Phacoemulsification – One of the top cataract-removal processes!

Modern cataract surgery, called phacoemulsification, was created by Charles Kelman in 1967. The development of phacoemulsification, which allowed a cataractous lens to be dissolved through a small incision of 2-3 mm and produce flawless visual results, was a relief for the medical community. Even though the current procedure has undergone numerous improvements, phacoemulsification is still the gold standard for removing cataracts. Patients with cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, can have their eyesight restored through Phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Phacoemulsification, often known as “phaco,” is a method of removing cataracts involving making tiny incisions to break up and remove a natural lens with cataracts. Phacoemulsification means liquefying the eye’s natural lens. Its root is the lens-derivative Greek word “phakos.” 

Why Phaco cataract surgery is necessary?

The eye’s lens becomes clouded by a cataract, impairing vision and making daily tasks difficult. The only way to successfully restore vision that cataracts have impaired is through surgery to remove them and replace them with long-lasting artificial lenses. Your doctor may advise surgery to remove your natural lens and replace it with an artificial one if your cataract causes your vision to become blurry. You’ll be able to see better after the routine.

Who is a good candidate for phaco eye surgery?

You may have cataracts if you are at least forty years old and are exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below; you might need cataract surgery.

• Seeing double in one eye
• Halos or glare around bright lights;
• Blurred or distorted vision;
• Poor night vision;
• Light sensitivity;
• Fading colors

It is significant to understand that even if you are under 40, there is a slight possibility that you have cataracts. A thorough eye exam is the best approach to determine if you require Phaco cataract surgery. Most eye exams include a particular test known as refraction.

What Happens During the Phacoemulsification procedure?

The patient undergoes a thorough eye examination before the treatment, during which the ophthalmologist extensively examines the damaged eye using an ultrasound or laser scanning technology. The tests are intended to identify the patient’s ideal IOL.

To do phacoemulsification, a surgeon must first make a tiny incision near the corneal edge and then cut a hole in the lens’s membrane. A tiny ultrasonic probe is introduced to shatter the clouded lens into little pieces. The tool vibrates at an ultrasonic speed to slash and almost break the lens material into tiny fragments. A probe tip attachment suctions the shards out of the capsule.

IOLs, also known as intraocular lenses, are inserted into the lens’s natural capsule after removing the lens particles. A tube that has been hollowed out is used to introduce it through the tiny corneal incision. After being pushed through, the lens unfolds and is set in place.
The phacoemulsification procedure does not demand an overnight stay in a hospital. Under local anesthesia (anesthesia injected around the eye) or topical anesthesia, the cataract surgery process is carried out (numbing drops inserted into the eye).

Precautions to take after Phaco cataract surgery

• After the Phacoemulsification procedure, your eye may itch or feel tired for a few days. You might have some tearing at this time and find it difficult to see clearly in bright light.
• To stop an infection, your doctor will give you eye drops. You can’t drive and shouldn’t bend down, lift anything heavy, or apply pressure on your eye.
• Your doctor might advise you to use an eye shield while you sleep for the first week. This helps your eye recover by protecting the surgical incision site. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience eye pain or believe it is not healing correctly.
• Your eye should have fully recovered after 8 weeks. After Phaco cataract surgery, almost 90% of patients report seeing better. But do not anticipate having a perfect vision. You can still require contact lenses or glasses.

Advantages of Phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Let’s look at some benefits of Phacoemulsification cataract surgery:

• Less complicated because of the smaller incision
• Smaller incisions result in less produced astigmatism
• Very few precautions, no bandages
• Normative activities are not restricted
• In just a few days, rapid recovery of good vision
• Last pair of glasses after one or two weeks
• Earliest visual rehabilitation

Why Choose Centre For Sight?

Under one roof, Centre For Sight offers the most modern technology, surgical techniques, and diagnostic facilities. The most effective, committed, and knowledgeable super specialty consultants are available at Centre For Sight, the complete eye care center, and facilities for cutting-edge Phaco cataract surgery techniques.

Article: Phacoemulsification – One of the top cataract-removal processes!
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Nov 08 2022 | UPDATED 01:03 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.