Elderly people who have had cataract problems for a long time, did you know that although the current treatment for cataracts that can completely cure the condition has only one method, which is lens replacement surgery, there are actually several surgical methods to treat cataracts? The best method now is cataract removal using high-frequency sound waves or ultrasound waves.
The cataract removal technique that is quick, precise, and involves a small incision is called Phaco. Today, we will get to know about cataract removal using ultrasound waves.
Phaco… A method to treat cataracts using ultrasound waves
“Phaco is a method to treat cataracts by using ultrasound waves to remove the cloudy or cataractous part of the eye instead of the traditional surgery. This Phaco treatment allows ophthalmologists to break down the cloudy or deteriorated part of the lens with a very small incision of only about 2-3 mm. Then, the ophthalmologist implants an artificial intraocular lens to replace the original cloudy or damaged lens. The artificial lens lasts a lifetime and does not need to be replaced. The wound from this treatment is very small, which helps the eye and vision recover faster than usual, allowing patients to see clearly sooner after surgery.”
Small incision, only 30 minutes, and no need for anesthesia injection
Cataract removal using high-frequency sound waves (Phacoemulsification) is the best and most modern method today. It uses high-frequency sound waves through a corneal incision of 1.8 – 3 mm (incision size depends on the cataract removal machine). The lens is emulsified through a suction probe. The treatment takes 15-30 minutes (depending on the hardness of the cataract). There is no need for anesthesia injection; only eye drops for anesthesia are sufficient. After emulsifying the cataract lens, an artificial intraocular lens is inserted through the small incision. Because the incision is very small, there is no need for stitches. Patients can use their vision immediately after the pupil dilation effect wears off. The only limitation is that patients with very hard cataracts may not be able to use the emulsification machine and require traditional large-incision surgery, which has a longer recovery time than small-incision surgery.
How to care for your eyes after Phaco surgery
Doctors recommend that after surgery, patients must be extra careful about eye cleanliness, avoid trauma to the eye, and strictly follow the eye drop regimen as advised by the ophthalmologist. The post-operative care instructions for cataract surgery patients are as follows:
- Be careful not to get water in the eyes while bathing as it may cause infection.
- Avoid coughing, sneezing, or straining forcefully as it may cause trauma to the surgical wound.
- Do not sleep on the side of the operated eye.
- Keep the eye shield on at night to prevent rubbing the eye during sleep. During the day, wear protective glasses to keep out dust.
If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, see a doctor immediately
“Although Phaco cataract surgery is a very safe treatment method, each patient may experience inflammation due to different factors such as the environment after treatment or inadequate eye care and cleaning. Therefore, if you feel severe eye pain, redness, irritation, excessive discharge, abnormal eyelid swelling, blurred or distorted vision, or bleeding inside the eye, you should promptly see the ophthalmologist who performed the surgery.”
