Phacoemulsification
Cataract Care
cataract surgery in abu dhabi

Imagine waking up every morning with blurred vision, struggling to see the world clearly due to the presence of cataracts – a common yet debilitating eye condition affecting millions worldwide.
For many, cataracts cloud their vision and hinder their ability to perform daily tasks comfortably, diminishing their quality of life.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: phacoemulsification. This innovative surgical technique has revolutionized cataract treatment, offering hope and restoring vision to countless individuals.
What Is Phacoemulsification?
Phacoemulsification, also known as Phaco surgery, is a surgical procedure used for cataract removal by ultrasound sound energy making the hard cataract into smaller pieces and removing the pices through small corneal incisions.
This procedure is widely considered as one of the safest and most effective cataract treatments and is commonly performed worldwide.
Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery vs Other Cataract Surgeries
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery represents a modern and advanced approach to cataract removal, offering numerous advantages over alternative methods like Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) or small incision cataract surgery (SICS).
The advantages of phacoemulsification over traditional cataract eye surgery are:
- Phacoemulsification cataract surgery involves making a smaller eye incision than ECCE or SICS.
- The smaller incision promotes quicker healing, reduces the risk of complications such as infection, and may lead to faster visual recovery.
- Phacoemulsification surgery typically involves implanting an artificial intraocular lens to replace the cloudy natural lens removed during the procedure.
- Compared to ECCE, Phacoemulsification is typically faster to perform, and its duration is like that of FLACS.
Candidate for Phacoemulsification
Most individuals with cataracts are good candidates for phacoemulsification. In general, you may be a candidate for this surgery if:
- You are over the age of 40.
- You are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below:
- Double vision in one eye
- Seeing halos or glare around bright lights;
- Blurred or distorted vision;
- Poor night vision;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Fading colors
It is important to understand that even if you are under 40, there’s a possibility that you may have cataracts.
The best method for determining the need for Phaco cataract surgery is through a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye specialist. They will assess your specific eye health, visual needs, and medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Procedure: Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery in Abu Dhabi
Dr. Madhava Rao, a cataract surgeon in Abu Dhabi, performs the phacoemulsification procedure through the following steps-
- Anesthesia: The eye is numbed using local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the surgery. In some cases, mild sedation may also be administered to help the patient relax.
- Incision: A small incision is made on the surface of the eye (cornea) to access the cataract-affected lens.
- Saline Injection: A saline solution is injected into the lens capsule to create space and separate the natural lens from the surrounding capsule.
- Ultrasonic Fragmentation: Dr. Madhav utilizes ultrasonic tips that pulsate at varying speeds to break up the cataract lens. This process facilitates the removal of the lens fragments.
- Irrigation and Aspiration: While the cataract is being fragmented, an irrigation and aspiration system removes debris from the eye to maintain clarity and visibility.
- Intraocular Lens Implantation: Following the removal of the cataract, a replacement lens made of silicone or acrylic, known as an intraocular lens implant (IOL), is carefully inserted into the lens capsule to restore vision.
- Closing the Incision: In most cases, the incision is self-sealing and does not require stitches. To promote healing, the eye may be covered with a protective shield or patch shortly after surgery.
This cataract eye surgery is generally conducted on one eye first; after a few days, the other eye is operated on. It is a short, painless procedure that lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.

Recovery Tips
- Rest your eyes and limit strenuous activities following surgery.
- Do not engage in any strenuous activities, like heavy lifting or exercising, for at least a week post-surgery, as this can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications.
- Avoid rubbing or applying pressure on the treated eye.
- Avoid swimming or getting water in your eyes.
- Follow the prescribed regimen of eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Wear a protective shield or eyeglasses to protect your eyes from dust, dirt, or grit.
Contact Dr. Madhava Rao for Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery in Abu Dhabi
Regarding cataract surgery in Abu Dhabi, choosing the right specialist can make all the difference in achieving optimal outcomes and restoring clear vision.
As the best cataract eye specialist in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Madhava Rao offers unparalleled expertise and a remarkable track record of 20+ years, with more than 14,000 successful surgeries to his credit. With his commitment to excellence, patients can rest assured that they will receive top-tier care and exceptional results.
Fellowships & Memberships






Accolades - Your Eyes are in Award-winning Hands

Ophthalmologist Education Award
A testament to Dr. Rao's commitment to advancing ophthalmic education and sharing knowledge with the next generation of eye care professionals.

International Ophthalmology Scholar Award
Recognizing his significant contributions to the global ophthalmology community, this award highlights Dr. Rao's role in enhancing the understanding and treatment of eye diseases worldwide.