Phacoemulsification is an effective method for controlling cataracts

For many people with cataracts, doctors offer phacoemulsification as the most effective treatment for ailment. Unfortunately, this effective and generally safe procedure is accepted by few, for fear of a serious rehabilitation period, loss of vision or complications after surgery. And in vain, because in the vast majority of cases, this procedure is easy and without any unpleasant consequences for the patient. In order to help you make a decision about such treatment, let's take a closer look at what is the method of combating cataract, which preparatory measures and further care it provides, and to whom can be shown.

What it is

Phacoemulsification is an operation to remove cataracts, which involves replacing the affected lens with a special lens. It is indicated for those patients who, in addition to the cataract itself, do not have other diseases. For them, this procedure has a good prognosis and in the vast majority of cases leads to complete recovery.

Phacoemulsification is carried out with the use of a special microscope and high-precision instrumentation, which allows to work through a minimal incision without injuring other eye tissues.For complete comfort of the patient, it is performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia is practically not used here.

Unlike other methods of treatment, this operation can be prescribed to the patient before the "maturation" of cataracts. It does not require hospitalization and allows a person to return to normal life almost the day after the event.

Features of the procedure

The main feature of this procedure is the removal of the lens and the subsequent introduction of the lens through a small-sized incision - up to 3 mm in total (compared with the cut at other surgical methods in 10 mm). This was achieved by crushing the cataract itself with ultrasound and subsequent removal of its granules, for which a large opening in the mucosa was not required.

Step by step procedure

As a result of the development of such technology in the 1960s, doctors were able to shorten the time of the operation, as well as to abandon the need to impose a seam after it.Today, phacoemulsification, conducted according to such standards, provides only 20 minutes of the manipulation, about 10 minutes of preparation and 24 hours of complete recovery of vision for each patient.

Preparation of the patient

Preoperative preparation of the patient for the replacement of the lens by phacoemulsification consists in receiving special medicines designed to strengthen the body, as well as to exclude the development of complications directly after operation.The preparation period, as well as the type of medications needed for it, is selected for each patient individually.

An important role in the success of such intervention is also played by the general condition of the patient before the operation. This is why patients who agree to carry out phacoemulsification are advised to switch to normal regimen of the day, adhere to a diet that excludes acute, salty and fatty foods, as well as for a while to stop using alcohol and nicotine. This will help a person to transfer the procedure and the recovery period more easily.

Immediately before the operation, the patient is prepared as follows:

• the eyes before the operation are washed, the skin around them is sterilized;
• on the head and shoulders of the patient are attached special curtains, limiting its review;
• the patient is asked to focus on the light of the operating microscope, after that a special dilator is installed on the eye so that it remains open throughout the procedure.

After carrying out these preparatory measures, the doctor proceeds to the operation itself.

The phased process of

The phacoemulsification has a universal algorithm with this sequence of actions:

1. The doctor with the help of a diamond tool makes a microcut no more than -3 mm, through which further conducts all manipulations.
2. By means of a cannula, an viscoelastic is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye- a substance that provides internal structures of the eye protection from mechanical and ultrasonic effects directly during the operation.
3. Through a microcut, the doctor inserts a probe, through which the cataract-affected lens is converted into an emulsion.
4. Through the incision, a flexible intraocular lens is introduced, which will continue to perform the role of the affected lens.After the introduction, it independently unfolds and is fixed.
5. Through the irrigation solution, the entire mass of viscoelastic is removed from the chambers of the eye.The operation at this stage is considered complete.

At the end of the operation, the seams do not overlap at the incision site, since the microcut is always self-sealing.

The patient can leave the clinic on the same day and return to the normal rhythm of life.It is necessary for him to complete recovery only to follow certain recommendations of the doctor for care.

Postoperative period

After phacoemulsification, the patient is recommended to remain at rest for 24 hours.If he is worried before the procedure, bed rest can be shown. The patient is allowed to eat after 2 hours after the operation, but initially recommend only light snacks. A special bandage is put on the eye.

The first control examination, as a rule, is prescribed the next day after the operation, at the same time, the next dressing is performed.Then the patient will need to report to the doctor for examination 7 and 14 days after the operation.

At this time, the patient may have photophobia, the appearance of dark spots in the eye, discomfort, fatigue. All these symptoms are purely individual, and their appearance depends on the general state of the organism.They are taken away with medicines.

In the event that the patient has vomiting or severe nausea, fever and dizziness after the operation, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms usually pass very quickly and are easily removed medically, but you should not try to eliminate them yourself.

Recommendations for caring for the patient

Also, the lens can dilute, so that he later went through the tear ducts

To the process of recovery of a person passed easily and without complications, it is recommended to follow the following general recommendations in the first 2-3 weeks after the operation:

• When going out, wear sunglasses to avoid injury to the eye;
• Refrain from touching the operated eye with your hands;
• Reduce the burden on the eyesight, temporarily refuse to work long hours at the computer or reading;
• Refuse to drive the transport.

To speed up recovery after surgery, it is recommended to adhere to a diet, to give up severe fatty foods, as well as to monitor the correct implementation of hygiene recommendations the operated place.

Otherwise, the recovery process after such treatment does not have special strict care instructions.

Reviews of people

Phacoemulsification of cataracts is an operation that thousands of people annually undergo.We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the reviews of patients who have already undergone such treatment, so that you can take a weighted decision to replace the lens and get rid of doubts before the procedure.

Ivan

The operation was completely fearless. I'm sorry that I did not dare to do it before, because as a result of the treatment I almost completely restored my vision. The whole operation took from the strength of half an hour, I did not feel the pain. After the operation, there were no complications, on the same day I could read and write, behind the wheel, however, I was allowed to sit for two weeks only. For those who have not already started cataracts, I recommend that you agree to the procedure as quickly as possible. Save your sight.

Marina

I was very afraid of the operation, but I was convinced by an ophthalmologist. According to the forecast, she could lose sight completely. The operation suffered stoically, but I must say that I did not experience any special discomfort during the treatment. Has passed or has taken place procedure three months ago. Vision was restored completely. I wait for the next consultation to check the result.

Alexander

Thanks to the operation, my vision restored completely, very glad that I agreed to it. Preparation, of course, was given hard, the operation itself is also not the most pleasant event, after the period it was very easy to pass. The minimum of medicines, the rhythm of life was normal for me. Six months have passed since then, I can not complain about any complications. My colleague with the same diagnosis who refused surgery, on the contrary, very sorry. His cataract progresses, it can not stop medication. I hope, in due course will follow my example.

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conclusions

As we see, phacoemulsification is quite safe and at the same time an effective method of cataract treatment. It is worth to agree to those who have the disease progressing, so as not to lose sight completely, if there is the possibility of cataract treatment without surgery, in this case, you must carefully follow the doctor's instructions to not bring the state of vision to phacoemulsification. For the same operation to be successful, you need to properly prepare for it, find a good specialist for manipulation and adhere to all the requirements of the doctor after treatment. So you can fully restore your eyesight.