Phaco Surgery - Phacoemulsification with IOL in 30 Minutes

What Are The Post-Operative Tips To Follow After Phaco Surgery?

Here are some tips to follow after phaco surgery:

• During your recovery period, your eyes will be very sensitive. Hence, it is essential not to rub or touch your eyes. 
• Wear your eye shield at night during the recovery time. It ensures you do not touch or rub your eyes in sleep. 
• Do not splash water directly into the eyes until your eye has healed from surgery. Exposure to water can lead to eye irritation or, worse, it can put eyes at risk of infection. Also, avoid getting shampoo or soap in your eyes when taking a bath. Ask your eye doctor when it is safe to begin swimming or taking a head bath.  
• Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting for a few weeks after surgery. Strenuous activities can increase the eye pressure, which can impact the incision before it fully heals.
• If your eyes are sticky, clean your eyelids with cotton dipped in cool boiled water. However, before cleaning your eyes, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. Gently wipe off the discharge, and do not rub your eyes while cleaning. 
• Your eye doctor will prescribe you anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics for your recovery period. Use the eye drops and take the medications as recommended by your doctor.
• Lower the time spent on watching TV or digital screens. Do not put extra strain on your eyes during the recovery period.
• Avoid cosmetics to the eye, such as eyeliners, mascara etc., for at least 4 weeks after surgery. 
• Do not resume driving without consulting your eye doctor. 
• To prevent infections, avoid meeting too many people.
• You will be allowed to join your duties by 4 to 5 weeks after surgery. However, it is important to check with your doctor regarding the exact date of joining duty.

What Are The Benefits Of Phaco Surgery?

Phaco surgery generally offers various benefits that contribute to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals with this condition.

Here are some of the benefits of phaco surgery:

• Improvement in Vision: The primary goal of phaco surgery is to remove the clouded natural lens affected by a cataract and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This replacement IOL can significantly improve vision, allowing individuals to see more clearly and perform daily activities with greater ease.
• Minimally Invasive: Phaco surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a small incision and the use of ultrasound energy to break up and remove the cataract. The small incision promotes faster healing, reduces the risk of infection, and minimizes discomfort and recovery time compared to traditional cataract surgery techniques.
• Quicker Recovery: Due to the small incision size and advanced surgical techniques, most people experience a relatively quick recovery after phaco surgery. Many patients notice improved vision within a few days, and they can typically resume normal activities, including driving, within a week or two after the procedure.
• Minimal Discomfort: The advanced techniques used in phaco surgery, such as the use of ultrasound energy to break up the cataract, result in minimal trauma to the eye. As a result, many people report minimal discomfort during and after the surgery.
• Reduced Dependence on Glasses: After phaco surgery, many individuals experience a significant reduction in their dependence on glasses for distance vision. The choice of IOL can be tailored to an individual’s specific visual needs, allowing for improved near, intermediate, or distance vision. Multifocal or accommodating IOLs can provide enhanced vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses.
• Long-Term Results: Phaco surgery offers long-lasting results. Once the cataract is removed and an IOL is implanted, it does not develop again. The artificial IOL remains in place, providing a clear vision for years to come.

What Are The Risks And Complications Associated With Phaco Surgery?

Phaco surgery is a modern technique and a completely safe and effective procedure, like any other surgery, it carries certain risks and potential complications.

Here are some of the risks and complications associated with phaco surgery:

• Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection after phaco surgery, although it is relatively rare. Precautions are taken to minimize this risk, such as using sterile instruments and antibiotics.
• Bleeding: During surgery, there is a small risk of bleeding, which can occur if blood vessels are damaged. Surgeons take precautions to control bleeding, but occasionally, it may require additional steps to address.
• Swelling and inflammation: Some degree of swelling and inflammation is normal after phaco surgery. However, excessive swelling or inflammation can lead to complications such as increased eye pressure or delayed healing.
• Corneal problems: The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can be affected by phaco surgery. It is possible to develop corneal edema (swelling) or damage to the corneal surface, which can cause temporary or, in rare cases, permanent vision problems.
• Retinal detachment: Although rare, retinal detachment is a serious complication that can occur after phaco surgery. It happens when the retina, the layer at the back of the eye responsible for vision, detaches from its normal position. Prompt treatment is necessary if this occurs to prevent vision loss.
• Posterior capsule opacification (PCO): After cataract removal, the posterior capsule, the thin membrane that holds the artificial lens implant in place, can become cloudy over time. This can cause vision problems similar to cataracts. If PCO occurs, a simple laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy can be performed to restore clear vision.

Dislocated intraocular lens (IOL): In rare cases, the artificial lens implanted during phaco surgery can become dislocated or move out of position. This may require additional surgery to reposition or replace the lens.

