The eye works like a camera where in the lens of the camera focuses the light on to the film, similarly the natural lens of the eye focuses light on the retina of the eye.
Fig. 1
Cataract is caused by clouding of this natural lens of the eye (Fig.2). This clouding of lens result in blurring of the vision (Fig.3). Thus making routine active like reading, driving, etc, difficult. Most commonly cataract is a part of natural ageing process. It can also occur due to eye injuries, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.
Normal Eye
Eye with a cataract
Fig. 2
Fig. 3 Clear lens focusing a clear image & Cataract causing blurring of image focus.
There is no proven medicine, eye drop or exercise to cure cataract. The only treatment available for cataract is surgery. Modern surgery involves removing the cataractous (cloudy) lens and implanting a synthetic lens (IOL) within the eye. This lens is permanent and provides natural vision. Cataract Surgery is amongst the most commonly performed surgeries all over the world. Millions of patients have been operated till date. Traditionally this surgery required a cut in the eye 10-12mm wide which required stitches. This resulted in a number of restrictions after the surgery.
In most cases this surgery can be performed without giving any injections
Anesthesia is achieved by using eye drops only. “NO INJECTIONS ,NO STITCH, NO BANDAGE SURGERY”.
This is called “WALK IN WALK OUT” surgery. The patient can go back home without any bandages or an eye pad with in ˝ hour of surgery
The development of foldable lenses was another major breakthrough
These lenses are made of very flexible material which allows them to be folded over themselves
They are placed through 1.6 – 2.8 mm incision in a folded state using special lens injectors Leading to near instantaneous visual recovery and prompt wound healing (DRIVE BACK SURGERY)
Unfolding of the IOL takes place in the eye by itself
This enables the patient to get maximum advantages of (small –cut) phaco surgery, like immediate restoration of vision and fast wound healing
Advantages of PHACO for the patient
This surgery can be performed without any painfull injections around the eye
The visual recovery often starts within a few minutes and is complete in a day or two as compared to traditional surgery where the total visual recovery is acheived in 6-8 weeks
This surgery also minimizes the need for spectacles after surgery due to lesser induced cylindrical power
The patient can resume most of the daily routine activities like watching TV, bathing driving, cooking etc. the same day without any significant restrictions
Advantageous for diabetics because this offers faster wound healing
There is no proven medicine, eye drop or exercise to cure cataract. The only treatment available for cataract is surgery. Modern surgery involves removing the cataractous (cloudy) lens and implanting a synthetic lens (IOL) with the eye. This lens is permanent and provides natural vision. Cataract Surgery is amongst the most commonly performed surgeries all over the world. Millions of patients have been operated till date. Traditionally this surgery required a cut in the eye 10-12mm wide which required stitches. This resulted in a number of restrictions after the surgery.
Is Phaco surgery safe? In trained hand it is safer because of reduced risk of injury & infection to eye.
Do I have to wait for my cataract to get “matured”? No. this surgery is best performed in early stages of cataract and there is no need for the cataract to get matured. Hence the patient need not wait till a near stage of blindness. Also harder the cataract, the harder it is for the surgeon to remove it.
Is it a costly surgery? Since this surgery involves very few loss of working days and early resumption of routine activities, this surgery proves to be cheaper.
Can I get on eye operated by this modern technique even if my other eye have been operated by conventional technique? Yes, this can be performed without any difficulty or any effect on the previously operated eye.
Can a patient with diabetes undergo Phacoemulsification? Yes, it is a surgery of choice for them.
Are all patient suitable for this surgery? No, there are few exceptions specially if the cataract is very mature and hard.
Will I need spectacles after the surgery? Usually the Spectacles are required for near vision and occasionally for distance vision.
