Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

Cataract is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts account for nearly 51% of global blindness, affecting millions of people, particularly in developing countries. While advanced surgical techniques like Phacoemulsification are widely used in developed nations, Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) continues to play a crucial role in restoring sight, especially in regions where affordability and accessibility are major concerns.

SICS is a modern, cost-effective, and highly successful surgical technique for removing cataracts through a self-sealing small incision. It combines the advantages of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with improved recovery and fewer complications, making it one of the most widely performed surgeries in countries like India.

What is Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)?

Small Incision Cataract Surgery is a manual, suture-less cataract removal technique. Unlike traditional large-incision cataract extraction, SICS requires only a 5–7 mm tunnel-shaped incision, which is self-sealing and does not usually require stitches.

The surgeon removes the cloudy natural lens (cataract) and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), restoring clear vision.

SICS is particularly useful in:

• Dense or hard cataracts

• Rural or high-volume setups where affordability and efficiency matter

• Patients unsuitable for advanced phacoemulsification

Why is SICS Important?

While phacoemulsification dominates in urban eye hospitals, SICS remains the gold standard in cost-effective cataract surgery programs. Its importance lies in:

• Affordability – SICS is significantly less expensive than phacoemulsification.

• Scalability – Ideal for high-volume cataract surgery camps.

• Efficiency – Shorter operating time compared to phaco in very hard cataracts.

• Accessibility – Can be performed in settings without high-end phaco machines.

Step-by-Step Procedure of SICS

Understanding the surgical procedure helps patients feel more confident. Here is the simplified step-by-step process:

1. Preoperative Assessment

• Eye examination including slit-lamp evaluation

• Vision tests

• IOL power calculation using biometry

• Blood sugar and blood pressure checks (if required)

2. Anesthesia

• Usually local or peribulbar anesthesia is given to numb the eye.

• General anesthesia may be used in children or anxious patients.

3. Incision Creation

• A tunnel-shaped scleral incision (5–7 mm) is made.

• The tunnel is designed to be self-sealing, avoiding the need for stitches.

4. Capsulotomy and Nucleus Delivery

• The anterior capsule of the lens is carefully opened.

• The cataractous lens nucleus is delivered through the small incision using specialized techniques like hydrodissection.

5. Cortical Clean-Up

• Soft lens material is removed with manual irrigation and aspiration.

6. Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation

• A foldable or rigid IOL is inserted into the capsular bag.

7. Incision Closure

• The wound is self-sealing and does not need sutures in most cases.

• The eye is covered with a protective patch.

Advantages of SICS

Small Incision Cataract Surgery offers multiple benefits, especially in developing nations:

• ✅ Cost-effective compared to phacoemulsification

• ✅ Faster visual recovery than conventional ECCE

• ✅ No sutures required, reducing post-op discomfort

• ✅ Shorter surgery time, suitable for high-volume settings

• ✅ Effective for very hard cataracts where phaco may be difficult

• ✅ Low equipment dependency – requires fewer machines than phaco

Disadvantages & Limitations of SICS

While effective, SICS also has certain limitations:

• ❌ Larger incision than phaco (5–7 mm vs. 2–3 mm)

• ❌ Requires skilled manual surgical technique

• ❌ Not as cosmetically appealing as micro-incision phaco surgery

Recovery After Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Recovery is usually smooth and fast. Most patients experience improved vision within a few days.

Post-Surgery Care:

• Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops

• Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye

• Wear protective glasses in bright sunlight

• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or swimming for 2–3 weeks

• Attend follow-up visits as recommended by the doctor

Healing Timeline:

• Day 1–2: Vision starts clearing, mild discomfort possible

• 1 Week: Most activities can be resumed

• 4–6 Weeks: Eye fully heals, and final glasses prescription can be given

Our Services

Expert small incision cataract surgery in Karve Nagar, Pune.

SICS

Affordable, minimally invasive cataract surgery restoring clear vision.

ECCE

Effective extracapsular cataract extraction tailored to patient needs.

Caring for Your Vision

Providing trusted small incision cataract surgery in Karve Nagar, Pune, to help restore clear sight affordably.

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Trusted Care

Proven Results

Common Questions

What is SICS?

Small Incision Cataract Surgery uses a tiny cut to remove cataracts safely.

Is SICS safe?

Yes, SICS is a proven, safe procedure with quick recovery and minimal complications.

How long is recovery?

Most patients notice improved vision within days, with full healing typically in a few weeks.

Anyone with cataracts, especially those seeking affordable, effective treatment.

Who can benefit from SICS?

Where is SICS done?

We perform SICS right here in Karve Nagar, Pune, with expert care.

Location

Conveniently situated in Karve Nagar, Pune, close to local landmarks and easy to reach.

Address

Karve Nagar, Pune

Hours

9 AM - 5 PM

Thanks to the surgery here, I see clearly again after years of struggle.

Ravi P.

The care during my small incision cataract surgery was gentle and reassuring.

Sneha K.

★★★★★

★★★★★