The most technically advanced and commonly performed cataract surgery is phacoemulsification, which entails the fragmentation and removal of the opacified crystalline lens and its replacement with an intraocular lens (IOL).
This technique, called PHACO, is a quick, painless and minimally invasive surgery that lasts 10-12 minutes in day-hospital regime. During the preparation stage, the surface of the eye is treated with anaesthetic eye drops and slight sedation, to make the procedure more comfortable for both the patient and the surgeon.
Phacoemulsification surgery, performed with a microscope to magnify the eye details, starts with a small cut in the area between the cornea and the sclera (the white of the eye) to open the capsule containing the crystalline lens and to allow for the introduction of the phacoemulsificator, a device with a tip that vibrates at a speed of about 40,000-50,000 times per second and generates ultrasounds that break up the cataract. The same tip then removes the shattered pieces and clear the crystalline capsule.
The next stage consists in inserting the artificial crystalline lens, called IOL, i.e. the intraocular lens. IOL is placed inside the capsular bag, where it unfolds and anchors itself, suspended in the eye behind the iris and in front of the vitreous body.
The efficacy of IOL is estimated before surgery with an eye biometry. According to the data obtained during eye biometry we choose the best lens to correct the refractive errors of the eye.
It is possible to correct both myopia and hyperopia and, only thanks to the latest-generation lenses, near and far vision simultaneously (multifocal IOL). After surgery, the patient may need corrective glasses.
At the end of the surgery, the surgeon places a protective shield over the operated eye; the patient can leave the operating room a few minutes after the surgery and has to come back for a check-up after 2-3 days. At home, the patient needs to instil antibiotic eye drops for 3-4 weeks.
In the first few days after surgery, the patient must avoid excessive physical efforts and wear dark protective sunglasses and a mask during the night, but he/she can resume his/her normal activities.
Vista Vision clinics stand out in the field of traditional cataract microsurgery for their latest-generation ultrasound (torsional) devices, which are safer since they do not cause damages to the eye structures near the crystalline lens, and their innovative micro-incision (OZYL and MICS) systems that reduce the risk of posterior capsule breakage thus allowing for a quick and safe recovery.
The patients can also choose among a wide range of tailored artificial crystalline lens able to correct visual impairments, thanks to the cooperation agreements concluded with the leading multinationals in the industry.