What is the Phaco Method?
Phaco method is one of the most preferred methods in cataract treatment. This method is popularly known as laser cataract surgery. In this treatment, ultrasonic wave powers are actually used, not laser beams. Thanks to the technique, cataracts are cleaned through a 2 mm surgical incision and intraocular lenses can be placed from the same point. This very small incision does not require stitches and will heal on its own. There are no stitches in the phaco method as in classical surgery, so this method is also called the seamless method among the public.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR SURGERY?
Before the phaco method, the patient is examined. As a result of these examinations and tests, it is analyzed whether the patient is suitable for the method or not. If the patient is suitable for the method, he/she will be informed and an appointment will be made. After the examination, the patient can be taken into surgery on the same day and can be discharged immediately after the surgery. In other words, after this surgery, the patient can quickly return to his daily life. What are the steps of the surgery?
First of all, preliminary preparations are made by instilling some drops into the patient before the surgery. The patient is then taken to the operating room. The treatment of the patient undergoing surgery is completed in approximately 20 minutes. In the phaco method, the eye is entered through a 2.2 mm incision. Since the natural lens and artificial lens will be replaced in cataract treatment, the natural lens must be carefully removed from the eye. For this, Viscoelastic Gel is used during surgery. In this way, the natural lens in the eye is easily removed from the area without damaging the eye. The natural eye lens fragments into the eye. The natural lens is eliminated with the help of a device that emits ultrasonic sound. Instead, an artificial lens that will provide the person's vision is placed inside the eye. Surgery on both eyes cannot be performed on the same day. Because surgery on both eyes at the same time may pose the risk of infection. For this reason, there should be 2 days between the operations of both eyes. The most important advantage of the phaco method is that it promises a shorter operation than laser treatment.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
This surgery is completed in approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
Since it is done using a special microscope, the patient does not feel anything during the process.
The incision is quite small and does not disrupt the integrity of the eye.
Postoperative vision is clearer, unlike classical surgical methods.
Recovery after the operation is much faster.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER AFTER THE SURGERY?
There are steps to be taken into consideration after the phaco method. After applying the method, the doctor will tell you about these points.
The operated eye should not be rubbed or scratched.
Never apply pressure to the eye.
You should not lie down on the side where the operated eye is located.
The operated eye should not be contacted with substances such as water and soap.
It is necessary to use an eye patch and protective glasses in windy and sunny weather.
Heavy physical movements should be avoided during recovery.
Vehicle should not be used without doctor's approval.
Post-operative check-ups must be done.
Medicines prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
HOW IS THE RECOVERY AFTER THE OPERATION?
The recovery period after the operation is quite short. Since a small incision is used in the method, healing is accelerated. The day after the operation, the patient is examined. In the first days, vision may be blurry. Everyone's healing process is different. After a few weeks, visual clarity improves. After the surgery, your doctor will prescribe glasses for you if you need them. You will also have eye drops to use after the surgery. Hands should be washed thoroughly before using these drops. According to the information given to you by the doctor, you must comply with the hours you will use the drops. It is essential to continue the drops throughout the day. You do not need to wake up at night and apply drops.