Phacoemulsification

Cataract is clouding of eye’s natural lens.

It is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness

Phacoemulsification (small-incision surgery) is a modern and the most common type of cataract surgery where the eye’s lense material is emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece and aspirated from the eye and a foldable lense is implanted.

Micro Incision Cataract Surgery requires a very small incision of 1.5-2.8 mm.

Indications of cataract surgery

• Reduced Visual Acuity (Distant and Near objects)
• Daytime glare (sunshine)
• Nighttime glare(street lights or car headlights)
• Distortion of lines(wavy,fuzzy)
• Mono-ocular diplopia(doubling of objects)
• Altered colors (white objects appear yellowish ,bright colors appear bleached)

Checkups before cataract surgery includes:

• Measurement of tonometry (eye pressure) and visual acuity.
• Ophthalmoscopy, to assess the inside of the eye.

A slit lamp exam for checking the lens opacification due to cataract

During phacoemulsification surgical procedure

• Small incisions are made in the eye where the cornea (the clear front covering) meets the sclera (white of the eye).
• On the capsule (lens surface), a circular opening is created.
• Phaco probe (a small surgical instrument) is inserted into the eye.
• To break the cataract into small pieces, ultrasound (sound waves) is used. A laser is also used sometimes. Pieces are removed from the eye using suction.
• Then, an IOL (intraocular lens implant) is placed on posterior lens capsule

The incisions are closed up themselves without stitches.by using hydration technique.

Advantages of phacoemulsification procedure

• Walk-in Walk –out procedure
• Suture less
• Bloodless
• Painless surgery
• Quicker healing and recovery

After this surgery, what to expect

Before leaving the outpatient center, the patient will get an immediate eye care what he/she needs after surgery. The doctor will explain the signs of possible complications, medicines, eye protection, required visits, and activities. The surgeon will also tell the patient about emergency care if required. Another health professional like a community health nurse or an optometrist may take some portions of the follow-up.

The patient will have to wear a protective shield over the eye for about a week at night. Normally, there will be no major pain after surgery.

The patient needs to meet his/her doctor for checkups, one day after surgery, after a week post surgery and again after 3 weeks. Visits should be quicker and more frequent if any complication occur.

Many patients get a new eyeglass prescription about four weeks after surgery.

In a large study, ninety-five out of hundred adults were satisfied with the results of this surgery. Unsatisfied people were older adults who had other eye problems along with cataract.

People who have this surgery of cataract are usually quite happy because now they have improved vision, relief from the fear of going blind and increased independence and mobility. This surgery may also improve the vision of infants who have cataract.