Phacoemulsification is one surgical technique
used to remove a cataract, which is a clouding of the eye's
naturally clear lens. Cataract surgery is rarely done using
a laser. Rather, laser surgery is done in some patients
after cataract surgery is an opaque membrane develops behind
the lens implant. This procedure is done in an office or
laser center under topical anesthesia. All cataract surgery
must first be done in an operating room, using an incisional
knife and sterile conditions. In phacoemulsification, a
pencil-sized probe is inserted into the eye and high frequency
sound waves fragment the lens. The fragments are then suctioned
out from the eye. A small incision is used which requires
only one stitch, if any, and heals quickly. The lens capsule
is left in place and a lens implant, or IOL, is placed inside
to focus vision. Vision returns quickly and one can resume
normal activities almost immediately; there is a minimal
convalescence period. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye
drops are used post-operatively to hasten healing, reduce
comfort, and prevent infection.
