ABSTRACT
Learning manual small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is essential for ophthalmic surgeons as it provides an alternative to phaco-emulsification in complicated cases. Nearly 10% of ophthalmic surgeons are left-handed. Left-handed surgeons do face more difficulties because of their laterality, which have been highlighted in various surveys even in other surgical specialities. Surgical training programs, residency programs, and fellowships have traditionally been designed considering the right hand as the dominant hand. Left-handed surgeons (LHSs) are at disadvantage as they are trained by right-handed surgeons (RHSs), which may result in more initial intra-operative errors. Intra-ocular lenses are also designed such that dialing into the bag is relatively difficult for LHSs. Developing customized training modules for LHSs can help them overcome the laterality challenges and enhance their surgical capabilities. In this article, we herein present a brief description of the SICS technique for LHSs, elaborating the crucial steps and customized maneuvers that, if performed differently, may make surgeries easier for them
ABSTRACT
Mastering manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) for beginner surgeons is difficult. In the initial days of residency or training, surgeons struggle to make a proper scleral tunnel and keratome entry. It commonly results in premature entry and iris prolapse. Most of the literature has shed light on premature entry during tunnel construction by a crescent blade, whereas a significant majority of iris prolapse happens due to improper keratome entry. This novel trypan blue dye-assisted tunnel staining (TBTS) technique helps in proper tunnel demarcation which can reduce the incidence of premature entry with a keratome.