Phacoemulsification
The only effective
treatment for cataract
What exactly is cataract surgery removal with phacoemulsification?
The only effective treatment for cataract is surgical removal, with phacoemulsification procedure being today the most widely used, safe, and successful (extracapsular) technique, using ultrasound technology, without requiring general anesthesia or patient’s hospitalization. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes and its philosophy is based on a high – frequency sound (ultrasound generated by specialized surgical equipment) that breaks up – destroys the clouded – cataractous natural, crystalline lens of the eye (located behind the iris).
At the end of a phacoemulsification procedure, a suitable artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted (to replace the natural lens). The surgical incisions made during the phacoemulsification procedure are extremely small, and sutures are not required. After the end of the process, the patient returns home. The recovery is fast, and experiences an immediate improvement in vision. Cataract surgery via phacoemulsification can also address presbyopia and astigmatism.
If a patient has cataract in both eyes (bilateral), the surgical cataract removal in the second eye usually occurs a few days later. However, in certain cases, taking into account the patient’s eye condition and a series of other factors, the ophthalmic surgeon may choose to perform bilateral phacoemulsification (both eyes) on the same day.
What are the steps of phacoemulsification in cataract surgery removal?
Cataract surgery with phacoemulsification is performed under local anesthesia (eye drops). The procedure begins with the mydriasis (dilation of the pupil), followed by 2 tiny incisions in the cornea to allow the surgical instruments to enter the eye. The next step is capsulorhexis procedure, where the anterior capsule (the membrane – sac – capsule that protects the natural lens) is carefully removed through a circular opening. Then, the cortex and the nucleus of the crystalline lens are separated from the capsule by injecting fluid (a process known as hydrodissection phenomenon).
The actual phacoemulsification step follows, where the nucleus of the natural lens is fragmented, using a special ultrasound probe and suitable equipment. The fragments and remnants of the lens are then aspirated (rinsing and suction). The surgical procedure concludes with the implantation of the artificial (synthetic from acrylic) intraocular lens (IOL) into the empty capsule (the posterior capsule remains intact). The choice of the intraocular lens (IOL) is determined based on a special preoperative diagnostic biometric examination.
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