Because there is no sufficiently effective cure for clouding. The best and safest method is cataract phacoemulsification, when the lens is removed and replaced with a special lens capable of performing all of its functions. This lens is called intraocular because it is implanted in the eye.

Cataract symptoms

Cataracts are primary, immature, mature, and overripe. Clinical picture will differ depending on the stage of turbidity and its location. At the initial stage of development, peripheral cataracts may not bother a person for years. As a rule, it is discovered by accident during a routine examination. Central cataract greatly impairs distance vision.

Cataract symptoms:

• blurred image;
• the presence of a blind spot in the field of view;
• interference in the form of flies and stripes.

With cataracts, an apparent improvement is often noted, so the operation cannot be postponed if the doctor insists on treatment. Vision will definitely deteriorate again. Sometimes in patients with cataracts, twilight vision improves. This is not a sign of recovery, only that the opacity has affected the periphery of the lens less than the nucleus. In this state, vision improves due to the fact that, in poor lighting conditions, the pupil expands and light penetrates through conventionally healthy border areas.

In most cases, age-related cataracts are bilateral, but the rate at which the opacity spreads is different. Therefore, it seems that the disease has affected only one eye.

Features of phacoemulsification of cataract

Phacoemulsification of cataracts using ultrasound and implantation is one of the safest eye microsurgery procedures. This technique is widely used in the USA, Europe and Russia. Before the invention of the phacoemulsification method, cataract treatment was carried out by extracapsular extraction. This technique severely injured the eye, required stitches and extended recovery times.

The main features of phacoemulsification

1. Minimal incisions. To access the lens, micro-incisions are made, which heal quickly.
2. Special lens crushing technology. The cloudy masses are converted into an emulsion using ultrasound and sucked out through the tubes, which allows you to preserve the lens capsule.
3. Intraocular lens implantation. The artificial lens takes the place of the crystalline lens and completely repeats its work, providing normal vision and the integrity of the eye.

Phacoemulsification of cataracts is carried out only with the help of modern and high-tech equipment. The qualifications of a doctor must be very high. The success rate of the operation is 97-98%.

Indications for phacoemulsification

• decrease in visual function by 50% or more;
• the effect of shroud, blurred vision;
• the appearance of glare, colored halos appear around the light sources;
• severe symptoms of cataracts.

Contraindications

• acute inflammation of the eyeball;
• (high degree);
• congenital defects in the size of the eye;
• germination of blood vessels in the iris.

The operation is performed in most cases of cataracts, regardless of the cause of the disease. The best results are observed when phacoemulsification is performed at the stage of cataract maturation. Complicated and mature pathologies are more difficult to treat.

Previously, they often waited for the complete maturation of the cataract for the operation. Phacoemulsification can be carried out at any stage of the pathology, but the removal of opacity at an early stage of maturation minimizes the risks of complications. The outdated practice of waiting has led to many complications of cataracts. In addition, the operation to remove overripe opacities is more expensive.

Benefits of lens phacoemulsification

The classic surgeries to cure cataracts are outdated. They are difficult for patients and require hospitalization for 2-3 weeks. During the procedure, the doctor cut open half of the eyeball in order to be able to remove the entire lens. After the operation, the patient had to wear stitches for six months and observe many restrictions.

The modern procedure is much more comfortable and simpler. Within a few hours after phacoemulsification, the patient can go home. There is no age limit for the operation, it all depends on general condition the patient.

The advantages of phacoemulsification technology:

1. It is carried out on an outpatient basis. Thanks to modern equipment and soft artificial lenses, it is possible to carry out operations without hospitalizing the patient. The patient has the opportunity to spend the rehabilitation period at home.
2. Efficiency. The procedure takes 15-20 minutes.
3. No pain. Since the lens does not contain blood vessels and nerve endings, local anesthesia is sufficient for phacoemulsification.
4. No seams. The method allows the removal of the lens through an incision of only 2 mm, which eliminates the need to apply and remove sutures. Such small wounds heal on their own and very quickly.
5. High efficiency. If the artificial lens was selected correctly and the doctor professionally performed the operation, vision is restored as much as possible.
6. Rapid restoration of visual function. As a rule, vision begins to return within a few hours after phacoemulsification.
7. Excellent vision quality. Modern intraocular lenses provide natural contrast and color reproduction without causing visual discomfort.
8. Minimum postoperative restrictions. Old methods of cataract treatment severely limited the patient's life, but phacoemulsification has almost no effect on the regimen.
9. Fast rehabilitation. The recovery period after removal of the lens with ultrasound takes up to 10 days. After the examination, the patient can return to work, and after another month, return to his usual life.

