BACKGROUND:

To assess the visual outcome of manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) as well as safety, cost, and time of the procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective study involving candidates for cataract surgery with baseline-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) ≤20/120. Visual acuity (VA) was the primary outcome measure while surgical complications, cost, and time of surgery were the secondary outcome measures. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and at 6 and 12 months following surgery.

RESULTS:

The study enrolled 3007 patients with a mean age of 66.45 ± 17.3 years. Out of 3007 patients, 2774 (92.2%) were legally blind before surgery (CDVA <20/200) which was significantly reduced to 55 patients (1.9%) by 1 month following surgery. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/60 or better in 2098 eyes (69.8%) at 1 month, in 2035 eyes (67.7%) at 6 months, and in 2017 eyes (67.1%) at 12 months. The posterior capsular rupture was the most common intraoperative complication. Corneal edema was the most common immediate postoperative complication while the development of posterior capsular opacification was the leading cause for later impaired VA. The mean cost was approximately equivalent to 20 US dollars. The median duration of surgery was 10 min.

CONCLUSION:

MSICS is a safe, cost-effective, and time-saving technique for improving the vision of cataract patients in areas with high cataract surgery volume and limited facilities.