Phacoemulsification versus Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery in Hard Nuclear Cataracts

Aim-To compare the clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification with that of manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in cases of hard nuclear cataract. Material and methods -60 patients with senile nuclear cataract grade 4 or higher according to Lens Opacities Classification System III (brown cataract), were studied. These eyes were divided randomly into two groups: group A included 30 eyes treated by phacoemulsification and group B included 30 eyes treated by MSICS. Results On day 1postoperatively, the corrected distance visual acuity was 6/12 in 16 patients in the MSICS group and in 7 patients in the phacoemulsification group. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.01). Also, 9 cases in the MSICS group and 12 cases in the phacoemulsification group developed postoperative iritis. Conclusion Both phacoemulsification and MSICS achieved comparable and excellent visual outcomes, with lower complications rates and earlier postoperative visual rehabilitation in MSICS.