How is phacoemulsification of cataract

Phacoemulsification of cataracts is carried out in both private and public clinics. Therefore, the cost is strikingly different. On average, removing the lens from one eye costs 25-150 thousand rubles. The price largely depends on the characteristics of the lens to be installed.

Many clinics offer patients computer simulation of the operation. Preoperative diagnostics allows you to calculate the size of the artificial lens and choose the most suitable type of lens. The computer program develops the stages of the intervention, calculates the outcome options and the risks of complications. The result is the most individualized treatment regimen for cataracts.

All stages of phacoemulsification:

1. The patient arrives at the clinic one hour before the procedure.
2. Preparation for the operation consists in dilating the pupil and disinfecting the eye with special drops.
3. The patient is placed on the operating table. Anesthesiologist administers pain relief.
4. The surgeon removes the opacities with ultrasound and installs an artificial lens.
5. Since no stitches are required, the operation ends.
6. The patient must be monitored for several hours, he is transferred to the ward.
7. After a follow-up examination, the doctor lets the patient go home (if there are no complications).
8. The next day, you need to return to the clinic for a second examination.

In particular, the removal of the lens is carried out by introducing a scalpel, tweezers, an aspirator and a tip into the anterior chamber of the eye - between the cornea and the lens. After the introduction of the instruments, the anterior wall of the lens capsule is dissected. This is how the doctor gains access to the lens masses.

The cavity of the anterior chamber of the eye is protected with a special gel (viscoelastic), which regulates intraocular pressure during the operation. Both opacities and healthy masses are sonicated and removed. This is the technology of phacoemulsification.

The intraocular lens is inserted into the lens capsule through a minimal incision. For this, a tip is used, which allows the element to be implanted in a folded form. Since the lenses are soft and elastic, they expand themselves in the eye cavity. Micro-incisions of the stratum corneum are self-sealing.

Intraocular lenses for phacoemulsification

Innovative intraocular lenses have a special yellow filter that protects the lens from the blue part ultraviolet radiation... There is also a yellow filter in the natural lens of the eye.

Intraocular lenses with an aspherical surface help correct spherical distortion. These lenses allow you to see better in low light and provide comfortable vision. Aspherical lenses have the advantage of providing high quality daytime and twilight vision. They reduce the risk of developing secondary cataract because they are biocompatible with the eyeball.

Toric lenses are used when cataracts are combined with corneal astigmatism (visual impairment that occurs when the lens or cornea changes shape). This type of astigmatism is more common than lens astigmatism. Earlier, after cataract removal, a patient with astigmatism was additionally prescribed glasses with cylindrical lenses, but the use of toric intraocular lenses avoids spectacle correction.

Recommended for patients over 40 years old, because during this period the lens becomes dense and loses its plasticity. Such changes distort the vision of objects at different distances. The special design of multifocal lenses provides multiple focus and clarity of vision at long and close distances. Multifocal lenses exclude spectacle correction.

Accommodating lenses are closest to the natural lens. These lenses can bend in much the same way as the lens of a healthy eye. This ensures natural focus. Accommodating lenses allow you to see clearly at any distance.

Complications after cataract phacoemulsification

The risks of postoperative complications are largely determined by the qualifications of the surgeon. If the operation is performed by a novice surgeon, the percentage of complications reaches 10-15% even on initial stage cataracts. Severe cases should only be trusted by experienced professionals, since any interference with the visual system can end badly.

Severe cases of cataracts:

• weakened lens ligaments;
• combination with diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, or high degree myopia;
• the presence of complex general and ocular pathologies.

In case of an error, the therapy of complications will be long-term, and the results of phacoemulsification are not the best. Therefore, you need to carefully choose the clinic and the surgeon.

Common complications of lens removal surgery:

• damage to the stratum corneum by ultrasound;
• full or partial displacement of the artificial lens;
• rupture of the lens capsule with subsequent loss of the vitreous body;
• damage to the ligaments.

Each of these complications can severely harm a person's visual system and vision. As a rule, treatment takes a lot of time and effort. In addition, all the benefits of the operation are negated.

