About Small Incision Cataract Surgery
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive with a small, self-sealing incision that requires no stitches.Faster visual recovery and rehabilitation compared to older techniques.Reduced risk of surgically induced astigmatism.Highly effective for dense and mature cataracts.Lower cost and less dependence on sophisticated machinery than phacoemulsification.Performed under local anesthesia, minimizing systemic risks./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Visually significant cataract causing blurred vision, glare, or difficulty with daily activities.
- Mature or hypermature cataracts where the lens is very dense.
- Cataract-induced complications like phacomorphic glaucoma.
- When phacoemulsification is not feasible due to equipment or economic constraints.
- Patient desire to reduce dependence on glasses for distance vision.
- Cataract interfering with the diagnosis or management of other eye diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including biometry to calculate the power of the new artificial lens (IOL).
- Review of medical history and medications; may need to adjust blood thinners pre-operatively.
- Pre-operative tests as advised, which may include blood tests and an ECG.
- Use of prescribed antibiotic eye drops for 1-3 days before surgery to minimize infection risk.
- Fasting for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned.
- Arranging for transportation home post-surgery as driving is not permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection (endophthalmitis) or inflammation inside the eye.
- Swelling of the cornea or retina (cystoid macular edema).
- Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
- Retinal detachment, though rare.
- Dislocation of the implanted intraocular lens (IOL).
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), causing later blurring, treatable with a laser.
- Rare risks include bleeding, persistent pain, or loss of vision.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Eye will be covered with a shield for protection, especially while sleeping, for about a week.
- Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks.
- Avoid rubbing the eye, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and swimming for 2-4 weeks.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from bright light and dust.
- Vision may be blurry initially but typically improves significantly within days to a week.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor healing.
- Most normal activities can be resumed within a few days, with full stabilization in 4-6 weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering small incision cataract surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for small incision cataract surgery in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform small incision cataract surgery. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for small incision cataract surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Small Incision Cataract Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery.
Vikram Saxena, 72, is a retired...
Vikram Saxena, 72, is a retired history professor who loves reading and birdwatching. Over the past two years, he noticed his vision becoming increasingly cloudy and yellowed, like looking through a dirty windshield. Reading his beloved books became a strain, and he started confusing similar-looking birds. His ophthalmologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a dense cataract in his right eye. She explained that Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) was the best option, a quick, minimally invasive procedure to replace his clouded lens with a clear artificial one. Vikram was nervous but trusted Dr. Sharma. The surgery itself was surprisingly fast and painless. The recovery was straightforward, with some initial blurriness and mild irritation. Within a week, the world snapped back into focus. The colors were vibrant again, the brilliant green of a parrot, the deep blue of the sky. He could read for hours without fatigue. Vikram felt a profound sense of relief and renewal, as if a veil had been lifted, restoring not just his sight but his connection to the hobbies that defined his retirement.
Ophthalmologists for Small Incision Cataract Surgery
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform small incision cataract surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist