Comparison of Visual Acuity Outcomes of Phacoemulsification and Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Background. The visual outcomes of phacoemulsification (Phaco) and manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) have been extensively studied, with research indicating that both methods are highly effective in restoring vision. Purpose. This study was aimed at comparing the visual acuity outcomes of the two surgical techniques. Methods. A total of 90 participants were scheduled for cataract surgery at Adetula Opticals & Eye Clinic, Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria, from June to August 2023. The participants were divided into two groups of 45, a group was scheduled for Phaco (0.92 ± 0.65; 6/60-6/36) and SICS (1.32 ± 0.81; 3/60) logMAR. Visual acuities (VAs) were measured pre- and postoperatively. Results. The difference in mean VA pre-op of -0.40 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.096, -0.71) between the two techniques was statistically significant (p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in the logMAR VAs between the techniques post-operatively (p = 0.06), although the visual outcome with the two methods showed the tendency of a better VA (0.11± 0.17 [6/9 - 6/6]) as opposed to that of the other two techniques (0.22 ± 0.32; [6/12 - 6/9]). Conclusion. Both techniques have been refined to a point where they provide comparable long-term visual outcomes, making the choice of method dependent on specific patient needs, surgeon expertise, and available resources.