Comparison of visual outcomes in patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery versus phacoemulsification at Divisional Headquarters Hospital, New Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.

Abstract

Cataract extraction is one of the commonest surgical procedures in Ophthalmology globally. Extracapsular cataract extraction ECCE), through a small incision (SICS), with insertion of an intraocular lens has been the most widely used method from 1990s until recently. Technological advances have led to the increasing use of phacoemulsification (PE) to emulsify and remove the lens. The technique requires a smaller incision, but requires substantial capital investment in theatre equipment. In this we compared the visual outcomes of patients undergoing both surgical techniques at a public sector hospital in Mirpur. Study Design: Single-center retrospective cohort study. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Divisional Headquarters Hospital, New Mirpur, AJK. Period: Cataract surgery cases from January 2018 to February 2019. Materials and Methods: 196 patients with age related cataract were included in the SICS group and 115 in the phacoemulsification group. The main comparative outcome was uncorrected visual acuity 4 weeks after surgery. Results: In this study, it was found that the primary post-operative visual outcome for small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification was comparable in terms of uncorrected visual acuity. No statistically significant difference was found in the proportions of SICS and phacoemulsification groups when compared for UCVA of 6/9 or better, 6/60 or better and 6/60 and worse.