For people living in Punjab, and across North India, cataract is not just a medical term—it’s the reason parents and grandparents stop driving at night, struggle to read Gurbani, or need help with everyday tasks. Cataract or Motiabind, as locally known, hence makes their quality of life miserable and takes the sheen from their life, as would be in the joyful days with clear Vision. The only cataract treatment is surgery. Phacoemulsification, often called ‘phaco surgery,’ is one of the most widely used surgical procedures for cataract treatment.
This article, featuring expert insights from the top cataract surgeon in Punjab, Dr. Kashish Gupta, explains phacoemulsification. How does it compare with Femto Cataract Surgery (FLACS)? Who is a suitable person for Phaco cataract surgery? What is the recovery time? What should patients in towns such as Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Faridkot, Malout, Abohar, and nearby regions expect regarding phaco surgery costs and outcomes?
What Is Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery?
A simple explanation of phacoemulsification is that it is a conventional small-incision cataract surgery technique where a surgeon makes:
- A tiny cut is made in the patient’ scornea.
- Next, an ultrasound probe is used to break the cloudy natural lens into tiny fragments.
- These broken pieces of the cloudy lens are gently suctioned out.
- A new & clear artificial lens (IOL) is implanted in place of the cloudy natural lens (cataract).
Phaco surgery is generally painless and patients go home the same day. Medications are given to prevent infections and eye discomfort, as it is performed under local anaesthesia. It is a day-care procedure (with no overnight stay).
How Phacoemulsification Differs from FLACS (Robotic Cataract Surgery)?
With many cataract surgery methods, such as SICS, Phaco, Femto, and Robotic cataract, an ordinary person seeking treatment may be confused.Dr Kashish Gupta, a leading cataract surgeon in Punjab, explains the key differences between Femto Cataract (FLACS) & Phaco surgery in plain language. Here is an objective and easy-to-understand comparison of the two techniques with expert inputs from the best cataract surgeon in Punjab
In a phaco surgery, all key steps, such as incisions, opening the lens capsule, and lens fragmentation, are performed using manual instruments called a Microkeratome and ultrasound energy.
Here, it is all Laser, and a femtosecond laser is used by a surgeon at all three key steps, like corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and pre-softening of the lens, after which phaco is still used to remove the lens.
Effective, widely available, comparatively more affordable, and a preferred choice if you’re willing to pay less for a relatively slow recovery.
Involves advanced laser platforms and is usually more premium in terms of pricing & not commonly available
The phaco cataract method relies almost entirely on the surgeon’s skill and experience. However, with experienced hands, results are generally very good.
The femtosecond laser adds a layer of automated precision, particularly in creating circular capsulotomies and planned corneal incisions.
Given that the phacoemulsification technique in cataract surgery has been around for quite some time now, almost all good eye centres have phaco procedures available for cataract patients
FLACS is offered in select centres with laser platforms, often in bigger cities or advanced eye hospitals. Eye Department of Max Hospital Bathinda is the first and Only centre with FLACS robotic cataract facility.
When performed by a trained and experienced cataract surgeon, phacoemulsification has been generally considered a safe and reliable method. It has become quite popular in the budget segment of Cataract removals. Rare risks
Approved by the American FDA for the best dry profile in its segment. Ability to walk around and do light work soon after surgery. Complete stabilisation of Vision over a few days. Minimal Risks.
With a Small manual incision & lesser tissue handling, Phaco has a lower risk of infection than older large-incision techniques. With Phaco, you can resume activities within a week in most cases. Rare complications like infection, swelling, or changes in eye pressure—but with a good surgeon and postoperative care, these risks are usually well anticipated and prevented.
With minimal eye tissue incision and laser incision, recovery is faster in FLCAS than in Phaco. Postoperative risks are significantly lower, and the very low infection rate. Most FLACS-operated patients can resume most life activities within the first 24 hours. Full recovery takes a few days under follow-up supervision.
After phaco or any eye surgery, you are advised to avoid rubbing the operated eye. Adhere to the prescribed drops schedule regularly and engage in physical activities such as jumping. Also, DO NOT splash water directly into the eye for at least a week. Attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
With a faster recovery, postoperative care using the FLACS method is quicker and simpler, allowing you to resume most activities within the first few days. However, avoid applying makeup and splashing water for a few days. Also, follow up on the medications as prescribed.
Who Is Conventional Phacoemulsification Best Suited For?
Dr Kashish Gupta of the Max Healthcare Bathinda chapter advises that phacoemulsification is generally suitable for:
- Phaco is Suitable for age-related cataracts, including moderate to advanced.
