A case series on small incision cataract surgery + PMMA IOL with primary posterior capsulorrhexis: A safe and cheaper alternative in management of pediatric cataracts

Pediatric cataracts, a significant cause of childhood blindness, present pronounced challenges in low-income countries where conventional phacoemulsification with hydrophobic foldable IOLs may be economically unfeasible. In resource-limited settings, the conventional method of employing phacoemulsification with hydrophobic foldable IOLs is often impractical. This case series explores an economically pragmatic alternative, centering on Small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) paired with rigid polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs). This study delves into the visual outcomes of SICS with in-the-bag PMMA IOLs, Primary Posterior Capsulorrhexis (PPC), and anterior vitrectomy to mitigate Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) formation in the Visual Axis (VA). The evaluation, conducted at specific postoperative intervals spanning from Post-op Day 01 to the 6th month, provides a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy and safety of this approach. Findings underscore PMMA IOLs as both durable and cost-effective substitutes, with an emphasis on SICS with PPC as a reliable technique for cataract removal. This research delivers a practical solution to enhance visual outcomes, tackling the distinct challenges confronted in resource-limited settings and contributing to the broader global endeavor to alleviate preventable childhood blindness.