Cataract, a clouding of the lens of the eye which obstructs the passage of light, is by far the major cause of blindness worldwide (47.8%) and affects millions of people. Cataracts hace different origins: occasionally some children are born with the condition; however, most cases are related to the aging process. The treatment of a cataract is an operation, which is typically very successful in restoring sight. Surgery to reverse a cataract is generally a 30-minute operation and is a cost-effective surgery in which the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. The cost for SEE International to restore sight to an individual is less than $100!

Restoring sight through cataract surgery can not only affect the physical condition of an individual, improving quality of life, but also the economic condition as individuals can return to work and care-takers who may be young family members can return to school or work.

Karl Brasse visionsimulators for cataracts

The staff and volunteers at SEE International’s headquarters in Santa Barbara, California, work to put together custom supply packages which include everything needed for cataract surgery – from the lens needed for implantation, pre and post-operative medications, to surgical gloves and masks. Many of these supplies are donated in-kind from our corporate partners (link) but some are available to be sponsored by individuals.

There are three main types of cataract surgery: Phacoemulsification, Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE), and Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS).

In the United States, the preferred method of cataract surgery is Phacoemulsification. It involves the use of expensive equipment that emulsifies the hardened lens with ultrasonic vibrations. This technique, however, contains two limitations: it is expensive and it is not effective for very hard or mature cataracts which are often presented by patients from developing countries.

Most cataract surgeries for the underserved in developing countries often require a manual technique because of the density of the cataracts and the lack of infrastructure for sophisticated equipment. The Extracapsular Cataract Excision (ECCE) manual method is typically used, but it involves a large (usually 10 mm) incision made in the cornea which requires sutures. With the newer Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery, much smaller (5 mm) incision is made that is also self-healing. The procedure does not require use of suture, and therefore, a skilled surgeon can perform twice as many surgeries in the same amount of time, which is crucial in the mission setting with high patient turnover. In addition, the smaller incision heals faster than a conventional one, and the absence of suture lowers the potential of irritation or infection. Finally, small wounds may induce less astigmatism and result in much better uncorrected visual acuity.

Most of the US ophthalmologists participating at sight-restoring expeditions organized by SEE International lack sufficient training in this technique since it is not practically applicable in the United States, where the modern Phacoemulsification method has been adopted as the most useful procedure for cataract removal. Because of this, SEE International offers an annual MSICS Course at our Santa Barbara headquarters, as well as other opportunities to learn MSICS in the field under the supervision of a host ophthalmologist.

[Include Karl Brasse videos for Phaco – approval pending]

[Include Dr. Ghanta video for MSICS – approval gained] Warning: video of MSICS procedure is a live surgery.