If the scalpel is in the hands of an experienced doctor, the risk of complications is minimized. Phacoemulsification of a cataract is a simple operation that many specialists perform on a daily basis. It should also be borne in mind that each doctor makes his own changes to the standard procedure.

Can cataracts return after surgery?

The materials from which intraocular lenses are made are hopeful and durable. They are biologically compatible with the structures of the eye, therefore they do not have an expiration date. However, the risk of secondary cataract cannot be ruled out, even with the best implants. Since phacoemulsification allows you to preserve the lens capsule, where the lens is then placed, the opacity can return to this area.

Secondary cataract does not require invasive surgical treatment... The opacity is removed with a laser (laser discision of the posterior capsule). Before the procedure, drops are instilled into the eye to dilate the pupil. The operation takes up to 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Laser discision does not require special training and provides a quick recovery period.

Cataract and glaucoma

Very often, lens opacity is combined with increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma). It happens that glaucoma is complicated by cataracts. Sometimes the operation itself raises the level of IOP.

If, according to the results of diagnostics, it turns out that the increase in pressure is not associated with cataracts, a combined operation may be required. Such an intervention more injures the eyes, but only a comprehensive approach can restore vision in such cases. A complex operation takes 1-1.5 hours.

Often, the phacoemulsification method is not used in combination with cataract and glaucoma. This is due to the fact that the implantation of the lens into the eye during high blood pressure increases the load on the optic nerve. Therefore, only an experienced surgeon can draw up a treatment plan for cataracts complicated by glaucoma.

What to expect from cataract phacoemulsification

It must be remembered that treatment of the lens does not reverse other pathologies of the eye. Often, due to clouding, it is impossible to diagnose retinal pathologies or optic nerve, which are detected after cataract treatment. In this case, phacoemulsification becomes only the first stage in the restoration of visual function.

Vision may not improve after surgery, as the opacity often masks retinal diseases that impair vision even after intraocular lens insertion. These pathologies have nothing to do with cataracts, and therefore require different treatment.

When a person lives for a long time with partial or complete blindness, it takes time to restore vision. Since a person sees with his brain, he gets used to blindness and cannot immediately begin to see normally.

For the brain to start connecting the image from different eyes and provided high visual acuity, you have to wait. Sometimes patients notice a distortion of shapes, contrast and sizes that were not previously distinguished by the eyes. However, with correct treatment vision is restored sooner or later.

The only reliable, painless and effective modern method of cataract treatment is a phacoemulsification operation with implantation of an artificial lens (FEC for short). It is this operation that the leading eye clinics and it is the "gold standard" of modern medicine in the treatment of cataracts.

Today, in order to remove a cataract, its "maturation" is no longer required, which is accompanied by a steady decline in vision. After all, the process of "maturation" can take up to 10 years or more, so a person sometimes quit his job because of this illness, could no longer drive a car, experienced significant inconveniences in low light. The whole measured way of life was violated. Now, there is the possibility of removing cataracts at the most early stages the occurrence of the disease.

Phacoemulsification stages of cataract

Performing the operation, the surgeon performs the following manipulations:

• Using a diamond instrument, the ophthalmologist makes a micro-incision up to 2.5 mm through which all further manipulations are performed;
• With the help of a cannula, a viscoelastic is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye - a kind of substance to protect the internal structures of the eye from mechanical and ultrasound effects, which enables the surgeon to freely perform all the necessary manipulations during the operation;
• Through a micro-incision, an ophthalmologist-surgeon inserts a medical probe, which emulsifies the cataract-affected lens by ultrasound;
• A flexible intraocular lens is introduced into the lens chamber through a micro-incision, which, when folded, unfolds in the eye on its own, reliably fixing itself. This lens will now function as a natural lens;
• Upon completion of the operation, all viscoelastic is washed out of the anterior chamber of the eye with an irrigation solution.

For modern ophthalmosurgery of small incisions, phacoemulsification of a cataract without suturing is characteristic, since the micro-incision performed is self-sealing. In the future, this enables the patient not to limit physical or visual stress. Good vision returns to the patient immediately after the operation, and its maximum visual acuity is restored within a week.

Cataract surgeries in clinics are performed on an outpatient basis, without hospitalization. This is a rather complex microsurgical intervention, but all stages of it are provided with the use of modern technologies and materials.

