Everything You Need to Know About Cataract Surgery

Eye health is an important issue that directly affects the quality of life. Cataract is one of the most common and serious eye diseases that can cause severe vision loss. Cataract is the condition of the eye lens becoming cloudy and not transmitting light over time. The only treatment for cataract is surgical intervention.

Cataract surgery is the procedure of removing the cloudy lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful eye operations performed today. Cataract surgery allows patients to regain their former vision ability.

Patients who are considering or undergoing cataract surgery may have many questions in their minds. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about cataract surgery.

The eye lens is a transparent structure that is located in the middle of the eye and refracts light to focus it on the retina. The eye lens allows us to see clearly at near and far distances. However, in some cases, the eye lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy over time. This condition is called cataract.

The most common cause of cataract is aging. As age progresses, proteins and minerals accumulate in the lens tissue and damage its structure. The lens becomes more opaque and rigid, does not transmit light and prevents focusing. Therefore, cataract usually occurs in people over 50 years of age.

However, cataract can also occur apart from aging. Diabetes (diabetes), trauma to the eye, long-term use of cortisone, smoking and alcohol consumption, exposure to sunlight are some factors that increase the risk of cataract. In addition, some people may develop cataract congenitally or in childhood.

Cataract may not cause symptoms at first. However, as it progresses, it impairs vision quality and causes the following symptoms:

• Decrease or blurring in vision
• Perceiving colors as pale or yellowish
• Difficulty in night vision
• Sensitivity or glare to light
• Double or multiple vision
• Frequent changes in eyeglass numbers

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult with us. Our doctors can diagnose cataract with a simple eye examination and determine the treatment plan.

There is no medication or glasses treatment for cataract. The only treatment for cataract is surgical intervention. Cataract surgery is the procedure of removing the cloudy lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens.

The timing of cataract surgery depends on the patient’s condition and preference. Some patients may wait until cataract progresses and causes vision loss, while some patients may choose to have surgery at an earlier stage. Our doctors will tell you the best time.

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. After numbing the front area of the eyeball, a small incision is made under a microscope. Through the incision, the front surface of the cloudy lens behind the pupil is opened and the cloudy part inside is cleaned.

The operation is completed by placing an artificial lens in the cleaned area. The artificial lens (intraocular lens) remains permanently in the eye and performs the function of the natural lens. Artificial lenses can be of different types. Monofocal lenses are single-focus and provide clear vision at far distances but may require glasses at near distances.

Multifocal lenses have multiple focuses and provide clear vision at both near and far distances but may cause light glare. Toric lenses are lenses that correct astigmatism. Our doctors will explain which lens is suitable for you and help you choose.

Cataract surgery is a very safe and successful procedure. However, as with any surgical intervention, there are some risks. These include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, displacement or displacement of the artificial lens.

The probability of these risks occurring is very low and can be solved with early diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors will explain these risks to you and tell you what to do to prevent them.

After cataract surgery, you need to wear glasses or bandages to protect your eye from dirty water, dust and blows. It is important to use eye drops as recommended by the doctor, not to lift heavy objects, not to bend over and not to rub your eyes.

You need to go to the doctor’s check-ups and follow up on warning signs for possible complications. You may feel mild pain, stinging or watering in your eyes for the first few days after surgery but these are normal and will go away over time.

Your vision may not improve immediately after surgery but it will clear up within a few days. You need to get our doctor’s approval before driving or working.

We hope this article post has been useful for you. If you have any questions or concerns about cataract surgery, please contact us for more information and guidance. You can contact us by e-mail or whatsapp for a free consultation.