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Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS), also called Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), is a manual form of cataract extraction that uses a self-sealing scleral or sclero-corneal tunnel incision and does not require a phacoemulsification machine. It is an established, cost-effective technique and may be particularly useful for dense or mature cataracts, depending on the eye, surgeon, and surgical setting.

  • Surgery Name

    Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

  • Speciality

    Ophthalmology

  • Duration

    Often around 10–20 minutes per eye, but the time varies with cataract complexity and surgical circumstances

  • Anaesthesia

    Usually local anaesthesia; the method may include topical drops, sub-Tenon’s, or regional injection depending on the patient and surgeon

  • Hospital Stay

    Day-care; usually no overnight stay

  • Recovery Time

    Vision often improves over days to weeks; the timing of visual stabilization and final refraction varies

  • Procedure Type

    Small-incision, usually sutureless manual cataract surgery

  • Insurance Coverage

    Coverage depends on the insurance policy, medical indication, hospital, and local rules

  • Cost Range in India

    Varies by city, hospital, and IOL choice — ask your clinic for a current quote

  • Success Rate

    Visual outcomes depend on the cataract, eye health, surgical technique, and postoperative course; many patients experience improved vision after successful surgery

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Cataract Symptoms and Signs That May Lead to Surgical Evaluation

These symptoms may occur with cataracts and can prompt an ophthalmic evaluation. The symptoms themselves do not determine whether SICS, phacoemulsification, or another technique is the most appropriate procedure.

  • Blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision
  • Glare or halos around lights, especially at night
  • Marked yellowing or browning of the lens (brunescent cataract)
  • Significant difficulty reading or with close-up tasks
  • Vision loss affecting daily independence