An Introduction to Cataracts
Cataracts are a distinct eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Common symptoms associated with this condition are unclear blurry vision, night vision struggles, photophobia, glare sensitivity, and faded or yellowish colours appearing in the visual field. It is deemed to be a very common age-related eye condition which makes specific groups, like older adults, vulnerable.
Dr. John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, provides fast and effective phacoemulsification surgery that removes cataracts efficiently. Do not be weighed down by the burden of cataracts! Restore your vision at the earliest by consulting Dr. Sarkar today!
Phacoemulsification:
The Best Solution to Cataracts
Phacoemulsification is an advanced form of traditional cataract surgery. It is a modern surgical process where, generally, an ultrasonic probe is used to break the natural, cloudy lens of the eye into tiny pieces. These pieces are later removed with acute precision, and a clear artificial lens is replaced to retain normal vision.
This technique is notable for its minimally invasive nature, efficiency and low discomfort threshold. That is why notable ophthalmologists like Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata prefer it when treating patients with certain types of cataract.
Types of Phacoemulsification
Conventional Phacoemulsification:-
Conventional phacoemulsification is a surgical process that uses ultrasound energy to break the cataract into minute pieces. These pieces are then suctioned out through a small incision. Then, the natural lens is substituted by an artificial intraocular lens that aids in the restoration of clear vision. This method is very popular among doctors as it typically requires no stitches and has a short recovery time.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Phacoemulsification:-
Femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification involves the use of a precise laser to create small cuts in the cornea. This softens the cataract before removal. This is an advanced method that enables greater surgical accuracy, safe removal of the natural lens, and improved outcomes. A key factor that differentiates this surgical process from conventional Phacoemulsification is the lack of ultrasound energy. Here, ultrasound is replaced by laser.
Key aspects of the surgery :-
Machine Settings
The surgeon can modify several aspects of the phaco machine. These aspects include the aspiration flow rate, vacuum, and the ultrasound power. They are controlled according to the patient’s condition and the specific needs of individual cases.
Types of Pump
Phaco machines typically use either venturi pumps or peristaltic pumps to create the necessary fluid flow and vacuum for aspiration.
IOL Implantation
After the cataract is removed, an intraocular lens is put in to restore vision. There are various types of lenses, such as monofocal, enhanced monofocal, extended depth of focus, and multifocal lenses.
If you choose Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, you will be getting a lens that suits perfectly with your visual needs.
Pre Surgery
Before the surgery, your eye will be measured to determine the appropriate focusing power for the IOL. Further, you will also be asked if you take any medications. Please note that, as per the needs of the surgery, you might be told to stay away from some of the medicines before the surgery. You might be told to take some eye medications. Please heed the instructions seriously as these medications will play a key role in reducing the chances of swelling, irritation, and infection during the surgery.
During Surgery:
At least 6 hours before the start of the surgery, you might be told to avoid solid food. Considering this, under Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, your cataract surgery might typically involve these steps:
- Your eye will be numbed with eye drops or an injection. To help you relax, additional medicines will be given.
- You will remain awake during the surgery. You will mostly see light and shadows. But you cannot see what is being done to your eye.
- Dr. Sarkar will look through a special kind of microscope. He will create tiny cuts near your cornea, which will be made through a small blade or laser. These cuts will be made to reach the natural lens of the eye. The cataract will be broken and then suctioned out. At last, a new lens will replace the old lens.
Please note: The doctor might not stitch back the cuts he made. These are “self-sealing” cuts that will close themselves over time. The recovery period post-surgery will be somewhere between 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery Period
After undergoing phacoemulsification under Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, it will typically take you 4 to 6 weeks to resume normal life. During this time, you might be required to:
- Use to eyedrops recommended by the doctor after the surgery
- Avoid getting water or soap directly in your eye for a few days
- Do not press or rub your eye. Dr Sarkar might tell you to wear proper eye protection.
- Wear a protective eye shield while sleeping.
Remember, you can only resume your normal life when Dr Sarkar deems you fit.
Benefits:
There are several benefits of undergoing phacoemulsification under Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata. Some of them are:
- No need for hospitalisation post-surgery: In case there are no complications, you can just walk out of the hospital yourself post-surgery.
- Small cuts: Typically, phacoemulsification does not need blades. This is the same for other “invasive” tools like scissors and others.
- No limitations on normal activities: You can go to work the next day.
- Fast recovery: If you follow the rules, you will recover very fast.
Better outcomes: After the surgery, you will be able to retain crystal clear vision.
Risks:
There are certain risks related to phacoemulsification as well. These risks are:
- Infection in the eye
- Bleeding in the eye
- Swelling in the internal part of the eye
- Seeing dark shadows, glare, or halos
- The IOL lens is moving out of position
Please note that these risks are very rare. Dr John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, will discuss all the benefits and risks of this surgery during consultation.
Why choose Dr. John Sarkar,
the best Phaco Surgeon in Kolkata?
Committed Care
Dr John Sarkar is committed to the delivery of compassionate care. He will be with you every step of the way, right from the time of consultation to aftercare post-surgery.
Personalised Care
As the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, Dr Sarkar knows that no two people can have the same care needs. That is why he will offer you a customisable treatment plan that is compatible with your visual needs and requirements.
Access to Advanced Technologies
In order to ensure the best quality of care, Dr John Sarkar uses only the latest available surgical equipment. You can be assured that your surgery will be painless and comfortable.
Positive Patient Outcomes
Patients consistently report enjoying positive visual outcomes after undergoing phacoemulsification surgery under Dr Sarkar. This reflects his commitment to eye health.
At the early stages, cataracts do not cause significant vision struggles. Therefore, surgery is only recommended when they start interfering with vision. The initial stages can be managed with medications.
Phaco surgery, better known as phacoemulsification, is a modern type of cataract surgery that is used to replace the clouded natural lens of the eye with a clear artificial lens.
Both phaco and LASIK are very safe and effective surgeries. However, if you want long-term comfort with low maintenance, LAASIK is the way to go.
Although effective, phaco surgery has several disadvantages. These are:
- Mild pain after surgery
- Blurry vision
- Continuos pain
- Moderate chances of allergic reactions
Despite this, phacoemulsification is a very safe surgical method.
No. Typically, phacoemulsification surgery is not painful.
The cost of phaco surgery is variable. If you choose Dr. John Sarkar, the best phaco surgeon in Kolkata, his team will tell you the total cost during the time of consultation.
Yes, generally, phaco surgery is considered to be safe.
Yes, you can generally watch TV after cataract surgery.
For each eye, it will typically take no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
Yes, you can travel after your cataract surgery. However, you must heed the care recommendations by your doctor.
Blurry vision 3 years after cataract surgery occurs due to a condition known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). It is also known as secondary cataract. This condition can be treated by undergoing a procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.
After your cataract surgery, you need to avoid foods that contain high sodium, sugary foods, spicy foods, and items that contain high caffeine.
After your cataract surgery, you need to be in complete rest for at least 24 to 48 hours.
The foods that are best after eye surgery are berries, lemons, and oranges.
The best lens for you during cataract surgery is based on your individual vision needs. Therefore, you should consult with your ophthalmologist accordingly.
Generally, your eyes won’t hurt after a phaco surgery. However, excessive crying can lead to complications.