes which were divided into two groups, 23 superior and 23 temporal incision, then the results were compared between groups.
 Results : The results showed that the oldest age was the temporal incision group, which was 66.78±7.11. In the keratometry measurements, it was found that there were differences between the two groups, where the temporal incision resulted in smaller keratometric changes (p=<0.001). After analyzing the covariates, the temporal incision group still had smaller keratometry changes (p=<0.001) with astigmatism as an influential confounding factor. Meanwhile, post-op visual acuity was found in the temporal incision group which was better than the superior incision after analysis with covariates (p=0.002).
 Conclusion : This study showed that the temporal incision group gave lower keratometry results and better post- op visual acuity than the superior incision group.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MANUAL SMALL-INCISION CATARACT SURGERY WITH TRABECULECTOMY VERSUS PHACOTRABECULECTOMY IN THE TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA WITH CATARACT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Introduction & Objectives : The coexistence of two globally leading causes of blindness, glaucoma and cataract, is frequent, while the consideration of surgical management is complex. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of two surgical procedures, manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) combined with trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy.
 Methods : A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library published up to March 2023. Articles not indexed in those databases were also searched. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also retrieved to compare the outcomes estimating efficacy and safety. Biases in selected studies were assessed.
 Results : A total of seven studies consisting of 352 eyes for MSICS with trabeculectomy and 348 eyes for phacotrabeculectomy were included. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was comparable between the two techniques (MD: -0.45; 95%CI: -1.07 to 0.16; p=0.15). Postoperative Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) <6/12 (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 0.62 to 2.53; p=0.52), complete success (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.51 to 1.67; p=0.78), and postoperative complications (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 0.75 to 2.15, p=0.38) did not differ significantly.
 Conclusion : This meta-analysis indicated no significant difference between MSICS with trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy regarding the efficacy and safety profile. Further high-quality studies are required to confirm these findings.

Effectiveness of intraoperative, intracameral mydriasis compared to preoperative topical mydriatics, in patients undergoing manual small-incision cataract surgery under peribulbar anesthesia: Randomized single-blind controlled study

Effectiveness of intraoperative, intracameral mydriasis compared to preoperative topical mydriatics, in patients undergoing manual small-incision cataract surgery under peribulbar anesthesia: Randomized single-blind controlled study

Comparison of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss during Manual Small-incision Cataract Surgery using Visco-expression versus Irrigating Wire Vectis-assisted Nucleus Removal: A Prospective Randomised Study

Introduction: Age-related cataract is the leading cause of curable blindness in India, and Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) is a machine-independent and cost-effective alternative to phacoemulsification for handling this significant burden. In every cataract surgery, some endothelial cell loss is inevitable. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare endothelial cell loss in the two most commonly practiced methods of nucleus delivery in MSICS. Aim: To compare and analyse endothelial cell loss during MSICS using viscoelastic/viscoexpression-assisted nucleus removal versus irrigating wire vectis-assisted nucleus removal. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomised interventional study was conducted at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) Rohtak, Haryana, India. The study duration was three years, from May 2018 to May 2021. A total of 250 patients with uncomplicated senile cataract over 40 years of age, with nuclear sclerosis of grade 2 or higher and “with the rule” astigmatism, were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into Group A and Group B (125 each), who underwent MSICS using visco-expression (Group A) versus irrigating wire vectis-assisted (Group B) nucleus removal. Visual Acuity (VA), keratometry, astigmatism, pachymetry, and Endothelial Cell Density (ECD) were recorded in every patient preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1 and day 40. The Shapiro-wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data, and student’s t-test was performed to identify significant differences in continuous factors between the two groups. Chi-square test was used to find the association between factors and techniques, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.5±9.4 years (range 52-89 years) with a significant male preponderance. The mean LogMAR visual acuity on Postoperative Day (POD)-1 was 0.3±0.1 for Group A, while for Group B, it was 0.5±0.2, showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.004). However, on day 40, visual acuity was comparable in both groups, with Group A (0.1±0.2) and Group B (0.1±0.1), and no significant difference (p=0.09). On POD-1, the percentage change in Endothelial Cell Density (ECD) was 4.2% in Group A and 10.6% in Group B, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0017). On day 40, it was 2.1% and 4.8% in Group A and Group B, respectively, also showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.003). On postoperative day 40, the mean Surgically Induced Astigmatism (SIA) in Group A and Group B was 0.67±0.24 and 0.74±0.41, respectively, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.074). Intra and postoperative complications such as hyphema, iridodialysis, and corneal oedema were more common in Group B than Group A. Conclusion: The study concludes that there was a statistically significant endothelial cell loss in the irrigating wire vectisassisted nucleus delivery method compared to the viscoexpression of the nucleus during MSICS. The present method also showed delayed visual rehabilitation and a higher risk of intra and postoperative complications. Therefore, viscoexpression of the nucleus should be the preferred method of nucleus delivery in every MSICS where feasible.

