Manual Small Incisional Cataract Surgery Learning Curve: Observational Comparison of Three Trainee Training

Purpose: To assess and compare the learning curve of three ophthalmology trainee in their post graduate training for Manual Small Incisional Cataract Surgery (MSICS) over 50 cases each. Methods: The study was done over a period of 12 months and a total of 150 patients were operated with each of the three trainee surgeon operating 50 cases. All the surgeries were performed under the guidance of expert cataract surgeons. The Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative day 1, day 7 and day 42 status of the patients were noted and evaluated. Results: Mean age of patients was 59.83 years +/- 7.56 years. Right eye was operated upon in 81 eyes. Males comprised 71 patients. Posterior capsule rent occurred in 13 cases. Intraocular lens was placed in all cases. Overall, 56 cases were mature cataract. The residents started performing independent surgery after the 25th case and completed at least ten of the last 15 cases provided to them. All patients achieved a BCVA of 20/40 or better at the end of six weeks. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that 50 cases operated under proper guidance over a few months is sufficient for a trainee to learn MSICS.