Phaco surgery , a name which has become the short form for the surgery of phacoemulsification, is now considered as the most advanced and commonly preferred procedure for the removal of cataract. The condition of cataract is the most leading cause of worldwide vision impairment, a stature where the lenses become cloudy , resulting in some conditions that include blurred vision which can ultimately lead to blindness. Phaco Surgery has  quick turnaround time which utilizes the technology of ultrasound to effectively break up and remove the clouded lens, which can be then replaced with an IOL.

As phaco surgery for cataracts are considered to be the most safest procedure to remove the clouded cataract lenses, like any other surgery, it has also some potential complications and it would be highly recommended to know them early to avoid those potential risks, that can enhance the patient’s recovery journey.

Common Risks Of Phaco Surgery

Though phaco surgery can always boast an increased success rate, we can’t just think about the procedure as a – Risk Free one. Some of those complications that a patient can go through during this procedure are below:

Endophthalmitis or Infection

This can never be a serious complication, but that’s again a condition of infection that can occur with the eyes, post surgery. Symptoms of this infection may even include redness, pain and decreased vision.

PCO – Posterior Capsule Opacification

This condition is often referred to as secondary cataract  where PCO can affect the back-side of your eye lens capsule to make it blurry, cloudy to impair vision. this complication can be easily treated with a much quicker non-invasive procedure, called the YAG laser capsulotomy.

Corneal Swelling – Edema

There can be swelling in the cornea of the eyes due to a surgical trauma. This condition can resolve on its own which can create a prolonged visual disturbance.

IOP or Intraocular Pressure Spikes

Some patients can also experience intraocular pressure after the surgery and that can be managed with an ideal medical attention.

Retinal Detachment

The cases of retinal detachment can be extremely rare, but there can be cases where the retina can detach from the eyes, which would require some immediate medical attention.

Capsule Tears

The procedure of removal of cataract can also create situations where the eyes posterior capsule may even tear which can lead to potential complications like a lens displacement.

Vision Distortions

There are patients who would also report halos, glaring and even double vision after the surgery. Most of these symptoms can improve with time.

Also read : Phaco Surgery for Cataract: Everything You Would Need to Know

How can you Minimise Risks?

As the risks of Phaco Surgery cannot be fully eliminated, there are several measures that can be significantly taken to reduce those complications associated with the surgery, which would include:

Selection of an experienced Surgeon

There is a lot you can expect from the expertise of your surgeon who would always play a crucial role in minimising those risks. Always try to go for a surgeon who has  an extensive experience in performing those expert procedures of phaco surgery.

Adhere Pre-Surgical Instructions

Your doctor can even recommend stopping some of those medicines or even some ophthalmic antibiotic drops just before your surgery. A strict adherence to such instructions can literally ease out the risk of infection.

Ensure Enhanced Hygiene

Post the surgical procedure, always try to keep your eyes clean and try avoiding touching or rubbing the same. It is highly recommended to go with those prescribed eye drops  which can eliminate the risks of infections.

Go with follow-up appointments

Regular follow-ups can allow your doctor to monitor the progress of healing which can even address any sort of complications after the procedure.

Managing Conditions underlying

There can be chances of a lot of underlying conditions that can increase the risk of complications. One can ensure that these conditions can be well-controlled before undergoing the surgery.

Protecting Eyes

Ensure to wear some of the best protective eyewears to effectively avoid some strenuous activities or even environments that have high levels of dust especially during the time of recovery.

Know those signals of complications

Being aware of some of those signals of complications can effectively help in seeking timely medical attention that can prevent any sort of issues. After the surgery , do monitor your eyes for these below mentioned signals for any of these complications.

Increased Pain or Redness

There can be cases of mild discomfort, but if you really feel deep pain or redness, do monitor these signals as they can be issues of some major infections or even complications.

Blurred or lowered vision

There can be cases where the vision can be slightly blurred which can be felt just after the surgery. If the condition worsens or does not show any significant improvement, it’s highly recommended to consult a doctor.

Sensitivity Towards Light

There can also be cases of increased sensitivity towards light which can be a warning signal for some inflammation or some underlying issues.

Flashing or Floaters

If there is an appearance of flashing or floating of light in the eyes, that can be signals of retinal detachment.

Discharge from the eyes

If there are signals of any unusual discharge or even crusting around the eyes, that can be a signal that would require some immediate medical intervention.

When can you meet your Doctor?

It’s important to keep in touch with your doctor which would help you in assessing certain complications that can ensure the best of its outcomes. If you have these issues now, just go ahead with your doctor consultation right away.

*Persistent or Worsening Pain in your eyes
*You suddenly lose your vision
*Excess of Redness or Swelling in your eyes.
*Infection symptoms that may even include fever or pus discharge.
*Any unusual changes in your vision or even in the way your eye looks.

Lets make ahead a conclusion to what we have discussed here with an understanding that Phaco Surgery is a beautiful vision enhancement procedure that has given clear vision to a lot of people. It’s important to keep a constant contact with your health care provider to know the pre and post  understanding about Phaco.  If you are looking for more information and a procedure to enhance your vision progressively, do get in touch with Fathima Eye care at any of our branches, we are happy to address any of those concerns you may have.

Thrissur | Aluva | Perumbavoor | Kochi | Thodupuzha | Pala