In this blog post, we will explore about phaco eye surgery, including surgical procedures, benefits, complications and post-operative care!
What Is Phaco Eye Surgery?
Phaco surgery, or phacoemulsification, is a minimally invasive cataract procedure that uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove the eye’s cloudy natural lens, which is then replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, is performed through a very small incision without stitches in most cases, and is usually completed as a same-day surgery, allowing patients to begin their visual recovery soon after.
Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the natural lens becomes cloudy leading to blurred vision. It can develop due to aging, genetics, trauma, or certain medical conditions.
It can be effectively treated using surgery and one of the successful methods is phaco eye surgery.
Phaco eye surgery, also known as phacoemulsification is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to remove the cataracts from the eye.
During this procesure, ultrasonic energy is used to emulsify the natural lens of the eye into smaller pieces which is removed and later replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. It allows a faster recovery compared to traditional cataract surgery methods.
At a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is phaco surgery? | A cataract surgery that uses ultrasound to remove the cloudy lens. |
| How long does it take? | Usually about 15–30 minutes. |
| Is it painful? | Usually not, as local or topical anaesthesia is used. |
| Is hospitalisation required? | Usually no, it is commonly performed as a day-care procedure. |
| When does vision improve? | Vision often improves within days, while complete recovery can take several weeks. |
| Is an IOL implanted? | Yes, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial IOL. |
Who Needs Phaco Eye Surgery?
Phaco eye surgery is suitable for most patients with cataracts that significantly impact daily life. It is indicated when cataracts cause
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Decreased visual acuity
- Glare and halos around the light es[ecially at night
- Difficulty in performing tasks, including ready or driving due to poor vision
You may consult your Ophthalmologist to determine if phaco-eye surgery is suitable for you.
What Are the Benefits of Phaco Eye Surgery?
The advantages of phacoemulsification surgery over the traditional cataract surgery are are
- Minimally Invasivnesse: The incision made during phaco eye surgery is very small, reducing trauma to the eyes and promoting faster healing.
- Less Postoperative Pain: As the procedure is minimally invasive, there is typically less pain and discomfort after the procedure. So, many patients resume normal activities with a few days after the surgery.
- Reduced risk of complications: The smaller incision and technological advancements may reduce the risk of developing complications, including infection or bleeding. Also, it reduces the need for longer hospital stays as it is performed on an outpatient basis.
- Enhanced visual outcomes: The precision of the ultrasound probes allows a clearer, sharper vision post-surgery.
- Customizable IOLs: Patients may choose from different IOLs, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses.
What Types of IOLs Are Used in Phaco Eye Surgery?
The choice of intraocular lens is a part of the phaco eye surgery and depends on the requirement of the patients. The different types of IOLs used are
- Monofocal IOLs: These lenses provide clear vision at a single distance and may require glasses for performing tasks, including reading
- Multifocal IOLs: These lenses offer both the near and distant vision thereby eliminating the need of glasses
- Toric lens: It is designed for patients with astigmatism or pre-existing cylindrical problem and provide clear vision at different distances.
How Is Phaco Eye Surgery Performed?
Phaco eye surgery is performed in an operating room and takes about 20 minutes or more to complete. The patient may be discharged on the same day.
What Happens Before Phaco Eye Surgery?
- Eye examination: Your Ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye examination before the surgery to assess the severity of the cataract and determine the most suitable IOL. The different eye tests that are done are
- Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can see at different distances
- Silt lamp examination: Provides a detailed view of the eye’s structures.
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside the eye to rule out glaucoma
- Retinal examination: Checks for any underlying conditions, including macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
- Biometry: Measures the size and shape of the eye.
- Medication review: Inform the medical team about the list of medications that you are taking and the co-morbidities that you have.
What Happens During Phaco Eye Surgery?
- Application of anaesthesia: Topical or local anaesthesia may be used to lessen pain and discomfort. The surgical area around the eyes will be sterilized.
- Incision: The eyelid is help open using speculum. A tiny incision is made on the side of the cornea to access the cataract. A fluid is injected to loosen the cataract from the surrounding capsule.