Video of ultrasonic phacoemulsification of cataract

Complications of the operation

Cataract surgery is recognized by the World Health Organization as the only fully rehabilitating operation among all surgical interventions. However, like any medical manipulation, it can have its own complications, which occur only in a small percentage of cases (no more than 0.5%). These include:

• Infectious complications (as a rule, due to non-compliance by the patient with personal hygiene measures and the prescribed drip regimen)
• Postoperative corneal edema
• Dislocation (displacement) of the artificial lens
• Secondary cataract (clouding of the posterior lens capsule)

These complications are amenable to fairly rapid and effective treatment(mainly medication). Their absence is guaranteed not only by the high qualifications of the surgeon, but, first of all, by the behavior of the patient himself after the operation.

Prices for phacoemulsification

The cost of the operation of ultrasonic cataract removal can differ significantly in the cities of the Russian Federation and abroad. The figure is influenced by the level of the clinic and the surgeon, the condition of the patient's eyes (prices can be increased in difficult cases), etc. On average, it ranges from 25,000 rubles in the regions of Russia and about 40,000 rubles in Moscow. In this case, the cost of an artificial lens (IOL) is not taken into account here.

In more detail with the cost of cataract surgery ( different methods) in Moscow and other cities of Russia and the CIS, you can find in the PRICES section.

One of the leading ophthalmological centers in Moscow in which all modern methods surgical treatment of cataracts. The latest equipment and recognized specialists are a guarantee of high results.

"MNTK named after Svyatoslav Fedorov"- large ophthalmological complex "Eye Mycosurgery" with 10 branches in different cities Russian Federation, founded by Svyatoslav Nikolaevich Fedorov. Over the years of their work, more than 5 million people have received assistance.

Cataract is a widespread disease that affects the organs of vision, mainly in old age. In the course of this disease, there is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can ultimately lead to blindness. Cataracts can develop as a result of eye injuries and diabetes mellitus... This condition requires mandatory correction. The most popular method for eliminating the disease is cataract phacoemulsification.

Phacoemulsification is the removal of cataracts through microsurgical intervention. During the operation, the nucleus of the lens is destroyed with the help of a specially designed needle - a phaco-tip that produces high-frequency vibrations. To the merits this method should include:

• low probability of complications (2 percent of cases out of a hundred);
• minor main incision (2.2 mm);
• shortened rehabilitation period;
• local anesthesia;
• lack of seams in most cases;
• effectiveness at any stage of cataract development.

The undoubted advantage of phacoemulsification is the absence of pronounced pain the patient. In some cases, patients complain of a feeling of some tension or slight pressure in the eye.

During the intervention, the crushed lens is removed from the eye, and in its place the surgeon implants an intraocular lens (IOL). In everyday life, an IOL is also called an artificial lens.

Types and features of IOL

An intraocular lens is made of plastic and consists of an optical part that fulfills the main purpose of an artificial lens, as well as elements for attaching it to the eye.

There are several types of intraocular lenses, depending on the degree and specifics of visual impairment. The main types of IOLs include the following:

• Monofocal IOL. This type of lens is considered to be the simplest and most common. Such an artificial lens allows you to clearly see objects in the distance, which is characteristic of presbyopia, or age-related hyperopia... However, a plastic lens, unlike its own lens, lacks the ability to accommodate, so patients additionally have to wear glasses.

Note: the development of American scientists called CRISTALENS IOL is an accommodating monofocal IOL. It changes its position in the eye in a special way, returning the patient to sharpness of vision from any distance. The lens of this type has not been tested in Russia.

• Multifocal IOL. This type of lens is a unique and innovative development. With the help of these implants, the patient has the opportunity to see equally well both near and far, and therefore he will no longer need glasses. However, one should be prepared for the decrease in the contrast of vision, as well as the ability to see in low light conditions.
• Another type of intraocular lenses is presented in the world - aspherical IOL... It is precisely designed to additionally solve the problem of insufficient contrast sensitivity of vision, allowing the patient to return long-forgotten sensations with a young lens in the eye to the patient. In Russia, the specified type of implants has not yet been tested.

Indications for surgery

Among the indications for the FEC operation with IOL implantation, the following should be highlighted:

• age-related cataract, both mature and immature;
• lens;
• clouding of the lens resulting from diseases of the retina of the eye;
• abnormal fusion of the lens and the anterior hyaloid membrane in predominantly young patients;
• cataract acquired as a result of an eye injury or burn.

