Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy, causing blurry or hazy vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can occur in one or both eyes. The clouding of the lens is typically due to changes in the proteins within the lens, leading to a loss of transparency.

Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, but they can also result from injury, certain medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes.

Cataract Symptom

Cataract symptoms can vary, and they often develop slowly over time. Common symptoms of cataracts include;

• Blurred Vision: Vision may become progressively blurry, making it difficult to see fine details or read.
• Cloudy or Hazy Vision: The lens becomes cloudy, leading to a lack of clarity in vision.
• Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to glare, especially from headlights, lamps, or sunlight.
• Difficulty Seeing in Low Light: Vision may be impaired in dimly lit environments, and night vision may be particularly affected.
• Changes in Color Perception: Colors may appear faded or yellowed, and the ability to distinguish between certain colors may be reduced.
• Double Vision: Cataracts can cause double vision in one eye, and this can sometimes be corrected by closing one eye.
• Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription: Individuals with cataracts may notice that their prescription glasses need frequent adjustments, but the improvements are short-lived.

It's important to note that cataracts typically develop slowly, and early symptoms may be subtle. If you experience any changes in your vision, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination.

Cataract Treatment

The primary treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure that is often performed on an outpatient basis. Here are the key steps involved in cataract treatment:

1. Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, your eye surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes to assess the extent of the cataract, measure the shape and size of your eye, and determine the power of the intraocular lens (IOL) that will replace the natural lens.
2. Anesthesia: Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon may use eye drops or inject anesthetic around the eye to numb it. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used.
3. Phacoemulsification: The most common technique for cataract removal is phacoemulsification. In this procedure, a tiny incision is made in the cornea, and a small ultrasonic probe is used to break up the cloudy lens into fragments, which are then suctioned out.
4. IOL Implantation: Once the cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the natural lens. The IOL helps to focus light onto the retina, restoring clear vision.
5. Stitches or No Stitches: Depending on the surgical approach, the incision may or may not require stitches. Many cataract surgeries today involve self-sealing incisions that do not need sutures.
6. Recovery: Recovery from cataract surgery is generally quick. Patients may experience improved vision within a day, but complete recovery may take a few weeks. Eye drops are often prescribed to prevent infection and control inflammation.
7. Follow-up Care: Patients will have follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure that the vision is improving as expected. Eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed if needed to optimize vision.

Cataract surgery has a high success rate, and most people experience significant improvement in their vision and quality of life after the procedure. It's important for individuals with cataracts to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best course of action based on their specific circumstances.

Cataract Surgery

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed, and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to replace it. There are different types of intraocular lenses, and the choice depends on various factors, including the patient's visual needs, lifestyle, and any pre-existing eye conditions. Here are some common types of intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery:

Monofocal IOLs:

Monofocal lenses have a single focal point, typically set for distance vision. After surgery, patients may still need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks.

Some individuals choose to have one eye corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision, a technique known as monovision.

Multifocal IOLs:

Multifocal lenses have multiple focal points, allowing for clear vision at different distances. This can reduce the dependence on glasses for both near and distant vision.

While multifocal IOLs can provide an improved range of vision, they may cause more glare and halos, especially in low-light conditions.

Toric IOLs:

Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, which is a common refractive error. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred vision.

Toric IOLs have different powers in different meridians, helping to address astigmatism and reducing the need for glasses.

Accommodating IOLs:

Accommodating lenses are designed to mimic the eye's natural ability to shift focus between near and far distances. These lenses may provide a more natural range of vision without relying on multifocality.

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs:

EDOF lenses offer an extended range of vision, providing clear vision at various distances without the distinct focal points found in multifocal lenses.

Aspheric IOLs:

Aspheric lenses have a more natural shape, potentially reducing aberrations and improving contrast sensitivity. They are often used to enhance visual quality.

The choice of the intraocular lens depends on the patient's individual preferences, lifestyle, and visual requirements. The surgeon will discuss these options with the patient during the preoperative evaluation to determine the most suitable lens for their needs.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Cataract surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves the removal of the cloudy natural lens and the insertion of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The most common method for cataract surgery is called phacoemulsification.

Here is an overview of the typical steps involved in cataract surgery:

Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough eye examination to assess the cataract's severity and to determine the appropriate power for the intraocular lens (IOL). Measurements are taken to ensure the proper sizing of the IOL and to address any astigmatism if present.

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. This may involve using eye drops or injecting anesthetic around the eye to numb it. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if the patient has health issues that make local anesthesia challenging.

A small incision is made in the cornea. In modern cataract surgery, a technique called phacoemulsification is commonly used. This involves the use of ultrasonic vibrations to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces.

The fragmented lens is then suctioned out through the incision. Phacoemulsification allows for a smaller incision size, promoting quicker healing and reducing the need for stitches.

Once the cataract is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the same incision to replace the natural lens. The IOL is carefully positioned within the eye, and its power is chosen based on preoperative measurements and the patient's visual needs.

In many cases, the incision is self-sealing and does not require stitches. However, if stitches are needed, they are typically very small and may dissolve on their own.

After the procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery area. Eye drops are usually prescribed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, although strenuous activities may be restricted for a short period.

Patients will have follow-up appointments with their eye surgeon to monitor healing and assess visual outcomes. Eyeglasses or contact lenses may be prescribed, especially if there is any remaining refractive error or astigmatism.

Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures. The majority of patients experience a significant improvement in their vision and overall quality of life after the surgery.

Cataract surgery recovery

Cataract surgery recovery is generally relatively quick, and most patients experience improved vision within a short period. However, the exact timeline can vary from person to person.

Complete healing of the eye may take several weeks, during which time the vision continues to improve. It is common for patients to adapt to the new vision and experience a significant reduction in symptoms related to the cataract.

It's essential for patients to follow the postoperative instructions provided by their eye surgeon and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, or a sudden decrease in vision, patients should contact their eye surgeon promptly. Overall, cataract surgery is a highly successful and safe procedure, and most individuals enjoy improved vision and enhanced quality of life after the recovery period.

Cataract surgery how long does it take

The actual surgical procedure for cataract surgery is relatively quick, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes. However, the total time spent at the surgical facility may be longer due to preoperative preparation and postoperative observation.

The actual surgical procedure, including the removal of the cataract and implantation of the artificial intraocular lens (IOL),typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Most cataract surgeries are performed using phacoemulsification, a technique that involves using ultrasonic vibrations to break up the cataract for removal.

Will there be burning and stinging after cataract surgery?

It's common for patients to experience some mild discomfort, including sensations like burning or stinging, in the immediate hours following cataract surgery. However, these sensations are typically temporary and tend to improve as the eye heals.

What should be considered when deciding on cataract surgery?

The decision to undergo cataract surgery is a personal decision and should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist. Choose the type of intraocular lens (IOL) that suits your needs, including options such as monofocal, multifocal, toric or accommodative lenses.

Cataract Surgery in Turkey

Turkey has earned a reputation for providing high-quality medical services at competitive prices, and many individuals from around the world travel there for various medical treatments, including ophthalmic procedures like cataract surgery.

Medical treatments, including cataract surgery, can be more cost-effective in Turkey compared to some other countries. This makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking high-quality care at a lower cost.

Cataract surgery cost-price Turkey

The cost of cataract surgery can vary widely based on several factors, including the country or region where the surgery is performed, the specific medical facility, the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, and whether any additional services or packages are included.