- Insertion of ultrasound probe: A tiny ultrasound probe is inserted through the incision which emits the ultrasound waves to emulsify the cloudy lens.
- Emulsification of the cataract: The broken and emulsified lens fragments are aspirated out.
- Implantation of IOL lens: An artificial intraocular lens is then implanted into the capsule to replace the naturally damaged lens. The small incision made at the beginning self-heals and does not typically require sutures.
What Is Recovery Like After Phaco Eye Surgery?
After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room and monitored until the effects of the anaesthesia wears off.
Some individual may experiencegrittiness, watering, blurred vision, or blood shot eyes may occur and will go away after a few days.
Most patients will require antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops post-surgery. The patients should attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and check for potential complications. The vision gradually improves after 4-6 weeks.
What Should You Avoid After Phaco Eye Surgery?
Here are a few precautionary measures that are to be followed after phaco eye surgery:
- Avoid rubbing the operated eyes to prevent complications.
- Avoid any activities that can get dust, or dirt in the eyes.
- Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear that covers as much of the eye.
- Avoid swimming and hot saunas for at least a week or until suggested by your Ophthalmologist.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least a week or until suggested by the Ophthalmologist.
What Are the Possible Complications of Phaco Eye Surgery?
Phaco eye surgery is generally safe but sometimes complications develop during and after surgery. One of the most serious complication is endophthalmitis, a rare but potentially serious eye infection that occur if bacteria enter the eye during surgery.
Different complications that may develop during the surgery are
- Posterior capsular rupture
- Suprachoroidal haemorrhage
- Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome
- Incisional burns caused by overheating of the phacoemulsification
The complications that may develop after the surgery are
- Retinal detachment
- Dislocated intraocular lens
- Posterior capsular opacification
- Glaucoma
- Swelling of the macula
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your Opthalmologist immediately for prompt medical advice.
Is Phaco Surgery the Same as Cataract Surgery?
Phaco surgery is a type of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the broader term for removing a cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Phacoemulsification is one of the most commonly used techniques for removing the cataract.
Phaco Surgery Vs. Cataract Surgery
| Phaco Surgery | Cataract Surgery |
|---|---|
| A specific technique used for cataract removal | General term for surgery to treat cataracts |
| Uses ultrasonic energy to break up the cloudy lens | May involve different surgical techniques |
| Uses a small incision | Surgical approach depends on the technique |
| Usually followed by IOL implantation | Usually involves replacement with an IOL |
What is the Cost of Phaco Eye Surgery in India?
Phacoemulsification (phaco) eye surgery in India generally costs around ₹15,000 to ₹70,000 per eye. The final cost can vary depending on the type of IOL, surgical technology, hospital facilities, and the surgeon’s expertise. Advanced lens options, such as premium multifocal or toric IOLs, may increase the overall cost.
The cost of phaco eye surgery in India may vary based on different factors, including
- Age and overall health of the patient
- Type of IOL used
- Experience of the surgeon
- Location of the hospital
It is advisable to consult directly with the eye hospitals for more accurate and personalized estimates. Grewal Eye Institute offers cost-effective phaco eye surgery to help individuals with cataracts.
Why Choose Grewal Eye Insitute for Phaco Eye Surgery?
Grewal Eye Institute has become one of the premier eye care centers in India offering state-of-the-art technology and expert care for patients undergoing phaco eye surgery. It is renowned for its advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans ensuring optimal outcomes for every patient.
Here are the reasons why Grewal Eye Institute is the ideal choice for phaco eye surgery:
- World’s 4th JCI-certified Eye hospital
- Established over 30 years ago
- More than 10,000 surgeries per year
- Caring for over 70,000 patients annually
- Expert team of 16 Ophthalmologists
- Cutting-edge technology and comprehensive eye care
- Positive Patient reviews and testimonials
- Personalized patient care
If you are seeking the best possible care for your eyes and considering phaco-eye surgery, Grewal Eye Institute is the ideal choice.
For any questions regarding phaco eye surgery, feel free to book a consultation with Dr Grewal, the renowned expert at Grewal Eye Institute for personalized guidance.
