- 15 Apr, 2025
- 0 Comments
- 6 Mins Read
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Explained
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Explained: What to Expect & How It Restores Vision
Phacoemulsification, often called Phaco, is a modern technique of the known
traditional Cataract surgery.
It aims at removing the cloudy cataract lens of the eye and replacing it with an
artificial lens, known as IOL.an IOL.
There is a training of its own specialized in phakic IOL implantation.
Phacoemulsification Cataract surgery relies on creating a tiny incision in the cornea,
ranging from 2 to 3 mm; then the surgeon inserts ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy
effect into various tiny fragments.
This is followed by the implementation of the artificial lens to replace the broken-up,
cataractous part.
Thai optic surgery is very popular, for it is minimally invasive, requires small incisions,
has a high success rate, and has a relatively quick recovery time.
This is why Mo Academy will be dissecting the steps of the phacoemulsification
cataract surgery procedures, its different types, its benefits,
and every other question that crosses everyone’s mind once they
hear the word “Phaco” within the coming lines.
Before we dive further, get to know the different courses that Mo Academy offers
optic residents and surgeons, such as Phaco training, phacoemulsification training course,
two weeks phaco training, short term phaco training, phacoemulsification course,
phacoemulsification fellowship, and Phaco Training Courses.
Why Is Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Much Needed?
Phacoemulsification Cataract surgery has high levels of importance,
for it addresses a globally common issue, which is the cataract.
As easy as the surgical procedure seems, having a cataract lens is highly critical,
as if it were not treated correctly, it will cause constant blurriness that might lead
to blindness at the end.
Ophthalmologists resort to phacoemulsification as it is the most recent method
to treat cataracts efficiently, in a short time, and without going into a full invasive
surgery atmosphere. When compared to the old cataract removal methods such as the extracapsular
cataract extraction, it causes less trauma to the eye, better vision correction,
and more particular placement of the intraocular lens. When it comes to the cost,
while the equipment might make the procedure expensive,
patients tend to spend less money in the long run.
That is because the recovery is highly speedy and does not require
many doctor visits nor many medications.
In case your curiosity has gotten the best of you,
you can learn about extracapsular cataract extraction here.
How Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery Works: Mo Academy’s Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Anesthesia:
Firstly, surgeons use anesthesia in order to numb the part to be cured.
This either happens with injection or antibiotic eye drops.
This step is indispensable and prevents any sort of discomfort or irritation.
Small Incision:
An incision, that is tiny in nature, is being done for around 2 to 3 mm.
This step allows surgeons to access the cloudy lens without resorting to stitches later.
Get to know more about small incision cataract surgery.
Capsulorhexis:
A circular opening is made in the capsule of the eye in order to help the surgeons
get a grip of the cataracts part of the lens.
This is why it is called capsulorhexis as the incision is done in the capsule part.
Phacoemulsification:
Then, comes the star of the show, where the probe of ultrasound is being used
in order to shatter and break up the cataracting effect into pieces.
High-frequency ultrasound waves get directed into the cloudy lens to end the blurriness.
Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation:
After the cataract pieces are removed, a foldable artificial lens, which is the intraocular lens,
is placed into the patient’s eye through the same small incision.
When the lens is finally inside, it unfolds and gets properly positioned inside the capsular part of the eye .
Checks and Recovery:
At this point, the surgeons just do a couple checks to make sure that the eye is operating successfully,
and that the IOL is in its intended place and functioning right.
In some cases, a protective shield may be placed on the eye to avoid air pollution or injuries.
Types of Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery vs Laser-Assisted Options:
In this part, we will focus on the two most advanced and used techniques
today which are Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery and Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery,
LACS. We will be analyzing their natures and pros and cons.
Phacoemulsification:
This is the method that focuses on using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens.
In which, as agreed, a small incision is made inside the eye to use the ultrasound
wave breaking the cataracting pieces to get removed easily.
This is followed with the foldable IOL to be placed right in replacement of the removed cloudy part.
This medical technique has many pros such as the fast healing, time and money effectiveness,
and minimal invasion needs.
When it comes to its pros, we find that it requires the incision to be done manually,
unlike what we will learn about the lACS later.
This requires higher surgical skill from the ophthalmologist.
Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (LACS):
This is also known as femtosecond laser cataract surgery.
It is the most advanced form of cataract surgery as it utilizes the femtosecond
lasers to perform the main steps of removing the cataracting effect.
A laser is used to make the corneal incision.
Then, a capsulotomy is performed which creates a more precise opening in the lens capsule.
This Pre-softens the cataract, which reduces the need for any sort of ultrasound intervention.
Then, phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery is used to remove the lens to replace it with the IOL.
This technique leads to less fragmentation and more precise incision that does nor
require manual surgeon skill. Also, when less ultrasound is used, less damage to surrounding tissue.
It has been noticed that this also leads to more precise centering of the intraocular lens.
When it comes to its cons, this procedure is relatively expensive and not all of it is covered
by all the types of insurance.
Also, it requires specialized equipment and setups,
and has not shown better vision with all patients.
What to Expect Before, During & After the Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery:
Before Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery:
Eye exams take place to evaluate the general state of the eye.
Also, Biometry is used to measure the eye and find the most suitable IOL for it.
Additionally, discussions are held to choose the perfect type of lens to be placed such as monofocal,
multifocal, or toric.
Then, doctors check on the medications consumed as some need to stop such as blood thinners.
Additionally, antibiotic eye drops are sometimes prescribed a couple days before the actual surgery.
Moreover, in some cases, patients might be asked to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.
During Phacoemulsification Surgery:
The Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.
In which, patients are put on anesthesia followed by the steps of the actual
procedure from the removal of the cataract to the placement of the foldable lens.
After Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery:
The patient rests in the clinic for a short time.
While the vision might be a little blurry at first, it improves over the days.
Itching or discomfort is expected at first as well. Patients get prescribed Antibiotic
and anti-inflammatory drops.
Ophthalmologists usually recommend avoiding itching, rubbing the eye,
bending, or carrying heavy objects.
Also, it is better to wear sunglasses if you are being subjected to UV light.
Conclusion:
Mo Academy is the real gate into everything Phaco that crosses the mind.
Therefore, throughout this blog, you will get introduced to Phacoemulsification cataract surgery,
its importance and the reason behind its popularity.
Moreover, you will get to know the types of modern cataract surgery,
which is a comparison between the Phacoemulsification cataract surgery
and the Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery.
Furthermore, throughout the lines, you will get a clear and detailed breakdown
of the phacoemulsification cataract surgery’s steps from the moment the patient
gets into the clinic till the IOL is placed.
Moreover, patients will be prepared to know what to expect before, during,
and after the Phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
If you are ready to advance your surgical skills and optic knowledge,
you have landed at the right place.
Mo Academy’s team is ready for you to get to know all the academic services we provide.
Just Contact us.