What Is Phaco Surgery?
Phaco Surgery, also called phacoemulsification, is a modern, minimally invasive procedure used to treat cataracts, the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. Instead of making significant cuts like in traditional cataract surgery, phaco uses a tiny incision through which an ultrasonic probe is inserted. This probe breaks the cloudy lens into small pieces and gently removes them.
Once the natural lens is cleared, a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place, restoring clear vision. Since the incision is minimal, stitches are usually not required, and patients experience faster recovery, less discomfort, and improved visual outcomes compared to older methods.
Phaco surgery is now considered the gold standard for cataract treatment worldwide, offering precision, safety, and long-lasting results.
Types of Phaco Surgery
Depending on the cataract condition, the patient's eye health, and lens requirements, phaco surgery can be performed using different techniques:
- Standard Phacoemulsification: The most common method is where ultrasound waves are used to break the cloudy lens into fragments, which are then suctioned out. It's safe, reliable, and widely practised with excellent outcomes for most patients.
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Phaco Surgery (FLACS): Avails use of laser, rather than a blade, to make accurate cuts and smooth the lens prior to phacoemulsification. This is more accurate, less manual and is more likely to be desirable to patients who want high-technology.
- Micro-Incision Phaco Surgery (MICS): Performed through an ultra-small incision (less than 2mm), making recovery faster and reducing the risk of corneal damage. Often chosen for patients who want minimal trauma and quicker healing.
- Toric/Multifocal IOL Phaco Surgery: In addition to removing the cataract, this surgery implants special lenses that correct astigmatism or provide multifocal vision. Ideal for patients who want to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.
15 to 30 Mins Per Eye
Surgery Duration
Local Anesthesia (Numbing Eye Drops)
Anesthesia Used
2 to 4 weeks
Full Recovery
When is Phaco-Surgery Recommended?
Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery) is advised when cataracts or vision issues begin to interfere with your daily life. Based on clinical guidance, here are the main indications:
- Blurry or Cloudy Vision Due to Cataracts: When cataracts cause hazy, foggy, or double vision that makes it hard to read, drive, or watch TV, phaco surgery becomes the most effective treatment. It clears the cloudy lens and restores clarity.
- Increased Sensitivity to Light & Glare: If you experience discomfort while driving at night due to glare from headlights or struggle with bright lights during the day, surgery helps by replacing the affected lens with a clear artificial one.
- Difficulty Performing Daily Activities: When cataracts limit basic tasks like reading, cooking, or recognising faces, phaco surgery restores functional vision and independence.
- Rapidly Progressing Cataracts: Cataracts in certain patients develop rapidly, posing a threat to vision. Surgery at a tender age averts more complications and saves the eyes.
- Medical Needs or Eye Conditions: Sometimes, cataract removal is necessary before treating other eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Phaco surgery helps prepare the eye for further treatments.
Preparing for Phaco Surgery Procedure
Preparing for your Phaco Surgery is a key part of a smooth surgery and a fast recovery.
- Medical Evaluation & Eye Tests: Your ophthalmologist will review your medical history and perform eye examinations, including visual acuity tests, intraocular pressure checks, and measurements to select the right intraocular lens (IOL). Additional tests, such as blood sugar or blood pressure monitoring, may be required if you have existing health conditions.
- Adjusting Medications: Certain drugs like blood thinners might have to be discontinued prior to surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding. Clear instructions on what to do, alter or discontinue prior to the procedure will be provided by your doctor.
- Lifestyle & Health Preparations: Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support healing. If you have conditions like diabetes or hypertension, keep them under control before surgery. Smoking should be stopped at least a few weeks prior, as it delays healing.
- Day Before & Day of Surgery: You may be advised not to eat or drink for a few hours before surgery. On the day, avoid makeup, creams, or lotions around your eyes and face. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What Happens During Phaco Surgery?
During Phaco surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision, emulsifies the cloudy lens using ultrasound, and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens.
- Preparation & Anesthesia: Before the surgery starts, your eye will be numbed using local anaesthesia, usually in the form of drops or a small injection around the eye. You remain awake but will not feel pain. A sterile cover (drape) is placed over your face, exposing only the surgical eye, to maintain a clean environment and reduce infection risk.
- Tiny Incision: The surgeon creates a tiny incision, usually about 2-3 mm, at the edge of the cornea. This incision is the gateway for all instruments and is designed to heal quickly without leaving visible scars. Because it's so small, the surgery is often called "micro-incision cataract surgery."
- Capsulorhexis (Opening the Lens Capsule): A precise circular opening is made in the thin, transparent membrane (capsule) that surrounds the natural lens. This step is crucial because it allows access to the cataract while preserving the capsule, which will later hold the artificial lens securely in place.
- Phacoemulsification (Breaking the Cataract); The ultrasonic probe is then softly inserted by means of the incision. This instrument provides high frequency vibrations that tear the cloudy lens into minute fragments. Meanwhile, these fragments are removed with a suction system in the eye that is very delicate. This is the most important process, as it removes the cataract without destroying the structures around.
