More than half of all Americans have a cataract or have undergone cataract removal surgery by age 80. Charles Kelman’s development of phacoemulsification surgery in 1967 changed cataract treatment forever. The procedure has become the most common method to remove cataracts today.
This modern surgical technique ranks among the safest and most effective treatments for cataracts. The results speak for themselves – over 96% of patients see better after the procedure. On top of that, patients can go home the same day since the procedure takes just 8 minutes to complete. Phacoemulsification has made cataract surgery minimally invasive with few complications. The surgeon treats one eye first, then operates on the other eye after a few days. Each surgery lasts 10-30 minutes based on how complex the case is.
This piece will show you how phacoemulsification works from start to finish. You’ll learn about the surgical steps, recovery time, and why picking a clinic with skilled surgeons and modern technology is vital for your eye health. We’ll explain why this technique leads the way in cataract treatment and what to expect as you start your journey toward better vision.
Understanding Cataracts and the Role of Phacoemulsification
What is phacoemulsification surgery?
Phacoemulsification stands out as a breakthrough in cataract surgery. This modern technique breaks up the eye’s cloudy lens into tiny fragments using ultrasound technology. The fragments get gently suctioned out through a small incision. After this, doctors implant an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. The surgeon makes a tiny 2-3 mm incision in the cornea. A needle-thin probe sends ultrasound waves to emulsify the cataract. The microscopic cuts heal on their own without stitches, which leads to quick healing and minimal damage to nearby tissues.
How cataracts affect vision clarity
Proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together to form cataracts. The lens becomes cloudy instead of clear, blocking light from reaching the retina properly. This affects your vision quality over time.
The changes happen so slowly you might not notice them at first. Your vision changes become more noticeable as the cataract grows:
- Blurred or hazy vision that gets worse
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Light and glare become harder to handle
- Night vision becomes difficult
- Lights appear to have halos
- Eyeglass prescription needs frequent updates
Cataracts can lead to severe vision loss or legal blindness without treatment. They don’t spread between eyes, but many people develop them in both eyes naturally.
Why phaco surgery is the gold standard today
Phacoemulsification has become the top choice for cataract removal worldwide after decades of progress. Small, self-healing incisions changed everything about cataract surgery. These cuts maintain the eye’s shape better and cause fewer problems. Patients see better within days after surgery, much faster than with older methods. The surgery’s precise nature keeps infection rates extremely low – less than 1%.
The procedure works exceptionally well, with 90% of patients getting better vision afterward. Each eye takes only 8-10 minutes to treat, and patients go home the same day. This 90% success rate and quick recovery have made phacoemulsification the preferred treatment for cataracts in the UK and worldwide.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Phacoemulsification Surgery Procedure
Modern phacoemulsification cataract surgery uses a precise, step-by-step approach. This methodical process will give a great outcome and reduces risks for patients.
1. Local anaesthesia and patient preparation
The surgery starts when your doctor applies anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eye’s surface. These drops make most patients comfortable during the procedure. Some patients might need a sub-Tenon block (an “eye block”), where the doctor places numbing medication under the eyelid—not directly into the eye but around it. Your eye becomes completely numb and stays still during surgery. Special drops dilate your pupil, and your eye area gets cleaned really well to prevent infection.
2. Micro-incision and capsulotomy
Your surgeon creates a tiny 2-2.4mm wide incision at your cornea’s edge. This small cut provides access to the lens and minimises trauma. A viscoelastic substance keeps your eye’s shape and protects its inner structures. The surgeon then performs a continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis—making a circular opening in your lens capsule’s front to reach the cloudy lens. This precise step creates the foundation for successful phacoemulsification.
3. Phacoemulsification: ultrasound lens removal
The surgeon inserts an ultrasonic probe through the micro-incision. Ultrasound waves from the probe break down the hardened lens into tiny pieces, which get suctioned out immediately. This “phacoemulsification” process uses controlled ultrasonic energy instead of lasers. The surgeon injects fluid to separate the lens from its outer capsule before emulsification, which makes removal safer and easier.
4. Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation
A clear artificial lens replaces your removed cataract. The IOL folds to fit through the small incision and unfolds in the empty lens capsule. Silicone, acrylic, or other biocompatible materials make up these lenses, which often have protective coatings against harmful ultraviolet rays. Your eye’s length and corneal curvature determine the perfect IOL selection.
5. Self-sealing wound closure
Modern corneal incisions seal themselves without stitches. Your surgeon hydrates the incision’s edges with balanced salt solution. This makes the corneal tissue swell slightly and creates a watertight seal. Patients heal faster and have less risk of infection. The surgeon checks for leaks by applying gentle pressure to ensure all incisions close completely.
Safety, Success Rates, and Recovery Timeline
Phacoemulsification ranks among the safest surgical procedures in modern medicine. Want clear vision without the risk? Modern phacoemulsification is the safest, most effective way to treat cataracts today.
UK-based success rates of cataract phacoemulsification surgery
Cataract surgery leads all operations performed in the UK. Surgeons perform around 400,000 procedures each year before the pandemic. The success rates show impressive results – 85.4% of eyes reach within 1 D of spherical equivalent of the refractive aim. Research reveals that 92.4% and 98.0% of eyes achieve best-corrected visual acuities of 6/18 and better at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Patient’s visual acuity improves by a lot after surgery, with an average improvement of 0.33 (from 0.32 before surgery to 0.65 after).
Postoperative care and eye drop regimen
The right post-surgery care is a vital part to get the best results. Patients need three types of eye drops: antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory drops to control swelling, and lubricating drops to reduce dryness. Doctors prescribe these drops for 4 weeks after surgery. The treatment plan has Tobradex and Yellox drops that patients use less often as weeks pass. Following this schedule helps prevent complications and ensures proper healing.