Contraindications to surgery

Among the contraindications for phacoemulsification of cataract with IOL implantation, the following are noted:

• a narrow pupil, the diameter of which does not exceed 6 mm;
• brown, or;
• membranous cataract;
• diabetes;
• small anterior chamber syndrome;
• epithelial, or map-like corneal dystrophy;
• subluxation of the lens in a patient over the age of 25;
• infectious eye diseases in the acute stage;
• increased intraocular or intracranial pressure;
• ectopia of the lens: its luxation or subluxation.

Important! The presented list of indications and contraindications for is conditional. An accurate conclusion about the necessity and possibility of microsurgical intervention should be made by an ophthalmologist based on the patient's complaints and symptoms of the disease.

Operation progress

In preparation for phacoemulsification, it is necessary to undergo a complete examination by a doctor. A full and detailed examination of the organs of vision is carried out for the patient, and a special A-scan is assigned, during which the parameters of the lens for the forthcoming replacement are determined. Additionally, the ophthalmologist selects eye drops, which will be required before the operation.

The operation itself is performed in several stages:

1. Anesthesia. Two types of anesthesia are offered, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient's body: instillation of anesthetic drops or injections of a drug to immobilize the extraocular muscles. A combination of both options is allowed.
2. Micro-incision of the eye. It is performed by the surgeon to access the clouded lens. There is a possibility of small additional cuts if necessary.
3. Introduction of viscoelastic. The specified substance protects the structures of the eye from high-frequency vibrations of the needle-phaco-tip.
   Crushing of the lens by means of ultrasound and its subsequent removal. This procedure carried out using a special device - a phacoemulsifier.
4. IOL implantation into a capsule bag. An intraocular lens is inserted into the eye through the main incision through an injector.

The operation takes no more than an hour. Due to the tightness of the performed micro-incision, suturing of the cornea after phacoemulsification is not required in most cases, and the patient is discharged home on the same day. A special bandage is applied to the eyes, which is allowed to be removed only with the permission of the doctor. Sometimes you may need to wear it at night.

Rehabilitation and restrictions

The recovery period after undergoing microsurgical intervention is an average of a month. During this period, the patient should adhere to the following recommendations:

• undergo regular examination by an ophthalmologist;
• flush the organs of vision with a specially prescribed solution;
• take antibiotics, which may also be prescribed after surgery;
• avoid swimming in open water to avoid infection of the intervention area;
• limit the concept of weights;
• avoid active physical activity;
• wear glasses with a UV filter outdoors;
• do not drive until obtaining permission from an ophthalmologist.

Today, phacoemulsification of cataracts is considered one of the best methods of cataract removal followed by implantation of an artificial lens. This is a reliable and painless method of regaining lost vision and subsequent improvement in the quality of life. According to experts from the World Health Organization, it provides an opportunity for complete rehabilitation for this ailment.

The father of ultrasonic phacoemulsification is considered the American ophthalmologist Charles Kelman, who published the corresponding developments back in 1967.

By 1973, the doctor had helped more than half a thousand patients, noting a sharp decrease in the number of complications compared with conventional surgery. Now not only ultrasound is used, but also a laser, as well as ultrafine jets of liquid. But the method has retained its basic idea to this day.
Thanks to modern developments, this method can be used not only with mature cataracts, but also with other stages of the disease, even if vision problems have not gone so far. Usually, this operation ends with the implantation of an intraocular lens.

Phacoemulsification of cataract is prescribed in the following cases:

• decrease in visual acuity to fifty percent or more;
• the appearance of a feeling of haze and flashing of flies in front of the eyes;
• glare and halos from bright light sources;
• clouding and spots on the lens.

Ultrasound surgery is not traumatic and does not require suturing the incisions. They are so small that they close by themselves. In addition, the manipulations are performed under local anesthesia. It is of two types - drip and subtentonic (in the form of an injection).

The first method is most often used. Indeed, with him, a person begins to see well in the first hour after the intervention. After the pain reliever injection, you will have to wait a few hours until your vision improves. But for hypersensitive people, it is useful, because with drip anesthesia, manipulation can be felt, albeit without pain.

The advantages of the technique

Phacoemulsification of cataract with IOL (intraocular lens) implantation is a very delicate operation, in modern conditions it allows you to completely restore vision to a patient of any age and at any stage of cataract.

This method involves the destruction of only the defective lens, the rest of the tissues and elements of the eye are not damaged. This is due to the introduction special drugs- viscoelastics.

