Phacoemulsification versus small incision cataract surgery in patients with uveitis

AIMTo compare the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification and small incision cataract surgery (SICS) in patients with uveitic cataract.METHODSIn a prospective, randomized multi-centric study, consecutive patients with uveitic cataract were randomized to receive phacoemulsification or manual SICS by either of two surgeons well versed with both the techniques. A minimum inflammation free period of 3mo (defined as less than 5 cells per high power field in anterior chamber) was a pre-requisite for eligibility for surgery. Superior scleral tunnel incisions were used for both techniques. Improvement in visual acuity post-operatively was the primary outcome measure and the rate of post-operative complications and surgical time were secondary outcome measures, respectively. Means of groups were compared using t-tests. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used when there were more than two groups. Chi-square tests were used for proportions. Kaplan Meyer survival analysis was done and means for survival time was estimated at 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTSOne hundred and twenty-six of 139 patients (90.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Seven patients were lost in follow up and another six excluded due to either follow-up less than six months (n=1) or inability implant an intraocular lens (IOL) because of insufficient capsular support following posterior capsule rupture (n=5). There was significant improvement in vision after both the procedures (paired t-test; P<0.001). On first postoperative day, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/63 or better in 31 (47%) patients in Phaco group and 26 (43.3%) patients in SICS group (P=0.384). The mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 0.86±0.34 dioptres (D) in the phacoemulsification group and 1.16±0.28 D in SICS group. The difference between the groups was significant (t-test, P=0.002). At 6mo, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/60 or better in 60 (90.9%) patients in Phaco group and 53 (88.3%) in the manual SICS group (P=0.478). The mean surgical time was significantly shorter in the manual SICS group (10.8±2.9 versus 13.2±2.6min) (P<0.001). Oral prednisolone, 1 mg/kg body weight was given 7d prior to surgery, continued post-operatively and tapered according to the inflammatory response over 4-6wk in patients with previously documented macular edema, recurrent uveitis, chronic anterior uveitis and intermediate uveitis. Rate of complications like macular edema (Chi-square, P=0.459), persistent uveitis (Chi-square, P=0.289) and posterior capsule opacification (Chi-square, P=0.474) were comparable between both the groups.CONCLUSIONManual SICS and phacoemulsification do not differ significantly in complication rates and final CDVA outcomes. However, manual SICS is significantly faster. It may be the preferred technique in settings where surgical volume is high and access to phacoemulsification is limited, such as in eye camps. It may also be the appropriate technique for uveitic cataract under such circumstances.

Comparison of surgically induced astigmatism in various incisions in manual small incision cataract surgery

AIMTo determine the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in Straight, Frown and Inverted V shape (Chevron) incisions in manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS).

Outcomes after combined excisional goniotomy and manual small incision cataract surgery

AIM: To report the long-term outcomes of combined excisional goniotomy and manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS).METHODS: This is a retrospective case series of patients with open angle glaucoma and visually significant cataracts that underwent combined excisional goniotomy and MSICS with one-year follow-up. The medical history, demographic information, and clinical characteristics of each case were recorded. Data regarding changes in vision, intraocular pressure(IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, and the evolution of the disease after surgery were reported. RESULTS: Three patients, with open angle glaucoma and cataracts underwent combined excisional goniotomy and MSICS without adverse events. All patients had improvement in vision compared to baseline measurements. The range of IOP at baseline was from 14 to 18 mm Hg and decrease to a range of 10 to 14 mm Hg after one year of follow-up. Additionally, two patients also decreased their dependence on IOP-lowering medications at the last follow up visit with one patient maintaining baseline level of medication use.CONCLUSION: A combination of excisional goniotomy and MSICS illustrates both the safety and efficacy to treat patients with visually significant cataract and glaucoma. This procedure allows for a more cost-effective surgical approach that matches the needs of resource strained territories around the globe.

A reasonable option in vitrectomized eyes: manual small incision cataract surgery

Dear Sir,It is known that cataract surgery is challenging in vitrectomized eyes.Cataract surgeons may have encountered with posterior capsular complications and nucleus drop events even with minimal ocular manipulations and low irrigation bottle height.Inadvertent damage to the zonular fibers,posterior or peripheral lens capsule with ocutome or microvitreoretinal(MVR)blade in previous

Assessment of visual outcomes of cataract surgery in Tujia nationality in Xianfeng County, China

AIM: To evaluate the visual outcome and factors influencing visual outcome of manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS) in the rural area in the Xianfeng County.METHODS: Eighty-two eyes of 82 patients who underwent cataract surgery performed by using MSICS technique were identified. Data collected included each patient’s age, gender, the level of education. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity(UDVA and CDVA) at presentation and at 1, 6, 8wk postoperatively, pre-existing eye disease, operative findings and complications, the risk factors were evaluated.RESULTS: In 82 patients, the average age was 69.6±0.6y, illiterate were 52(63.4%). Of 82 eyes, pseudophakia was present in 77 eyes(93.9%). At 1wk postoperatively,47 eyes(57.3%) had the UDVA of ≥6/18, and 52 eyes(63.4%) had the CDVA of ≥6/18. At 6 to 8wk postoperatively, 50 eyes(61.0%) had UDVA of ≥6/18, and57 eyes(69.5%) had the CDVA of ≥6/18. Postoperative visual status was significantly related to the co-morbidities, such as corneal pathology, glaucoma(P 【0.001).Operative complications, such as posterior capsule opacity and cystoid macular edema were main operative cause for the poor visual outcome.CONCLUSION: MSICS provides a good visual recovery in our study but the vision outcome did not fulfill the standards proposed by WHO, which highlights the need for an improvement in local socioeconomic understanding, population education and surgery quality.

Addressing the MSICS learning curve: identification of instrument-holding techniques used by experienced surgeons

AIM: To identify instrument holding archetypes used by experienced surgeons in order to develop a universal language and set of validated techniques that can be utilized in manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS) curricula. METHODS: Experienced cataract surgeons performed five MSICS steps(scleral incision, scleral tunnel, side port, corneal tunnel, and capsulorhexis) in a wet lab to record surgeon hand positions. Images and videos were taken during each step to identify validated hand position archetypes.RESULTS: For each MSICS step, one or two major archetypes and key modifying variables were observed, including tripod for scleral incision, tripod-thumb bottom for scleral tunnel, underhand-index to thumb grip for side port, index-contact tripod for corneal entry, and tripodforceps for capsulorhexis. Key differences were noted in thumb placement and number of fingers supporting the instrument, and modifying variables included index finger curvature and amount of flexion.CONCLUSION: Identification of optimal hand positions and development of a formal nomenclature has the potential to help trainees adopt hand positions in an informed manner, influence instrument design, and improve surgical outcomes.