Phacoemulsification

Cataract Surgery consists in removing the existing opaque lens and implanting a new intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery outcome largely depends on the kind of intraocular lens used. A skilled ophtalmologist chooses the lens that best fits the patient’s need and characteristics.

There are several types of intraocular lenses; the latest kind is customizable thanks to a high tech laser (High Tech Lens, also called Light Adjustable Lens) that guarantees an high definition vision. Dr. Badalà has been the first doctor to ever implant this lens in Milan, becoming the first to ever perform this surgery in Italy.

Today, cataract surgery is pavaerformed via topic anesthesia, using drops of anesthetic collyrium. Surgery lasts for about 10 minutes and ends when the patient leaves the operating room without bandages, simply wearing a pair of sunglasses.
This is the best way to forget about cataract and glasses at once.

The most common kind of cataract surgery is called “Phacoemulsification”: it takes advantage of an ultrasounds powered tool to remove the cataract. During surgery, this tools is inserted inside the eye through a 2mm incision. Vibrations shatter the lens’ contents that are then easily sucked out.

Thanks to the small size of the initial incision, the cut closes itself without the need of sutures. Cataract surgery is today performed without suture. The implant of the artificial lens (IOL) is perfomed inside the old lens’ sack. This sack can become opaque and lead, overtime, to the so called secondary cataract.