- For those suffering systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- For Patients who want a reliable, time-tested cataract method.
- For those who prefer cost-effective treatment without compromising on safety.
- Individuals who are not specifically opting for premium laser add-ons, but still expect good quality vision after cataract removal.
- Those who prefer affordability in cataract surgery.
What happens before your Phaco cataract Surgery?
Your Cataract surgeon will evaluate factors such as corneal health, retinal status, intraocular pressure, cataract severity, and the presence of astigmatism before recommending phaco, FLACS, or any special lens options.
Phaco Surgery cost in Bathinda, Punjab, and surrounding cities
In Bathinda and the nearby cities of Punjab, the cost of conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery typically varies depending on:
Cataract surgeons commonly use IOL Lenses during a Phaco surgery.
- Standard monofocal IOL.
- Aspheric, toric (for astigmatism), or multifocal lenses.
Page Summary: Phaco surgery is the Common man's choice of cataract treatment
Phaco surgery for cataract removal is an affordable, reliable, and widely available option. In the Bathinda Malwa region and elsewhere in Punjab, phacoemulsification surgery typically starts at Rs. 12000, including the basic price for a standard IOL.
For higher-priced premium lenses that reduce dependence on glasses, costs are higher in proportion. “The exact phaco surgery cost is shared only after a comprehensive eye assessment by your cataract surgeon, which primarily determines the IOL implant selection. So that patients are not over- or undersold any option and the costs remain transparent“, says Dr Kashish Gupta – Chief Cataract Surgeon at Max Hospital Bathinda, Punjab.
FAQs on PhacoCataract Surgery
We aggregated the 10 most commonly asked questionsabout phaco cataract surgery and obtained expert insights from Dr. Kashish Gupta to provide readers with a straightforward understanding.
It is a widely used cataract surgery technique in which a cataract surgeon uses a small probe to break the cloudy lens into tiny pieces, which are then gently removed. A clear artificial lens is then placed inside the eye in the same sitting. The new lens is called IOL.
No Phaco is near pain-free, as the surgeon uses local anaesthetic in the form of drops or an injection; you may feel only mild pressure or touch, not actual pain. With phaco, most patients are surprised at how comfortable and quick the procedure feels.
The phacoemulsification procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes per eye for an uncomplicated cataract. However, a patient should expect additional time if the cardiac nerves are dense or if complications arise during surgery. It takes 2 to 3 hours from entry to exit at an eye hospital for your phaco cataract surgery.
Many phacoemulsification cataract patients notice a clear improvement in Vision within 24–48 hours. Post that a patient’s Vision steadily improves over the next few days to weeks as the eye heals and the brain adapts to the new lens. Finally, expect sharp, clear Vision in a month.
Both Phaco & FLCAS are cataract removal technologies, but they differ in instrumentation, technology, and pricing. For routine cataract surgery, phacoemulsification performed by an experienced surgeon delivers expected results and remains the standard of care. FLACS adds laser precision to specific steps and isa more suitable premium option when cost is not a significant concern.
Depends on the type of lens implanted and your eye’s condition. With standard monofocal lenses, you may still need glasses for reading or some distances. With premium lenses, the need for glasses for reading or other distances can be reduced, but it may not be eliminated in some cases.
Yes, phaco is safe as long as their diabetes and overall health are reasonably controlled and the retina is carefully evaluated. Many elderly and diabetic patients undergo successful phaco surgery every day under proper supervision.
Serious complications are pretty uncommon. In rare cases, eye infection, excessive inflammation, corneal or retinal swelling, or changes in eye pressure may occur. Regular postoperative follow-up helps detect and treat such issues without further complications.
You can usually resume walking and light work the next day, but you should avoid rubbing your eyes, lifting heavy weights, or splashing water directly into your eyes for some time. Your doctor will advise you on driving, work, and other activities based on your healing progress.
FLACS is more expensive than phaco and is available only at a limited number of locations. Phaco is more affordable and widely available at reputable eye clinics and hospitals. Furthermore, the Phaco technique has been practiced by experienced surgeons for years and has a strong track record of results, particularly for routine cataract cases. Hence, Phaco can be a good choice to balance effectiveness, safety, availability, and cost in a way that suits a large section of the population in this region.
Eye Department Max Hospital Bathinda | Best eye specialist | Dr Kashish Gupta
Eye Department Max Hospital, Mansa Rd, near Civil Hospital, Guru Ki Nagri, Bathinda, Punjab 151001
