Phakoemulsifikaatio

Phakoemulsifikaatio, often shortened to phaco, is a modern surgical technique used to remove cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which can impair vision. This procedure involves using an ultrasonic device to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces. These fragmented pieces are then gently suctioned out of the eye.

The surgery is performed through a very small incision, typically less than 3 millimeters in length. Before emulsifying the lens, the surgeon first creates a circular opening in the lens capsule, a thin membrane surrounding the natural lens. This allows access to the cataract for removal and provides a place to insert the artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that replaces the natural lens.

Once the cataractous material is removed, a foldable IOL is inserted into the capsular bag. This artificial lens restores the eye's focusing power. The small incision used for phacoemulsification often self-seals, meaning stitches may not be necessary, leading to a quicker recovery time for the patient. Phacoemulsification is considered the gold standard for cataract surgery due to its safety, efficacy, and minimally invasive nature.