Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification (pronounced: fay-co-em-ul-si-fi-kay-shun) is a modern cataract surgery technique in which the eye's internal lens is emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece and aspirated from the eye.

Etymology

The term "Phacoemulsification" is derived from the Greek word 'phakos' meaning 'lens', and 'emulsification', an English term referring to the process of mixing two or more unblendable substances.

Procedure

In Phacoemulsification, a small ultrasonic probe is inserted into a very small incision on the edge of the eye. This probe, which emits ultrasound waves, is used to break up, or emulsify, the cataract into tiny pieces. The pieces are then suctioned out through the probe.

Related Terms

Cataract: A clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision.
Ultrasonic: Involving sound waves with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing.
Emulsification: The process of mixing two or more unblendable substances.
Aspiration: The action or process of drawing breath.

Advantages

Phacoemulsification has several advantages over the older, traditional methods of cataract surgery. It can be performed with a smaller incision that does not require stitches, has a shorter recovery period, and results in less astigmatism after the surgery.

Risks

Like all surgeries, Phacoemulsification carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, inflammation, retinal detachment, and vision loss.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Phacoemulsification
Wikipedia's article - Phacoemulsification

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Phacoemulsification