• These viscous but elastic polymers are capable of maintaining the pressure within the eye within the desired range.
• Modern drugs relieve excessive exposure to ultrasound, support mydriasis, prevent tissue ischemia and form adhesions after surgery.

The low invasiveness of this surgical intervention primarily depends on the miniature size of the incisions (no more than 3 mm) through which the deformed lens is removed.

• Making them so small allows the transformation of the tissues of the diseased organ into an emulsion using ultrasonic waves.
• The tiny incisions do not need to be stitched up; they heal on their own.
• The absence of stitches significantly reduces the time required for rehabilitation.

But the small size of the incisions does not interfere with the implantation of intraocular lenses during the operation. different types... Modern artificial lenses are made from materials with a "memory" effect. After being inserted into the capsule in a compressed state, they straighten and take the form conceived by scientists, taking the place of the extracted lens. Upon completion of such manipulations, viscoelastics are removed from the eye, and this is where the operation ends.

Small incisions heal within five to seven days and have little or no concern for the patient.

In modern clinics, the laser method of phacoemulsification is used.

• It involves the use of special laser beams for making ideal bloodless incisions, as well as for the initial fragmentation of the nucleus of the defective lens.
• This allows you to significantly reduce the impact of ultra-waves, reducing the deforming effect on tissues and reducing the time of the procedure.
• Thanks to this modern technique called femtosecond laser guidance, the entire operation takes 15–20 minutes.
• The rehabilitation period is also getting shorter here.

A person around the world with a sick eye will be able to see almost immediately after surgery. And he goes home an hour after the procedure. But the patient gains almost perfect vision after about 10-14 days.

• Phacoemulsification with modern lens implantation guarantees a good perception of space, shape, color shades.
• In the very near future, after the intervention, it will be possible to do what you love: drive a car, read, play sports. Small restrictions are required only for the first ten days.
• During this period, it is undesirable to make sharp inclines, walk outside in extreme cold or heat, rub your eyes or use aggressive cosmetics, drink alcoholic beverages.

In general, the phacoemulsification method has the following advantages:

1. fast and bloodless outpatient treatment;
2. local anesthesia;
3. lack of seams;
4. simultaneous removal of the defective lens and its replacement with an artificial one;
5. the ability to perform surgery at any stage of the disease;
6. quick return of full vision;
7. minimum rehabilitation period.

Modern implants make it possible to simultaneously correct other vision diseases, for example, astigmatism, as well as myopia and hyperopia. Plus, along with the elimination of cataracts, it is possible to carry out an operation that relieves a person from glaucoma.

Possible complications

The unpleasant consequences of such manipulation are minimal, but they do happen. Most often, complications occur against the background of chronic ailments of the eyes and the whole body. Either the contraindications that this method has were not taken into account.

These include:

• membranous cataract;

• dystrophic phenomena in the epithelium and endothelium of the cornea;
• severe dislocation of the lens.

Also, complications can arise if the operation is carried out in difficult conditions.

The manipulations can be complicated by:

1. constriction of the pupils;
2. clouding of the cornea;
3. stretched lens capsule;
4. overly dense core (brown);
5. foci of scar tissue;
6. ocular hypotension after retinal detachment;
7. severe myopia;
8. a significant decrease in the ocular space (hyperopia).

Some postoperative complications temporary. They pass after a short rehabilitation period. These include the reactions of the visual organs to interventions and the subjective complaints of patients.

• Some are prevented from fully seeing the picture of the world by suddenly appearing dark spots.

• Other patients are worried about an excessively strong reaction to light stimuli.
• Itching may also occur in the operated eye, mild pain. This indicates the healing process of micro-incisions.

But the ultrasound technique, under unfavorable circumstances, can cause serious complications:

• With elongated corneal incisions, the recovery period will be longer.
• Due to the rupture of the posterior capsule, the tissues of the shattered lens can seep into vitreous, and you will have to delete them later.
• The implanted intraocular lens may be slightly misaligned or deformed during installation. This will change the optical ability of the organs of vision.
• Mechanical or ultrasonic injury to the iris is possible.
• If an infection is suspected, the patient will be prescribed a course of antibiotic drugs so that endophthalmitis does not develop - a serious purulent inflammation of the eye cavity, threatening blindness or even loss of the eye.
• Gain intraocular pressure possibly immediately after surgery. If it does not go away, the doctor will prescribe antihypertensive drugs. Most often from high pressure patients with glaucoma suffer.
• Retinal detachment can happen in people with a compromised retina. The swaying curtain before the eyes becomes its harbinger. This condition appears several months after the surgical procedure. An urgent surgery is needed here.

