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- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: November 27, 2024
In the realm of modern eye care, phacoemulsification surgery stands as a revolutionary technique for treating cataracts. At Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London, we pride ourselves on offering this state-of-the-art procedure to our patients. But what exactly is phacoemulsification surgery, and why has it become the gold standard in cataract treatment? Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable surgical technique.
Understanding Cataracts
Before we explore phacoemulsification surgery, it’s crucial to understand what cataracts are and why they require treatment.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a common age-related condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. This cloudiness develops gradually, often over several years, and can significantly impact one’s quality of life if left untreated.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Common symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
When these symptoms begin to interfere with daily activities, it’s time to consider cataract surgery.
Introducing Phacoemulsification Surgery
Phacoemulsification, often shortened to ‘phaco’, is the most advanced and widely used method of cataract surgery today. This minimally invasive procedure uses ultrasound technology to break up and remove the cloudy lens, replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
The Evolution of Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery has come a long way since its inception. Early techniques involved removing the entire lens through a large incision, which often led to lengthy recovery times and a higher risk of complications. Phacoemulsification, introduced in the 1960s, revolutionised the field by allowing for smaller incisions and faster recovery.
How Phacoemulsification Surgery Works
Let’s break down the phacoemulsification procedure step by step:
- Anaesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain.
- Incision: Your surgeon makes a tiny incision, usually less than 3mm, in the cornea (the clear front part of the eye).
- Capsulotomy: A circular opening is created in the lens capsule, which is the thin membrane that encases the lens.
- Phacoemulsification: This is the heart of the procedure. A small probe emitting ultrasound waves is inserted through the incision. These waves break up (emulsify) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces.
- Aspiration: The emulsified lens particles are then gently suctioned out of the eye.
- Lens Implantation: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same tiny incision and positioned in the empty lens capsule.
- Completion: In most cases, the incision is so small that it seals itself without the need for stitches.
Advantages of Phacoemulsification Surgery
Phacoemulsification has several benefits over traditional cataract surgery methods:
- Smaller Incision: The tiny incision reduces the risk of complications and speeds up healing.
- Quicker Recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
- Less Discomfort: The procedure is generally painless with minimal post-operative discomfort.
- Better Visual Outcomes: Advanced IOLs can often reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.
- Outpatient Procedure: The surgery typically takes less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require a hospital stay.
Preparing for Phacoemulsification Surgery
If you’re considering phacoemulsification surgery at Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London, here’s what you can expect in terms of preparation:
Pre-operative Assessment
You’ll undergo a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:
- Visual acuity tests
- Eye pressure measurement
- Corneal topography
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Measurements for your IOL
Choosing Your IOL
One of the exciting aspects of modern cataract surgery is the variety of IOL options available. These include:
- Monofocal lenses:Provide good distance vision only.
- Trifocal lenses:Provide the most comprehensive vision, covering distance, intermediate, and near ranges effectively.
- EDOF lenses:Offer good distance and intermediate vision but relatively poor near vision.
Your surgeon at Blue Fin Vision will discuss which option is best suited to your lifestyle and visual needs.
Pre-operative Instructions
You may be asked to:
- Stop taking certain medications
- Use antibiotic eye drops before surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
The Day of Surgery
On the day of your phacoemulsification surgery at our London eye clinic, you can expect the following:
- Arrival: You’ll arrive at the clinic and be prepared for surgery.
- Eye Dilation: Your pupil will be dilated with eye drops.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure you’re comfortable.
- Surgery: The procedure itself typically takes 15-30 minutes.
- Recovery: You’ll spend a short time in a recovery area before being discharged.
Recovery and Aftercare
The beauty of cataract surgery recovery is in its simplicity and efficacy. Most patients report a significant improvement in their vision almost immediately, with the full spectrum of benefits unfolding over the following few weeks.
Cataract Surgery Recovery: A Timeline
- Day of Surgery: Rest with an eye shield; avoid strenuous activities.
- 1-2 Days After: Most return to non-strenuous activities; follow-up appointment.
- 2 Weeks: Majority of the healing occurs; most restrictions are lifted.
- 1 Month: Full visual acuity is usually achieved; final check-up to ensure success.
Dos and Don’ts
To ensure a smooth recovery:
Do:
- Use your prescribed eye drops as directed
- Wear your protective eye shield when sleeping for the first week
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Don’t:
- Rub your eye
- Engage in strenuous activities for the first week
- Swim or use a hot tub for at least two weeks
Potential Risks and Complications
While phacoemulsification surgery is generally very safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:
- 1/10 000 risk of sight loss in one eye, 1/12 million risk of sight loss in both eyes from infection or bleeding.
- 1/400 risk posterior capsule rupture and 1/1000 risk of dropped nucleus requiring second operation on a different day in the NHS.
- All patients get glare, haloes and starbursts which do NOT resolve but patients adapt. 1/100 will require lens explantation for failure to adapt.
- 1/20 patients may need further laser or piggyback lens enhancement for residual ametropia.
- Posterior capsule opacification occurs in all patients between 6 months and 10 years and is treated with a quick YAG capsulotomy procedure.
It is impossible to list every complication which could arise from Cataract/RLE surgery. The above listed complication covers most reported complications. Neither cataract nor RLE surgery is reversible (the natural lens cannot be put back in your eye), though where deemed to be clinically necessary a lens exchange procedure can be performed, where the implanted IOL is removed and replaced with another.
At Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic, our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimise these risks, and most complications, if they occur, can be effectively treated.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision for Your Phacoemulsification Surgery?
When it comes to your vision, you deserve the best care possible. Here’s why Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London is the ideal choice for your phacoemulsification surgery:
- Experienced Surgeons: Our team of ophthalmologists are highly skilled in the latest cataract surgery techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the most advanced equipment to ensure precise and safe surgeries.
- Personalised Care: We tailor our approach to meet your individual needs and lifestyle goals.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Our commitment to your vision doesn’t end with surgery; we provide thorough follow-up care.
Conclusion: A Clear Path to Better Vision
Phacoemulsification surgery represents a significant advancement in cataract treatment, offering a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution to restore clear vision. At Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic in London, we’re committed to providing our patients with the highest standard of care using this cutting-edge technique.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have been told you need cataract surgery, don’t let cloudy vision hold you back. Contact Blue Fin Vision today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards clearer, brighter vision.
Remember, your eyes are precious, and you deserve the best care possible. Trust Blue Fin Vision Eye Clinic to guide you through your journey to better sight with our expert phacoemulsification surgery.