What Are The Lifestyle Changes To Follow After Phaco Surgery?

After phaco surgery for cataract removal, it is important to follow post-operative instructions and undergo some lifestyle changes suggested by your surgeon to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general post-operative tips and lifestyle changes to follow:

• Use Prescribed Eye Drops: Your surgeon will prescribe a regimen of eye drops to be used after surgery. These may include antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops. Follow the instructions carefully regarding the frequency and duration of their use. Use the drops as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Protect Your Eye: After surgery, your surgeon may provide a protective shield or patch to wear over the operated eye, especially while sleeping. This helps prevent accidental rubbing or contact with the eye and promotes healing.
• Avoid Rubbing or Touching the Eye: It is important to avoid rubbing or touching your eye, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If you experience any discomfort or itching, contact your surgeon for guidance.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Resting your eyes and limiting strenuous activities is recommended during the initial stages of recovery. Avoid activities that may strain your eyes, such as reading for long periods, using electronic devices excessively, or engaging in activities that involve bending or heavy lifting.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from bright sunlight and harsh indoor lighting by wearing sunglasses that provide UV protection. This helps reduce sensitivity to light and may enhance comfort during the recovery period.
• Avoid Swimming and Hot Tubs: To minimize the risk of infection, avoid swimming or immersing your head in water, including hot tubs, for a few weeks following surgery. Showers are generally permitted but try to avoid getting water directly into your eyes.
• Follow Post-Operative Check-up Schedule: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These appointments allow your surgeon to keep track of the healing progress, assess your vision, and make any necessary adjustments to your post-operative care.
• Report Any Concerns: If you experience unusual symptoms such as severe pain, sudden changes in vision, increasing redness, discharge, or persistent discomfort, immediately contact your surgeon’s office for evaluation.
• Medication and Supplement Use: Inform your surgeon about all medications and supplements you are taking, and follow their instructions regarding the resumption of specific medications after surgery. Some medications or supplements may need to be temporarily adjusted or avoided during the recovery period.

What Are The Signs Of Healing After Phaco Surgery?

Here are several signs that may indicate your eye is healing correctly after phaco surgery:

• Improved vision: In the beginning, your vision may be blurry or hazy, but it should slowly improve in the days and weeks following surgery.
• Reduced redness: The redness in your eye should subside over time.
• Decreased sensitivity to light: Light sensitivity should diminish as your eye recovers. You may find that you are more comfortable in well-lit environments.
• Less discomfort: Discomfort or mild pain in the eye should be reduced. However, it’s common to experience irritation or scratchiness instantly after phaco cataract surgery.
• Steady eye pressure: Your eye pressure, which may have been temporarily elevated, should stabilize within the normal range.
• Improved color perception: Colors may appear more vivid as your eye heals after surgery.
• Improved depth perception: Your ability to perceive depth and judge distances should slowly get better as your eye recovers.
• Gradual reduction in eye dryness: Initially, you may experience dryness in the operated eye, but this usually improves with time and the use of prescribed eye drops.

Remember that the timeline for recovery can vary from individual to individual, and it may take several weeks for your eye to fully stabilize. It is important to be patient, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication and eye care, and communicate any concerns during your post-operative visits. 

What Is The Phaco Surgery Cost In India?

The cost of phaco surgery costs in India varies from Rs. 32,000 to Rs. 39,000. The actual cost varies for each patient depending on certain factors, such as the severity of the medical condition and the treatment methods used.

The phaco surgery cost in India differs considerably for each patient due to the following factors:

• City Where You’re Getting Treatment: The cost of living in each city across India is very different. Typically, medical care is costlier in metropolitan cities. For instance, the cost of living in Delhi is higher than in Jaipur, and hence medical care, too.
• Choice of Hospital & Hospitalization Expense: The cost of medical care in private medical facilities is higher than in government-run facilities. Moreover, the amenities at the private facilities are also better. Thus, they charge more for medical care. Besides the hospital administration cost, the patient also has to bear admission fees, discharge fees, room rent, ICU, OT, nursing fees, medical consumables, etc.
• Surgeon’s & Anesthetist’s Fee: Another major factor that influences the cost of surgery is the surgeon’s operating fee. A highly experienced surgeon is likely to charge more as he/she will have better knowledge and superior skills to perform the surgery, mitigate the risks, and improve the success rate.
• Diagnostic tests: The cost of preoperative diagnostic tests, such as visual acuity test, refraction test, ocular motility test, and cover test, can vary depending on the facility and equipment used. Different hospitals or diagnostic centers may have different pricing structures for these tests.
• Additional services: The inclusion of additional services such as postoperative consultations, medications, and follow-up appointments can also contribute to the overall cost of treatment. These services may vary between different hospitals or surgeons.