What is Cataract? Cataract Treatment

What is Cataract? Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove cloudiness in the lens of the eye. Cataract; It may develop depending on age or due to genetic factors, diabetes, eye trauma and corticosteroid use. It manifests itself with symptoms such as visual impairment, double vision, light sensitivity and faded colors. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia; With phacoemulsification, which is the most common method, the lens is broken down using ultrasound waves and an artificial lens is placed in its place. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and the patient is discharged on the same day.

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove cloudiness in the lens of the eye. Cataract is a vision disorder that occurs when the natural lens of the eye loses its transparency. It usually develops with age; However, it may also occur due to reasons such as genetic factors, diabetes, eye trauma and long-term corticosteroid use. In a healthy eye, the lens refracts light and focuses it on the retina, providing clear vision. When cataracts occur, light cannot pass properly and vision becomes blurred. Medication or the use of glasses cannot stop the progression of cataracts; By surgical intervention, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.

How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia; The patient does not feel any pain. Before the surgery, the pupil is dilated and dropper anesthesia is applied. The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and removes the clouded lens. In phacoemulsification, which is the most common technique today, the cloudy lens is broken down by ultrasound waves and absorbed into small pieces; Then an artificial intraocular lens is placed. In some cases, traditional extra-capsular surgery or laser-assisted surgery may also be performed. The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes and the patient can be discharged on the same day.

In what cases is cataract surgery performed?

• Daily Activity Restriction — Difficulty with basic activities such as reading, driving, or watching television due to visual impairment.
• Disruption of Night Vision — Difficulty seeing in low light, headlights straying or glare when driving at night.
• Light Sensitivity — Eyes with cataracts become more sensitive to bright lights.
• Double or Blurred Vision — Advanced cataract causing double vision or hazy vision.
• Colors Appear Faded — Perception of colors as duller or yellowish tones.
• When There Is No Improvement With Glasses / Lenses — Vision not improving despite the use of glasses or contact lenses.

What are the Types of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery can be performed by different methods depending on the patient's eye structure, the level of cataract and the doctor's preference. The three most commonly used techniques today are:

Extra Capsular Surgery Application

It is one of the traditional methods. While the cataractous lens is removed in its entirety, the posterior part of the capsule is preserved; This capsule is used to support the artificial lens. Since it requires a larger incision, healing time may be a little longer. It is preferred in advanced, very hard cataracts.

• Preparation — The pupil is dilated and local anesthesia is applied.
• incision — An incision is made at the edge of the cornea.
• Removing the Lens — The cataractous lens is removed as a whole.
• Placement of the Artificial Lens — An artificial lens is placed into the eye.
• Stitch — Stitching may be required due to the large incision.

Phacoemulsification Surgery Application

It is the most commonly used cataract surgery method today. The cataractous lens is broken into small pieces by ultrasound waves and removed by suction; Then an artificial intraocular lens is placed.

• Eye Drops and Anesthesia — The pupil is dilated and local anesthesia is applied.
• Small Incision — An incision of approximately 2-3 mm is made on the cornea.
• Fragmentation with Ultrasound — The cataractous lens is broken into small pieces by ultrasound waves.
• Removal with Suction — The shattered lens is removed from the eye by vacuum suction.
• Artificial Lens Placement — The procedure is completed by placing an artificial intraocular lens into the eye.

Laser Surgery Application

Thanks to the developing technology in recent years, some incisions and lens removal steps are performed using laser. Provides more precise incisions and faster healing process; It is especially preferred for patients with sensitive eye structures. However, it may be more costly than traditional methods.

• Laser Cut — The incision is made with a laser instead of a knife.
• Shredding with Laser — With laser energy, the lens is broken into small pieces.
• Removing Parts — Lens fragments are removed from the eye using ultrasound or vacuum method.
• Placement of the Artificial Lens — The surgery is completed by placing an artificial lens into the eye.

Recovery Process After Cataract Surgery

The healing process usually goes quickly and smoothly. Mild stinging, redness and sensitivity to light may occur in the first few days; These symptoms are reduced with prescribed eye drops. During the first week, care should be taken not to get water in the eyes, not to rub the eyes, and not to lift heavy objects. Visual acuity begins to improve rapidly after surgery; Full recovery may take approximately 4-6 weeks.

• Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes — Rubbing the eyes should be avoided for the first few days.
• Avoid Getting Water in Your Eyes — Care should be taken not to get water into the eyes when washing the face or taking a shower.
• Using Eye Drops — Eye drops recommended by the doctor should be used regularly.
• Physical Activity Restriction — Heavy lifting, bending and strenuous physical activities should be avoided.
• Sunglasses — Eyes should be protected by wearing sunglasses when going out.

Things to Consider After Cataract Surgery

• Eye Hygiene — Hands must be clean before touching the eye area.
• Regular Eye Drops — Eye drops reduce the risk of infection and protect from inflammation.
• Protection from Eye Impacts — Impacting the eye should be avoided during sports or active activities.
• Not Lifting Heavy — Movements that will increase intraocular pressure should be avoided.
• Night Eye Protection — Protective goggles or eye bandages may be used for the first few nights.
• Protection from Bright Lights — Sunglasses should be worn as the eyes may be more sensitive to light.
• Stay Away from the Pool/Sea — Swimming in the pool and the sea should be avoided for the first few weeks.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?

With the phacoemulsification technique, which is the most common method, the surgery is usually completed in 15-30 minutes. When preoperative preparation and postoperative eye control are included, the total time spent in the hospital can reach several hours. If there are cataracts in both eyes, surgery is usually performed on separate days for each eye.

Cataract Surgery Prices

Cataract surgery prices; It varies depending on factors such as the type of hospital, the technology used, the surgeon's experience, and the patient's insurance status. Standard monofocal lenses are more affordable, while multifocal or toric lenses may cost more. Surgeries performed within the scope of SSI may be covered under certain conditions. It is recommended that you contact your clinic for exact price information.

Frequently Asked Questions