Phacoemulsification: This is what you need to know
Author: Doctoranytime
Having cataracts is an eye problem that is becoming more and more common, especially in older adults. To give the patient the opportunity to regain normal vision, there are various procedures to fix the damage caused by cataracts. The most advanced surgical intervention in the field of ophthalmology is phacoemulsification. With the help of a specialized doctor and this operation, patients can regain the life they had before developing this eye problem.
What are cataracts?
A person is said to have cataracts when a part of the eye called the lens begins to cloud over. This causes the person who begins to develop this problem in the eyes, to have blurred vision where he is not able to process all the colors. There is no exact cause that causes this condition but the most common is aging. In fact, after people over 40, they begin to experience a loss in the proteins found in the lens. Later, at age 60, it is very likely that this part of the eye has become a little cloudy but not enough to be classified as cataracts.
It is important to know that cataracts develop gradually. This means that the person will begin to lose the ability to see normally over the years. However, if the person suffers from a disease such as diabetes, it may develop faster and at a younger age.
The most common symptoms related to this condition are:
- Blurry vision
- See double
- Inability to see clearly at night
- Loss of ability to see colors correctly
- Damage to peripheral vision
What is emulsification?
This surgery is done to exchange the damaged lens with an intraocular lens that will improve the vision of patients. After making the pertinent checks on the patient, the doctor must prepare all the materials that he will need for this procedure. Once everything in the operating room is ready, the patient’s eyes will be anesthetized with special drops. Subsequently, a small cut is made in the corneal area and the affected lens begins to fragment with ultrasound. Then the fragments will be aspirated and the intraocular lens will be placed in the place of the lens that had cataracts.
In most cases, one eye is operated on first and it takes a few days, even a full week; to perform the same procedure in the other eye. This type of surgery allows the patient’s recovery to be faster and he can start his daily routine without presenting a problem. On the other hand, it is not required to use sutures in the eyes. This greatly reduces the chances of complications from the incisions.
If you have cataracts, this procedure may be for you. The first step would be to go to your ophthalmologist so that he can review you and diagnose if you may be a candidate for phacoemulsification.
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