This is the standard treatment method for cataract. In cataract, the eye's natural clear lens gradually becomes cloudy, like a fogged-up window, blurring vision, fading colors, and making night vision difficult. Phaco surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, breaking up and removing the clouded lens using ultrasound waves, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).
Before procedure
The use of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin should be discontinued under a physician's order. Sometimes, starting one to three days before surgery, prescribed antibiotic eye drops are initiated to reduce the risk of infection. On the day of surgery, the individual must be fasting and must be accompanied to the surgical center by a companion.
After procedure
Accurate and regular use of the prescribed steroid and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and control inflammation is necessary for several weeks, as directed by the ophthalmologist. For several weeks, avoid severe bending, lifting heavy objects, and putting pressure on the eye. Protecting the eye with a special eye shield, especially during sleep in the first weeks, and wearing sunglasses outdoors is very important. The first examination is performed the day after surgery, and subsequent examinations will be scheduled at the doctor's discretion.
Complication and alarm signs
Significant pain that does not improve with regular painkillers, sudden or severe vision loss, increased redness, sensitivity to light, or purulent discharge are warning signs of severe infection or inflammation. Additionally, seeing sudden flashes of light, a large number of new floaters, or a persistent shadow in the visual field can be a sign of complications such as retinal detachment and requires immediate attention.
This surgery primarily yields excellent visual outcomes, and complications such as bleeding, retinal detachment, corneal edema, and the need for additional surgeries are very rare.