Phaco Surgery

This type of cataract surgery makes use of ultrasonic waves to break the eye lens into small pieces, which will then be suctioned out of the eye using a vacuum. The damaged lens is then replaced with an artificial lens.

Symptoms

• A cataract is a condition in which there is a clouding of the eye lens, which may lead to loss of vision.
• Restoration of full and clear vision compromised due to cataracts needs surgery.
• Phaco surgery involves the removal and replacement of the damaged lens with permanent artificial lenses.

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination: The ophthalmologist examines your eye. Your symptoms and medical history are noted.
2. Visual acuity test: This test helps in measuring how well you can read a series of letters on an eye chart.
3. Slit-lamp examination: A slit lamp may be used to check the structures at the front of the eyes and detect the presence of any abnormalities that may be present.
4. Retinal exam: Some eye drops will be put in the eye to open the eye pupil wide. An ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp will then be used to check for any signs of cataracts.
5. Applanation tonometry: This test helps in measuring the fluid pressure in the eye.
6. Eye and orbit ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves are used in this test to obtain clear images of the eye and the eye orbit. This will help the doctor to choose the correct type of intraocular lens (IOL) for you.

Treatment

1. The procedure is usually performed after the application of anesthetic drops. In some cases, the procedure may be performed under general anesthesia (the patient is put to sleep during the procedure).
2. A lid speculum is placed by the doctor to keep the eye open.
3. The doctor will make two small incisions, one in the cornea region and the other where the cornea will meet the sclera (white portion of the eye).
4. A bent needle will then be inserted into the frontal compartment of the eye, also known as the anterior chamber.
5. A circular opening is then created on the anterior capsule.
6. A small pen-like instrument, known as a phaco probe, powered by ultrasonic energy is then inserted into the eye.
7. This device is activated and high-frequency ultrasound waves will be emitted from the probe to break the clouded part of the lens into small pieces, known as emulsification.
8. The emulsified pieces of the eye lens are suctioned out from the eye through aspiration or irrigation.
9. During this process, the posterior capsule will be kept intact as it will later be used as a scaffold for an artificial intraocular lens.
10. The intraocular lens will be placed inside the lens capsule safely.
11. The corneal incisions are usually self-healing and stitches will usually not be needed after the procedure.
12. The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Risks

Phaco surgery may be associated with the following complications:

1. Posterior capsule opacification leading to cloudiness in the eye
2. Dryness of eyes
3. Double vision 
4. Infection
5. Inflammation
6. Corneal swelling
7. Loss of vision
8. Retinal detachment 

After Procedure

• You will have blurry vision for some time after the procedure.
• You will be monitored for one to two hours after the procedure until the effect of anesthesia wear off, after which you can go home.
• You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as your vision will still be blurry.
• You will be prescribed medications and antibiotic drops, that need to be used for seven to ten days after surgery.

Home remedies:

The following home care tips may help in quicker recovery after phaco surgery:

• Take adequate rest and sleep well after surgery.
• Use the prescribed medications and eye drops as directed. The steroid eye drops will help in reducing inflammation and antibiotic eye drops will help in preventing infection.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight by wearing a protective eye shield.
• Start driving only after your doctor approves, or after the vision stabilizes and there is an improvement in the coordination of the eye with the lens.
• Take at least two to three days off from work after surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, exercising, and other activities that may put a strain on the eye.
• Sleep on your back or on the opposite side of the operated eye to avoid applying direct pressure on the operated eye.
• Avoid any water or soap from entering the eye, as they can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid rubbing or poking your eye.
• Avoid swimming, applying any lotion or face cream, using any makeup products, and coloring the hair until the doctor approves the same.

Benefits:

Phaco surgery has the following benefits:

• Quick recovery
• Small incision
• No need for stitches
• Good stability to the implanted intraocular lens
• Minimal surgical downtime
• Cost-effective 

Cost of phaco surgery in India- 

The cost of phaco surgery in Mumbai is between INR 25,000 to INR 1,30,000.
The cost of phaco surgery in Delhi is between INR 22,000 to INR 1,25,000.
The cost of phaco surgery in Bangalore is between INR 22,000 to INR 1,25,000.
The cost of phaco surgery in Chennai is between INR 20,000 to INR 1,20,000.