What is Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery?

Phacoemulsification, or phaco, is a contemporary cataract operation which involves the utilisation of ultrasonic energy to remove the opaque natural lens into small pieces of a whole. Those are then suctioned very softly and with a very small hole. After removing the cataract, a clear intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its original position to give a person clear vision.

Since the incision is minimal, phacoemulsification is normally performed without a stitch, which results in minimal pain and a faster recovery as compared to the older cataract surgeries. It is the most common practice in the majority of sophisticated eye centres today.

How Phacoemulsification Surgery Works?

The process is very simple and quick. The common cataract surgeries follows the below steps:

1. Small incision and entry

The surgeon makes a very small hole, on the periphery of the clear cornea, 2.8–3 mm. Through this micro-incision, tiny tools are inserted, and the procedure proceeds without disrupting the natural shape.

2. Breaking and removing the cataract

A thin ultrasonic probe in the form of a pen is inserted through the incision. Its vibrations are very high, and cut the hard cataract to minute particles, which are instantly sucked. A salt solution in equilibrium maintains the shape of the eyes, cools the probe, and cleanses particles from the eyes.

3. Inserting the intraocular lens (IOL)

Once the cataract has been extracted, a foldable artificial lens is placed, using the same incision and unfolded within the leftover capsule. The intraocular lens remains permanently, and it fulfils the role of the natural lens by focusing.

4. Self-sealing incision and completion

The precise, small cut is self-healing most of the time. A guard or patch can remain temporarily in place. Instructions and the eye drops are given, and you can walk out with them the same day.

Benefits of Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification has become the preferred method for cataract removal because of several important advantages:

• Minimal, stitchless incision: The micro-incision (2-3 mm on average) is less damaging to the tissue than the other methods of surgery, heals faster, and reduces the chances of astigmatism caused by surgery, unlike the older, larger incision techniques.
• Fast, painless operation: Surgery is normally done using local or topical anaesthesia with numbing drops, thus making you comfortable and only having slight pressure, not pain. The length of time spent on each eye is short.
• Quick visual recovery: Visual recovery is observed in many patients, despite the fact that the eye has to heal, and the vision is clearer after a few days. A majority of them can revert to some light daily activities in the near future, under the guidance of the doctor.
• Accurate and predictable results: Phacoemulsification enables surgeons to determine eye-lens power with precision and be able to implant the latest types of IOLs, such as monofocal, toric, multifocal, and EDOF, to enable patients to have clear and personalised vision.
• Less pain after surgery: Smaller cuts and the latest technologies result in less redness, itching, and fewer complications during the recovery process compared to the old ones.

Who is a Good Candidate for Phacoemulsification?

The majority of individuals requiring cataract surgery today are those who are appropriate for phacoemulsification. This will be checked after a thorough examination, which will probably involve:

• Vision tests to determine the extent of cataract impact on the eyesight.
• Slit-lamp examination to examine the lens and front of the eye.
• Retina test to be sure that the back is healthy.
• Eye length and corneal curvature measurements to calculate the IOL power.

Phacoemulsification can often be safely performed even on patients with diabetes, controlled glaucoma, or other stable eye conditions, although the technique is tailor-made to individual patients.

Phacoemulsification at Save Sight Centre

Cataract surgery is also regularly done at Save Sight Centre in Delhi through advanced phacoemulsification and Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS). Such procedures involve extremely tiny self-sealing incisions, which allow you to heal more quickly with better and more stable vision.

The cataract team has the latest phacoemulsification machines and microscopes that are used to safely and accurately remove the cataracts. Our team is also very understanding and works with the patients, keeping in mind their needs:

• They provide a complete supply of IOL (monofocal, toric, multifocal, EDOF) to ensure that your new lens will be fitted to your work, hobbies and expectations after surgery.
• They listen to you to learn your lifestyle: do you drive at night, spend long hours at screens, read a lot, travel a lot, etc. and propose the options of lenses.
• They work according to the guidelines of NABH standards of sterilisation, anaesthesia and post-operative care that reduce post-surgery complications and guarantee an easy recovery process.

From the initial meeting with our surgeons up to the follow-up, we ensure that our surgeons guide you through the entire process of phacoemulsification using easy-to-understand terminology to ensure that you and your family are informed and comfortable.