PHACOEMULSIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Phacoemulsification is a surgical technique used to remove a cloudy or cataract-affected lens from the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is considered the most advanced and commonly performed cataract surgical procedure worldwide.
The procedure involves making a small incision at the edge of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, and creating a tiny opening in the underlying lens capsule. The surgeon then uses an ultrasonic probe to emit high-frequency sound waves that break up the cataract into smaller pieces. This emulsifying process liquefies the cataract, allowing it to be gently suctioned out through a small tube.
Phacoemulsification is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain awake throughout the surgery. The surgeon may make additional adjustments during the procedure to correct astigmatism or other refractive errors using specialized instruments.
Advantages of phacoemulsification include smaller incisions, quicker healing time, reduced risk of infection, and improved visual outcomes. The procedure requires minimal stitches or sutures, promoting faster recovery and reducing the chances of induced astigmatism. Phacoemulsification provides a more controlled and precise removal of the cataract, preserving the structural integrity of the eye.
Following the removal of the cataract, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted in the same capsular bag that held the natural lens. This synthetic lens helps to restore clear vision, correcting any refractive errors that may have existed before the surgery.
Overall, phacoemulsification has revolutionized cataract surgery, allowing for safer, more efficient, and improved visual outcomes for patients.
Common Misspellings for PHACOEMULSIFICATION
- ohacoemulsification
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- phavoemulsification
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- phadoemulsification
- phaciemulsification
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Etymology of PHACOEMULSIFICATION
The word "phacoemulsification" is derived from the Greek roots "phako", meaning lens, and "emulsification", referring to the process of breaking down or liquefying into small droplets. In the context of ophthalmology, phacoemulsification refers to a surgical technique used to break up and remove the cloudy lens in a person's eye during cataract surgery.