• Expulsive bleeding is incredibly rare. Its causes may be a sharp decrease in eye tone, atherosclerosis of the vascular walls, or ischemic necrosis. In almost all cases, the eye can be saved.

But, it should be noted that complications, both intraoperative and postoperative, with such an intervention are extremely rare. The method of ultrasonic phacoemulsification can reduce the rehabilitation period to a week, and a person can return to work the very next day.

The cost of such an intervention starts from about 20 thousand rubles per eye. It is influenced by the price of the selected model of the intraocular lens, the complexity of the proposed surgical intervention, the qualifications of the ophthalmic surgeon and the technical equipment of the clinic.

Good day, dear readers! There are quite a few various diseases organs of vision, but thanks to the efforts of ophthalmologists, methods of treating each of the pathologies have been developed. One of the most common eye diseases in adults and children is cataract - clouding in the whole or in individual parts of the lens of the visual apparatus, which, without the necessary intervention, leads to complete blindness.

This pathological condition requires mandatory correction. In the category of the most safe methods therapy includes phacoemulsification of cataracts with IOL implantation, or intraocular lens. Further, I will acquaint you with the characteristics and features of the procedure, and you will also learn about the results of treatment and the postoperative period from the real experience of patients with cataracts.

Phacoemulsification is considered the safest, safest and least traumatic method of treating the organs of vision affected by cataracts. To understand why this surgical method has earned such a status, you need to find out all the advantages of the FEC method and understand what it is. It is this method that is offered by most of the leading ophthalmological clinics to patients with eye pathology, which is manifested by clouding of the crystalline body.

So, cataract phacoemulsification (FEC, FACO) is a procedure for removing the lens from the eyeball and placing an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL, in place of the removed organ. During the operation, through the tip-needle of a special apparatus in eyeball ultrasound penetrates, which crushes the nucleus of the native lens of the eye. The advantages of the FEC method include:

• therapy of all types of cataracts;
• the operation is carried out on an outpatient basis;
• no need for seams;
• complications are practically excluded - two cases out of a hundred are possible;
• the use of local anesthesia;
• brief postoperative period;
• high visual acuity after surgery;
• the minimum list of contraindications for the procedure.

Phacoemulsification is a painless operation on the eyes, because the lens has no nerve endings, which means that any pain is completely excluded. During the operation, patients may feel only slight tension or pressure in the eye.

The progress of the FEC operation: stages of the procedure

First of all, the patient should undergo a full examination by an ophthalmologist and perform an A-scan procedure to calculate the parameters of the crystalline body. The doctor prescribes to the patient what will be needed before the operation.

Intraocular lenses for the FEC procedure: classification

The main stage of the operation to remove cataracts using the FEC method is lens implantation (IOL). There are several types of implants that help ophthalmologists to eliminate various pathologies of the organs of vision. Among the IOLs are distinguished:

• accommodating - for people whose work is associated with visual stress;
• multifocal - correction of presbyopia;
• aspherical - for people over 40;
• monofocal - improving distance vision;
• toric - correction of astigmatism.

The price of the IOL is not included in the total cost of the operation. They are chosen by the doctor after a complete examination of the patient. The cost of a surgical procedure for cataract removal based on ultrasound depends on the city, the qualifications of the doctor and the ophthalmological clinic. On average, it is 25 thousand rubles, and the price in Moscow is from 40 thousand rubles.

After the operation, the patient may think that his vision has become worse, but this should not be scared, because the eyes need time to recover. The main thing here is to adhere to the doctor's recommendations, take care of the organs of vision on your own at home and regularly go to the clinic for examinations.

Video on how to perform the intervention

The video explains exactly how the doctor performs the operation. Also, it says that the procedure is carried out when the disease matures. The fact is that there were no phacoemulsifiers before. These drugs were previously absent, so earlier the intervention was carried out with conventional surgical instruments. I advise you to learn everything you can about the operation before carrying out the intervention.

conclusions

Before deciding on the operation, I recommend that you find out what kind of FEC procedure it is, its contraindications, advantages, side effects, the cost and stages of the conduct, as well as familiarize yourself with the information on the network, study the reviews. If you have already encountered a problem and solved it, then be sure to share your experience - leave comments under the article! Take care of yourself and be happy! Best regards, Olga Morozova!