Phacoemulsification is a surgical technique used to definitively treat the Cataracts. Cataract is the total or partial opacification of the crystalline, which occurs as a result of aging and significantly affects the eyesight causing blurred vision of the images.
Ultrasonic phacoemulsification is one of the most innovative techniques to extract the lens, and in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what it is and what risks it has.
What is phacoemulsification of cataracts?
The lens is the natural lens of the eye. Over the years, the lens loses its transparency and can become opaque until it prevents clear vision of the images.
Total or partial opacification of the lens is known as cataract, a very common eye disease from 60 years of age, and that can only be treated definitively through cataract surgery.
Phacoemulsification of Cataracts It is a surgical technique that uses ultrasound to fragment the opacity of the lens and subsequently aspirate it. The lens is supplanted by a intraocular lens, which allows the person to see clearly without the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Currently, phacoemulsification is the most used technique to extract the lens, since it only involves an incision of 3 mm. This allows the patient to have a better recovery and can go home the same day of the intervention.
In which cases is it done?
Phacoemulsification of cataracts is carried out in the following cases:
- patients of any age with some degree of cataracts.
- Patients over 50 years of age without cataracts who want to definitively treat their refractive defect such as myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism.
Previous Exams
Before performing phacoemulsification and cataract aspiration, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the ocular structure to identify the type of cataract presented by the patient, its location and its size.
To examine the eye, the ophthalmologist may perform a test such as the visual acuityscan of fundus, measurement of Intraocular pressure, a biometrics, a topography and a endothelial count. Some doctors request a optical coherence tomography to measure the thickness of the retina, especially in patients with diabetes o macular degeneration.
What is this technique?
Phacoemulsification of cataracts is a fairly brief surgery that usually lasts 10 minutes. The process is ambulatory and is done under the influence of Anesthesia local applied in drops. During surgery, the doctor needs the patient's collaboration to keep his eyes fixed on a microscope.
The intervention consists in making a small incision of 3 millimeters in the cornea, then insert a cannula with in the inner chamber. Then a controlled circular rupture of the anterior layer of the lens is made to access the cataract. Subsequently, the cataract is split and aspirated using the microfiltration ultrasound technique with the phacoemulsifier.
Once the cataract has been aspirated, the lens capsule is cleaned and the intraocular lens is inserted into the capsular sac. The incision seals itself without suture. To end the surgery, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops are administered.
It is important to follow medical instructions, avoid making sudden movements, do not rub your eyes and tampOr sleep on your stomach. The use of sunglasses It is essential after phacoemulsification of cataracts.
Risks and complications
Phacoemulsification of cataracts is a very safe surgery for the patient and the least invasive to remove the lens.
Before mentioning the possible risks that this surgery may have, it is important to highlight that phacoemulsification is one of the most performed procedures by ophthalmologists. That said, the risks of cataract operation are:
- Opacity of the posterior capsule.
- Eye inflammation.
- Dislocation of the intraocular lens.
- Sensitivity to the light.
- Perception of flashes of light in the Campor visual.
- Macular edema o inflammation of the retina.
- Ocular hypertension.
If you think you witness any slight symptoms of refractive defect, contact Área Oftalmológica Avanzada and make an appointment with one of our specialists. We will be happy to help you!
