Cataract and Lens Implants

In phacoemulsification (PKE) an ultrasonic probe is used to fragment the hard nucleus so that it can be sucked out of the eye through a small opening. A laser can be employed for the same purpose. However, laser removal of cataract is still in the experimental stage and is not yet federally approved (by the Food and Drug Administration) as a method for cataract surgery in USA.

Laser cataract surgery is advertised in some centres as a “no injection, no stitch, no pad procedure”. Patients can walk in, have the surgery and return to work after a few hours.

The term “no injection” means that no local anaesthesia is given. Instead the eye is rendered free of pain by the topical application of anaesthesia as eye drops just before surgery. Because the entry into the eye is specially constructed to be self-sealing the opening does not need sutures. This is the meaning of the term “no stitch”. Because the anaesthesia is topical a bandage is not applied over the eye. Hence the term “no pad”.

It is important to note that phacoemulsification (PKE) cataract surgery is also a “no infection, no stitch, no pad” surgery. We however prefer to apply a bandage over the operated eye for a few hours after surgery. Not applying a bandage over the eye after surgery is not prudent especially in our country where crowds and pollution pose a grave risk of infection entering into the operated eye and possible permanent loss of sight.

The laser cataract surgery does not offer any advantages over phacoemulsification (PKE). 

PKE is the present state-of-the-art technique of removing a cataract with best visual results.

How safe is Cataract Surgery  |  Intraocular Lens  |  Patient Care