- Intraocular Lens (IOL) Placement: After the cataract has been removed, the surgeon places a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) inside the remaining capsule. Because it's flexible, the IOL can be inserted through the same tiny incision and then unfolds into its permanent position. The type of IOL used may be standard (monofocal) or advanced (multifocal, toric), depending on your vision needs.
- Closing the Incision: Since the incision is tiny and self-sealing, no stitches are usually required. The natural pressure inside the eye helps close the wound, which reduces healing time and discomfort. In rare cases, a single fine stitch may be placed if needed.
- Post-Procedure Care: At the end of the procedure, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are applied to reduce infection risk and swelling. A protective shield may be placed over the eye for a few hours. Patients are usually discharged on the same day with instructions to use the prescribed drops and avoid rubbing or straining the eye.
Recovery After Phaco Surgery Procedure
Recovering from a Phaco Surgery is a step-by-step process, and genuine care makes all the difference.
First Few Days After Surgery
During the first days, slight pain, itch, or a sense of a foreign object in the eye of operation is the rule. First of all, one may find the vision to be blurred or opaque but this is normally cleared as the eye adapts. One should not rub their eye, and should also have protective glasses or an eye shield at night so that they do not cause accidental pressure.
Doctor's Tip: Take your eye drops as instructed. They minimize the risk of infection and they promote smooth healing of the eye.
Weeks 1 to 2
By the end of the first week, most patients notice a significant improvement in vision. You can resume light activities like reading, walking, or watching TV, but avoid lifting heavy objects or swimming. Sensitivity to light may still be present, so sunglasses are recommended outdoors.
Doctor's Tip: "Avoid dusty or smoky environments as they can irritate the healing eye."
Weeks 3 to 4
During this stage, vision continues to sharpen, and most patients return to normal daily activities, including office work. You may get clearance for mild exercise, but strenuous workouts or contact sports should still be avoided until your surgeon approves.
Doctor's Tip: "Do not skip follow-up appointments, they ensure the IOL is stable and your healing is on track."
1 to 3 Months Post-Surgery
By this time, the eye is fully healed, and vision stabilises. Any residual refractive errors may be corrected with glasses if needed. Most patients report crisp, clear vision and minimal dependence on glasses, especially with advanced IOLs.
Doctor's Tip: "If you notice sudden vision loss, severe pain, or flashes of light, contact your doctor immediately, these are not normal recovery signs."
Lifestyle Changes After Phaco Surgery
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on the operated eye.
- Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid swimming, heavy exercise, or dusty environments until cleared by your surgeon.
- Wear protective eyewear when recommended.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision.
Benefits of Phaco Surgery
Phaco surgery improves vision, reduces glare and halos, restores clarity, and enhances quality of life.
- Minimally Invasive Technique: Phacoemulsification uses a tiny incision (2-3 mm) compared to traditional cataract surgery. This means less tissue trauma, quicker healing, and minimal scarring.
- Rapid Recovery & Early Vision Restoration: Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within a few days. Normal daily activities can often be resumed in a week, unlike older methods that required weeks of healing.
- More transparent, Sharper Vision: Advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) can correct not just cataracts but also refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, reducing dependence on glasses.
- Safe & Reliable Procedure: With millions of successful surgeries performed worldwide, phaco surgery has a high success rate and is considered one of the safest eye surgeries.
- Day-Care Procedure with Minimal Downtime: The surgery typically takes only 15-30 minutes, requires no overnight hospital stay, and patients return home the same day.
- Less Post-Operative Discomfort: Because of the small incision and faster healing, pain and irritation are significantly reduced compared to older surgical techniques.
Risks of Phaco Surgery
Potential risks include infection, inflammation, lens dislocation, increased eye pressure, or visual disturbances.
- Infection (Endophthalmitis): A rare but serious complication where infection develops inside the eye. It can be prevented with antibiotics and proper post-operative care.
- Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO): Sometimes referred to as a "secondary cataract," where the lens capsule behind the IOL becomes cloudy. It can occur months or years later, but is easily treated with a painless YAG laser procedure.
- Corneal or Retinal Swelling: Some patients may experience temporary corneal oedema (swelling) or retinal inflammation. These usually respond well to prescribed medications.
- Dislocated or Malpositioned IOL: In rare cases, the artificial lens may move out of place, requiring surgical adjustment.
- Glare, Halos, or Visual Disturbances: Some patients report halos around lights or glare, particularly at night. These usually reduce as the eye adapts, but in some cases, a lens exchange may be needed.
- Other Rare Complications: Retinal detachment, bleeding inside the eye, or increased eye pressure (glaucoma-like effects) can occur but are very uncommon with modern techniques.
How much does Phaco Surgery Cost?
The cost of phaco surgery in India typically ranges from approximately Rs. 17,000 to Rs. 31,000. However, this is just an estimated range, as the final cost depends on factors such as the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, the specific hospital, and any additional post-surgery care needed.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
