Phaco Surgery Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Phaco Surgery
Healthcare providers utilize phacoemulsification surgery to remove clouded lenses in the eye, restoring clear vision and improving visual acuity. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and guidance throughout the phaco surgery process, ensuring optimal outcomes and improved vision for our patients.
Understanding Phaco Surgery
What is Phaco Surgery?
Phacoemulsification, commonly referred to as “phaco” surgery, is a modern technique used to remove cataracts from the eye. During phacoemulsification, a small probe is inserted into the eye, which uses ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens (cataract) into tiny pieces. These pieces are then suctioned out of the eye, allowing for the insertion of a clear artificial lens implant. Phacoemulsification is a minimally invasive procedure that typically requires only a small incision and offers faster recovery times compared to traditional cataract surgery techniques. It is the most common method used for cataract removal worldwide.
What are Phaco Surgery Types?
Phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery is the primary technique used for cataract removal, but there are variations and modifications within this method. Some of the types of phacoemulsification surgery include:
Standard Phacoemulsification: This is the traditional technique of cataract removal using phacoemulsification, where ultrasound energy is used to break up the cataract before it is removed from the eye.
Micro-Coaxial Phacoemulsification: In this approach, smaller incisions are made, typically less than 2 mm in size, allowing for quicker healing and reduced induced astigmatism.
Bimanual Phacoemulsification: Instead of using a single handpiece, two separate instruments are utilized to perform different functions during cataract removal, offering increased control and maneuverability.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Phacoemulsification: This advanced technique combines femtosecond laser technology with phacoemulsification, allowing for precise corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and fragmentation of the cataract, potentially enhancing surgical accuracy and outcomes.
Phaco Chop Technique: This method involves dividing the cataract into smaller fragments using a special chopping instrument before emulsification, which can reduce phacoemulsification time and energy usage.
Phaco Prechop Technique: Similar to the phaco chop technique, this method involves pre-chopping the cataract into smaller pieces before emulsification, facilitating easier removal and reducing the risk of complications.
Topical Phacoemulsification: In this approach, only topical anesthesia (eye drops) is used to numb the eye, eliminating the need for injections around the eye or sedation.
What happens before this procedure?
Before undergoing phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery, several steps are typically taken to prepare the patient for the procedure:
Initial Consultation: The patient meets with an eye surgeon for an initial consultation to discuss their cataract symptoms, medical history, and expectations for surgery.
Comprehensive Eye Examination: A comprehensive eye exam is performed to assess the overall health of the eyes, measure visual acuity, and evaluate the severity of the cataract.
Biometry: Measurements of the eye are taken to determine the appropriate power and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implant that will be used to replace the cloudy natural lens.
Discussion of Options: The surgeon discusses the various options for cataract surgery, including the type of IOL implant, anesthesia choices, and any potential risks or complications.
Preoperative Instructions: Patients receive instructions on how to prepare for surgery, which may include fasting before the procedure, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for transportation to and from the surgical center.
Anesthesia Consultation: If necessary, the patient may meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia options for the surgery, such as local anesthesia (numbing eye drops) or intravenous sedation.
Consent Forms: Patients review and sign consent forms, indicating their understanding of the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Final Preparations: On the day of surgery, patients may be instructed to avoid wearing makeup, contact lenses, or jewelry, and to wear comfortable clothing.
What happens during these surgeries?
During phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery, the process typically involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: The eye is numbed using local anesthesia, usually in the form of eye drops. In some cases, additional sedation may be provided to help the patient relax.
Corneal Incision: A small incision, typically less than 3 millimeters in size, is made at the edge of the cornea to allow access to the cataract.
Capsulotomy: A circular opening is created in the thin membrane (capsule) surrounding the natural lens of the eye. This opening allows access to the cataract for removal and provides space for the placement of the artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Phacoemulsification: A tiny probe, inserted through the corneal incision, emits ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens (cataract) into small fragments. These fragments are then gently suctioned out of the eye.
Irrigation and Aspiration: After the cataract is removed, the eye is irrigated with a sterile solution to remove any remaining lens material and debris.
IOL Implantation: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the empty lens capsule to replace the cloudy natural lens. The IOL is carefully positioned within the eye to provide clear vision.
Closure of Incision: The corneal incision is typically self-sealing and does not require stitches. It may be left to heal on its own or closed with a small suture, depending on the surgeon’s preference.
Final Inspection: The surgeon carefully inspects the eye to ensure that the IOL is properly positioned and that there are no complications before concluding the surgery.
What happens after Phaco Surgery?
After phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery, patients typically undergo a period of postoperative care and recovery. This includes resting for the remainder of the day following surgery and avoiding strenuous activities. Patients are prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, which they use for a specified period as directed by their surgeon. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and assess visual acuity. While some patients may notice immediate improvements in vision, others may experience gradual enhancements over the following days and weeks. It’s essential to adhere to postoperative care instructions, including avoiding rubbing the eyes and attending all scheduled follow-up visits, to ensure optimal healing and long-term visual outcomes.
What are the risks or complications of Phaco Surgery?
Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of postoperative infection, which can potentially affect vision if left untreated.
Inflammation: Some patients may experience inflammation in the eye after surgery, which is usually managed with anti-inflammatory medications.
Corneal Edema: Swelling of the cornea may occur, leading to temporary blurred vision, but this typically resolves with time.
Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO): Clouding of the capsule behind the intraocular lens (IOL) implant can occur months or years after surgery, requiring a simple laser procedure to correct.
Retinal Detachment: Although rare, there is a small risk of retinal detachment following cataract surgery, which may require further surgical intervention.
Glaucoma: Cataract surgery can occasionally increase intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma, which may require additional treatment.
Corneal Injury: Damage to the cornea during surgery or from the instruments used can occur, but this is uncommon with experienced surgeons.
Vision Changes: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in vision, including glare, halos, or undercorrection or overcorrection of vision, though these are typically rare and can often be corrected with further treatment.
How long does it take to recover from Phaco Surgery?
The recovery time after phacoemulsification (phaco) surgery varies from person to person, but most patients experience a relatively quick recovery. Many notice improved vision within a day or two after surgery, with further enhancements occurring over the following weeks as the eyes heal. While some individuals may return to normal activities, including driving and working, within a few days, others may need a bit longer. It’s essential to follow postoperative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments, to ensure optimal healing and long-term visual outcomes. Overall, most patients achieve stable vision and resume their usual activities within a few weeks after phaco surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions on Phaco Surgery
Phacoemulsification, or phaco surgery, is a modern technique used to remove cataracts from the eye. It involves breaking up the cloudy lens (cataract) using ultrasound waves and then removing the fragments from the eye.
Most individuals with cataracts are candidates for phaco surgery, but a comprehensive eye examination is needed to determine suitability. Factors such as overall eye health and medical history will be assessed.
Phaco surgery is typically not painful due to the use of local anesthesia to numb the eye. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
Phaco surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes per eye and is performed on an outpatient basis. Both eyes can often be treated during the same surgical session.
Many patients notice improved vision immediately after phaco surgery, with further enhancements occurring over the following weeks as the eyes heal.
While phaco surgery can significantly improve vision, some individuals may still need glasses for certain activities or under specific conditions, such as reading or driving at night.
Phaco surgery provides long-term vision correction for the majority of patients, with stable vision achieved over time. Regular eye exams are recommended to monitor vision and address any changes that may occur.