Expected recovery timeline and visual outcomes
Each patient recovers differently, but most see better vision within hours or days after their surgery. Your eye usually feels normal after 24 hours, though light sensitivity might last a few more days. Complete recovery takes 2-6 weeks as vision becomes stable. Doctors schedule follow-up visits within 6 weeks after surgery to check progress and handle any issues.
Common risks and how they are minimised
The procedure is safe but comes with some risks. These include infection (less than 1%), inflammation, posterior capsule opacification (affects about 10% of patients), and in rare cases, retinal detachment. In spite of that, careful surgical technique, proper sterilisation, and complete post-surgery care reduce these risks. Doctors can treat posterior capsule opacification with a simple outpatient laser procedure if it develops.
Why Choose Precision Vision London for Cataract Surgery
Precision Vision London puts your vision first. We combine leading-edge technology with a consultant-led approach to provide exceptional phacoemulsification surgery that delivers outstanding results.
Advanced phacoemulsification surgery equipment used in our clinic
Our clinic uses the state-of-the-art CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® Handpiece to remove cataracts. This advanced technology gives better chamber stability and keeps intraocular pressure close to natural levels, even in difficult cases. The system’s Active Fluidics™ technology maintains target IOP by automatically detecting and adjusting varying flow rates up to the minute. Your surgeon can work more confidently, which leads to more consistent surgical outcomes.
Our consultant-led personalised care approach
Precision Vision London stands out as an independent, surgeon-led practise. Dr Pillai, our Medical Director, leads our team. He’s a world-renowned corneal and refractive specialist with over 30 years of experience. We start with a personal consultation that gives us a full picture of your visual needs and lifestyle factors. Your care continues with our detailed aftercare programme for 12 months after surgery to ensure the best recovery and vision outcomes.
Trusted reputation and patient satisfaction in the UK
We’ve earned an impressive 4.97 out of 5 stars from 166 reviews on Doctify, making us one of London’s most trusted vision correction centres. In fact, 99% of our patients achieve vision within ±0.50 D of their target prescription. Our patients consistently praise our attentive care and speak highly of our “wonderful experience” and “top-notch” facilities.
Our patients value our calm, clear communication throughout their treatment trip. One patient shared: “Mr Pillai is clearly an expert in his field and put me at ease immediately”. Contact Precision Vision London today to find out if this advanced procedure is right for you.
Conclusion
Phacoemulsification surgery represents a breakthrough in modern ophthalmology. This procedure has made cataract treatment quick and minimally invasive with exceptional outcomes. The advanced technique breaks down cloudy lenses with precision ultrasound technology and replaces them with clear artificial lenses through tiny self-sealing incisions. Most patients notice visual improvements within days after phacoemulsification. The numbers speak for themselves – over 96% of patients experience better vision. These results show why doctors worldwide consider this procedure the gold standard for cataract removal.
The procedure’s safety depends on choosing a clinic with expert staff and advanced technology. Precision Vision London uses the CENTURION® Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY® Handpiece to deliver unmatched surgical precision. Dr Pillai’s three decades of experience leads our consultant team to provide personalised care. Our dedication shows in our patient satisfaction scores. 99% of patients achieve vision within ±0.50 D of their target prescription.
Better vision starts with understanding your options. Modern phacoemulsification offers a safe path to restore your visual clarity. Don’t let cataracts affect your quality of life. Precision Vision London makes your vision our priority, and we’re ready to help you see clearly again.
Key Takeaways
Modern phacoemulsification has revolutionised cataract surgery, offering patients a safe, effective solution with remarkable success rates and minimal recovery time.
- Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound technology to break up cataracts through tiny 2-3mm incisions, achieving over 96% success rates with self-sealing wounds that rarely need stitches.
- The entire procedure takes just 8-10 minutes per eye as an outpatient treatment, with most patients experiencing improved vision within hours or days.
- Recovery is remarkably quick, typically spanning 2-6 weeks with prescribed eye drops, whilst serious complications occur in less than 1% of cases.
- Advanced equipment like the CENTURION® Vision System with consultant-led care ensures optimal outcomes, with 99% of patients achieving vision within target prescription ranges.
- Choosing an experienced clinic with cutting-edge technology and personalised aftercare is crucial for maximising your surgical success and long-term visual outcomes.
This minimally invasive procedure has transformed cataract treatment from a complex operation into a routine outpatient procedure, restoring clear vision safely and efficiently for millions of patients worldwide.
FAQs
Q1. How does phacoemulsification remove cataracts? Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound energy to break up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are then gently suctioned out through a small incision. An artificial intraocular lens is then implanted to restore vision.
Q2. What makes phacoemulsification the preferred method for cataract removal? Phacoemulsification is preferred due to its high success rate, minimal invasiveness, and quick recovery time. It typically takes only 8-10 minutes per eye, with most patients experiencing improved vision within days after surgery.
Q3. What is the recovery process like after phacoemulsification surgery? Most patients notice vision improvement within hours or days. The eye usually feels normal after 24 hours, though light sensitivity may persist. Full recovery typically takes 2-6 weeks, during which patients follow a prescribed eye drop regimen.
Q4. Are there any risks associated with phacoemulsification surgery? While phacoemulsification is generally very safe, there are some risks including infection (less than 1%), inflammation, and posterior capsule opacification. These risks are minimised through proper surgical technique and comprehensive postoperative care.
Q5. How important is the choice of clinic for phacoemulsification surgery? Choosing a clinic with advanced equipment and experienced surgeons is crucial for optimal results. Look for clinics using state-of-the-art technology like the CENTURION® Vision System and offering consultant-led care for personalised treatment and comprehensive aftercare.
