Phacoemulsification, or phaco, is method of cataract surgery in which the eye’s internal lens is emulsified using ultrasonic energy and replaced with an intraocular lens implant, or IOL.
A cataract clouds the lens of the eye causing vision loss that interferes with daily activities. The only effective means of restoring full and clear vision that has been compromised by cataracts is to perform surgery to remove and replace them with permanent artificial lenses.
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-Visual rehabilitation. Vision is often better than ever before since the IOL implanted in the eye compensates for the earlier refractive error and patients can choose to have special lenses that can correct for distance alone (monofocal lenses), near and distance both (multifocal lenses) and even astigmatism (toric lenses).
-Small incisions which usually do not require stitches or sutures.
-Since the surgical downtime is not significant, most patients find it easy to resume their usual activities within two to three days of surgery including TV watching, reading and resuming official duties also.
-Requires a cooperative patient who will not move the head during operation, making it less preferable in certain patients
Phaco surgery is performed with a small ultrasonic probe that is inserted into the eye via a two-to-three millimeter incision. This probe breaks the cloudy lens into tiny pieces and sucks the fragments out of the eye. Your doctor will place a permanent artificial lens (called an intraocular lens or IOL) where the natural lens used to be. Surgery is performed under a local anesthetic, which prevents movement of the eye. Or topical anesthetic may be used to numb the area. Most procedures take between 15 minutes and one hour.
Wearing comfortable and loose–fitting clothes. Face and hair must be washed before arrival in the hospital. Before surgery begins, anesthetic eye drops, dilating eye drops and antibiotic eye drops will be given. For keeping both eyes comfortable during surgery, anesthetic medication can be administered as eye drops or eye injection. However, if patients do not prefer to stay awake, general anesthesia may be considered.
After surgery is completed, patients need to be closely observed in the recovery room for 30 minutes before returning home. Prescribed oral medications must be strictly taken as instructed. Eye shields must be placed to protect the eyes and eye drops should not be used immediately after surgery. Eyeglasses should be regularly worn to prevent unintentional eye rubbing and eye trauma from accidental rubbing or bumping. Patients are advised to wear an eye protective shield on the affected eye while sleeping every night and refrain from rubbing the eye for at least 2 weeks. All activities that cause eye trauma, rubbing and bumping must be avoided. Eyes must be strictly kept away from water at least 2 weeks or as recommended by an ophthalmologist. Instead of facial wash, eyes must be cleaned gently with normal saline and eye cleansing cotton pads to prevent postoperative infections in the eyes. To ensure that the eyes will not be moistened by the water, patients should not wash their hair by themselves. It is highly recommended to lie on the back and get hair washed by someone else. While washing, eyes must remain closed at all times. All instructions for eye cleaning must be strictly followed. Typical follow-up visits occur 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. After the first year of surgery, an annual eye check-up is required. Lifting heavy objects must be avoided. If possible, coughing, sneezing and excessive strain from constipation should be also avoided.
Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including the possibility of: Infection requiring antibiotics and in some cases hospitalization Inflammation (redness, swelling) of the eye Corneal swelling Vision loss Retinal detachment Risks can be reduced by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.
Who is suitable for the procedure?
Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant surgery is ideal for individuals with no other eye disease. Patients with diabetes are known to be at a high risk for worsening eye problems after this procedure. The surgeon will make the final determination of each patient’s eligibility for the procedure after an examination and consultation with the patient.
What are the Do's and Don'ts after the procedure?
Do's -Wash your hands thoroughly before apply any eye drop and be careful with your treated eye. -Instill the medications as prescribed. -Cover your eye with the eye shield nightly to prevent accidental contact. -Consume light meal or food that can be easily digested. -Resume light activities like reading, writing, watching TV and walking. -Wear sunglasses outside at all times to alleviate eye irritation. -Please come to check your eye as scheduled.
Don'ts -Do not rub or put pressure on the eye. -Avoid getting water and dust into your eye and do not rub your eye. -Avoid any smoky and dusty environments to prevent eye irritation. -Avoid sleeping on the side that has been operated on. -Do not bend your head down. -Avoid any eye make up. This includes mascara, eye shadow, eye liner, or any other type of makeup around the eyes. Lotions and lipsticks are allowed to be worn. -Avoid getting your hair into your eyes. -Avoid straining your eyes, especially at the time of constipation. -Avoid doing strenuous activity, especially bending and lifting heavy things. -Do not cough or vomit forcefully. Take some pills to control, if needed.
What is the post operative procedure like?
Every patient is usually asked to return one day after the surgery for your first follow-up visit, then one week after the surgery, one month, three months, and then one year. However as many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, therefore we recommend to have a yearly eye check up for maintaining your good vision and healthy eye always.