How sound waves are used in cataract surgery

Cataract surgeon San Diego

Cataracts are extremely common, affecting half of all American adults by the age of 75. The only way to treat a cataract is through cataract surgery. More than 2 million such surgeries are performed each year.

Here in our office, Dr. Chen performs most cataract surgery procedures using an advanced technique called phacoemulsification (often referred to simply as “phaco”). This technique uses sound waves to make cataract surgery safer and more comfortable. How does it work? Is everyone a candidate for cataract surgery using phaco?

How does phaco work?

A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy and hardened. This leads to a gradual loss of vision, as the cloudy lens prevents light from entering the eye. In order to restore vision, the damaged lens must be removed, and replaced with an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL). In order to access the lens of the eye, the surgeon must make an incision in the cornea, which is the clear part at the very front of the eye. The lens can then be accessed through the pupil.

Phaco uses a small ultrasonic probe. This is a device that’s inserted into the eye during the procedure. It emits sound waves at a high frequency, in order to break up the damaged lens into very small pieces. These pieces are then removed from the eye via suction, which is included in the same tiny probe.

What are the advantages of phaco?

With phaco, because the lens will be removed in very small pieces, only a small probe must be inserted in order to remove it. This means that, rather than a large incision, only a tiny incision is needed in the cornea. Many IOLs can also be folded and inserted through the same tiny incision. No stitches are required to close the incision. This results in less discomfort and a faster recovery. You will be able to see sooner after having cataract surgery with phaco than with many other techniques.

Can all patients have phaco?

Most patients are candidates for phaco. Unfortunately, there are some cataracts that are too difficult to remove in this manner. In this case, we may need to use another technique called extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). This procedure requires a larger incision to be made in the cornea, so that Dr. Chen can access the lens capsule. Stitches are used to close the incision, and the recovery time is longer.

Cataract surgeon San Diego

Fortunately, most of our patients are candidates for phacoemulsification. Using this advanced technique allows us to offer patients an easier procedure, with less discomfort and a faster recovery. If you have cataracts that have begun to interfere with your vision, we recommend that you make an appointment with a cataract surgeon for an evaluation. Studies have shown safety benefits of having cataract surgery, including a significant reduction in car crashes after the procedure.

If you’re looking for a cataract surgeon San Diego, we invite you to make an appointment at our office. Dr. Chen is a board-certified ophthalmologist, a surgeon specializing in procedures of the eye. His advanced training makes him an expert in this procedure, which will enhance your safety and give you the best possible chance of satisfactory results. We also offer a range of IOLs, including premium IOLs, which can reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. Simply contact our office to book a consultation.