Changes in Central Corneal Thickness and Central Macular Thickness following Uncomplicated Small-incision Cataract Surgery

Introduction: Cataract surgery is an invasive procedure that causes mechanical and inflammatory insult to the eye. Objectives: The objective was to study the changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) which is an indirect indicator of corneal endothelial dysfunction and the changes in macular thickness following uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery (SICS) Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study with a before-and-after design conducted in Reiyukai Eiko Masunaga eye hospital, Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal. SICS was performed on 68 eyes of 62 patients. Change in CCT and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline was observed post-surgery on the first day, one week, and six weeks. Results: There were 27 (43.5%) females and 35 males (56.5%) in the study. Mean age was 58.26 ±10 years. This difference of visual acuity between pre and post-operative state was statistically significant. The first post-operative day (POD) and first week post-operative CCT values when compared with preoperative CCT values were statistically significant. However, post-operative CCT values at six weeks were similar to preoperative values. Also, the differences at day one, first week and six weeks post-operative CMT values when compared with preoperative CMT values were statistically significant. Conclusion: This study revealed that there is a significant rise in CCT after SICS which gradually tends to normalize at six weeks. Similarly there is a gradual rise in CMT after SICS persisting even at six weeks. These changes were subtle and there was a marked improvement of visual acuity at six weeks after SICS.

Study of Surgical and Visual Results and Complications of Manual SICS in a Tertiary Care Medical College in India

BACKGROUND
 Small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is a widely practiced surgery in developing nations. Its cost-effective nature and compatibility with high-volume facilities make it a valuable option, offering favorable visual outcomes for most patients. This study was done to evaluate the visual results of SICS procedures performed at a tertiary care center in Urun, Islampur and investigate the factors contributing to suboptimal visual outcomes.
 METHODS
 A total of 200 cataract patients were enrolled in this study. The research encompassed a comprehensive analysis of intraoperative and postoperative complications. There was a comparison made between postoperative visual acuity (VA) and preoperative VA, with a dedicated examination of the determinants of diminished visual outcomes. Follow-up evaluations were carried out on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30.
 RESULTS
 The average age of the patient cohort was 63 years, with a slightly higher representation of females (52%) compared to males. The most frequently encountered surgical complication with 5.5% incidence was striate keratopathy, which was then followed by iris damage which had an incidence of 4.5%. The other common complications included posterior capsular rent (PCR) with vitreous loss (3.5%), hypotony (0.10%), intraocular lens decentration (0.50%), surgically induced astigmatism (0.20%) and endophthalmitis (0.50%). Notably, 98% of the patients achieved visual acuity exceeding 6/18. Complications associated with suboptimal visual outcomes (<6/18) were primarily attributed to posterior capsular rent, surgically induced astigmatism, and endophthalmitis.
 CONCLUSIONS
 While SICS may carry a certain risk of complications, the majority of patients can attain favourable visual outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery With Trabeculectomy Versus Phacotrabeculectomy in Patients With Glaucoma and Cataract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The coexistence of two globally leading causes of blindness, glaucoma and cataracts, is common. Combining trabeculectomy with cataract surgery is a common practice while determining the preferred surgical management for patients is a complex consideration. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of two surgical procedures, manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) combined with trabeculectomy andphacotrabeculectomy. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library published up to March 2023. Articles not indexed in those databases were also searched. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were also retrieved to compare the outcomes estimating efficacy and safety. Biases in selected studies were assessed. A total of seven studies consisting of 352 eyes for MSICS with trabeculectomy and 348 eyes forphacotrabeculectomywere included. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was comparable between the two techniques (MD: -0.45; 95% CI: -1.07 to 0.16; p = 0.15). Postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <6/12 (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.53; p = 0.52), complete success (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.67; p = 0.78), and postoperative complications (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.75 to 2.15, p = 0.38) did not differ significantly. This meta-analysis indicated comparable efficacy and safety profile between MSICS with trabeculectomy andphacotrabeculectomy. Further high-quality studies are required to confirm these findings.

Flow capsulorhexis: A novel technique in white and hypermature cataracts.

We described a novel "flow capsulorhexis" technique in white and hypermature cataracts and compared it with the standard "needle decompression capsulorhexis" technique. Six hundred and eight eyes of 420 patients with intumescent or non-intumescent mature white cataracts who had undergone phacoemulsification or manual small incision cataract surgery with "flow capsulorhexis" (Group 1) or "needle decompression capsulorhexis" (Group 2) were assessed. The mean continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) completion time was 6.6 ± 3.4 seconds in Group 1 and 10.4 ± 4.2 seconds in Group 2 (P < 0.001). The mean number of times for an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) supplement was 0.4 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.8 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P < 0.001). CCC success rate was 95.8% in Group 1 and 87.2% in Group 2 (P = 0.001). The new technique was observed to have better outcomes in terms of surgical time, OVD supplement times, and success rate than the standard needle decompression technique.