This is an advanced surgery to remove cataract from the eye.
A small opening is made of approximately 2 mm through which a phaco probe is inserted into the eye.
The tip pf the probe has a special piezoelectric power which creates vibrations, helping the eye surgeon to break the cataract lens into small pieces and remove the cataract.
This is the gold standard technique of removing cataract.
As it is an advanced surgery, no injection or no stich is usually required during cataract surgery.
After removing the cataract, a special foldable intraocular lens is implanted in the place of the cataractous lens. This lens enables the patient to see without glasses or with a small spectacle number.
How is phacoemulsification different from the older technique?
This is a different surgery from Manual small incision cataract surgery where the opening made in the eye is larger. Newer intraocular lenses are all compatible with phacoemulsification surgery to remove spectacle number post-surgery.
Since phacoemulsification is an advanced surgery, recovery is faster and post-operative precautions are only for a few days.
What is the right time to undergo Phacoemulsification cataract surgery?
Unlike what was followed in the older days, where one would wait for the cataract to fully mature, it is advisable to operate cataract earlier.
There are 3 reasons to plan surgery:
- Vision disturbances, glare at night, reduced vision.
- Cataract is becoming harder and denser causing it to turn yellow or brown, or white and mature.
- Cataract is causing changes in spectacle numbers rapidly due to swelling of lens or causing raise in eye pressure.
It is advised to undergo surgery earlier, which requires lesser power in the eye, less stress to the delicate intra ocular tissues and faster visual recovery.
At our centre we have been performing Phacoemulsification since 1993.
We have been performing topical phacoemulsification with no stich or injection under drop anesthesia since over 15 years.
Also read: 5 Simple Ways to Improving Your Eyesight and Protect Your Vision