Worldwide, cataracts, the clouding of the natural lens, are the second leading cause of moderate and severe visual impairment (MSVI: VA between 20/60 and 20/400).1 Cataracts are bound to become visually significant, especially with longer life expectancies. The resulting visual impairments are not only costly for individuals suffering from cataracts but also for their families. Fortunately, cataract blindness is easily reversed with a simple extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) surgery. Dr. Sanduk Ruit popularized a faster, lower-cost, small-incision form of ECCE in 1999 now known as SICS or MSICS.2

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ADVANTAGES

• Adapted for high-volume surgery

• Less technology dependency

• Lower costs

• Suitable for all cataract types, especially for hyper mature cataracts where using phacoemulsification energy can cause unnecessary secondary damage

• Smaller, self-sealing wound for quicker recovery and fewer follow-up needs

• Shorter learning curve than phaco

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DISADVANTAGES

• Surgical Outcomes largely surgeon-dependent

• Persistent epiphora 5-7 days post-op

• Mild tenderness from the scleral incision

• Iatrogenic hyphema slightly more common

• Induced astigmatism also slightly more likely

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Organizations Providing MSICS Training​

• HelpMeSee.Org: provides cataract surgery simulator technology to train new surgeons