Using A Super Sharp Razorblade- A Cost Effective Way Of Doing Small Incision Cataract Surgery In Developing Countries

1. Dr. Dirk Harder
2. Dr. John Szetu
3. Dr. Konstanze Fischer

Pacific Eye Institute , Suva, Fiji, Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand

Worldwide 37 Million people are still blind due to cataract. A global recession and limited funds of the NGOs require cost effective but safe methods of diagnostic, treatment and postoperative eye care.

With a new type of super sharp razorblade and a special designed blade holder the cost of our cataract surgery has come down significantly.

Instead of using 3 expensive blades to construct a self sealing tunnel incision only one blade is needed. This blade can be resterilized up to four times.

In this presentation the method of tunnel construction will be introduced as well as the manufacturing process of the special blades and the blade holder.

This method has a steeper learning curve, but once mastered it is an effective way of saving time and money in the theatre.