The good news is, patients now have an advanced procedure for the extraction of cataract. Called Phacoemulsification or phaco, this technique just takes about 15 minutes, after which the patient can normally do his activities the next day. This technology is being offered at Asian Hospital since 2002.

Phaco, also known as small-incision cataract surgery, is so called because the procedure only entails a small incision on the eye, about 2.75 mm. In this technique, the ophthalmologist applies topical anesthesia; then makes a small incision on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. He then inserts a tiny probe (or the phaco tip) into the eye in which the tip oscillates at high frequency to soften and break up the cloudy center of the lens so it can be removed by suction. After which, an intraocular foldable lens is inserted through the small incision to replace the old one.

In the older procedure or the extracapsular surgery, treatment takes about an hour and involves the injection of local anesthesia, larger incision to remove the whole opaque lens, implanting a rigid intraocular lens, and suturing after the operation. With phaco, surgery can be done in about 15 minutes with just a few drops of topical anesthesia, small incision, and no sutures as the incision is self-sealing.

What makes phaco the most preferred cataract extraction procedure today is the insertion of the foldable lenses through a small incision. “Before, rigid lenses are being used for the operation, which needs a bigger incision” added Dr. Mangubat.

After undergoing phaco cataract extraction, the patient is given an eye protector and antibiotic eye drops to avoid infection. The patient then goes back to his activities with improved, clearer vision. With its effectiveness in restoring vision, the phaco procedure enjoys a very high success rate.

In order to fully benefit from the advantages of the phaco procedure, Dr. Mangubat once again advises people who are experiencing blurred vision because of cataract, (or for those without cataract) to have an eye exam right away with an ophthalmologist. Don’t wait until you’re blind because of cataract, since it can cause sight-threatening complications like glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) and uveitis (inflammation of the inner layers of the eye).

To know more about phacoemulsification or to set an appointment for surgery, contact Eye Diagnostics and Laser Center of Asian Hospital at 771-9000 to 9002 local 8203.