Phacoemulsification or PHACO is popular and most frequently performed surgery in present time world wide.The principle involves bracking of lens into small pieces , emulsifing it by ultrasound energy and then aspirating the lens matter, all done through a very small inscision. Thats why procedure is Stitchless. A handpiece with quartz crystals is used to produce the ultrasonic energy which moves the tip of 0.9 to 1.4 mm size back and forth to hit and emulsify the cataract.The whole procedure is performed through an incision size of 3.2 mm in the form of a self sealing tunnel which does not require any stitches for its closure. The "phaco probe" has both irrigation and aspiration through the 3.2 mm and a continuous flow of a balanced fluid goes into the eye and is aspirated out along with emulsified pieces of cataract. At our hospital, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia so there is very less anaethesia associated complications. The procedure hardly takes 15 to 20 minutes time followed by swift and rapid recovery in no time.
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE & AFTER PHACO CATARACT SURGERY
It is advisable to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness. No cosmetics should be used on the eye or face. There are no dietary restrictions required before or after cataract operation. Dietary restrictions for other systemic diseases should be observed. Splashing water in the eye to wash it is not to be done. Face can be washed and head bath can be taken with the eyes closed.
