Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate clouding of the lens of the eye. Cataracts can develop due to age or genetic factors, diabetes, eye traumas 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. The most common method, phacoemulsification, is based on the principle of breaking down the lens with ultrasound waves and replacing it with an artificial lens. Alternatively, extra capsular surgery or laser-assisted surgery can be used. The duration of the surgery is usually 15-30 minutes and the patient is discharged on the same day.
During the recovery process, it is recommended to use eye drops regularly, pay attention to eye hygiene and avoid heavy lifting. Symptoms such as temporary clouding of the eye and sensitivity to light may be observed. Cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that significantly increases the patient’s quality of life. Surgery costs may vary depending on the type of lens used and the hospital’s services.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate the 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 can 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. However, when a cataract forms, light cannot pass through properly and vision becomes blurry. Patients experience complaints such as difficulty in night vision, double vision, faded colors and light sensitivity. As this condition progresses, it can make daily activities difficult and negatively affect the patient’s quality of life.
Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment method developed to solve this problem. Medication or glasses cannot stop the progression of cataracts.
However, with surgical intervention, the cloudy lens is removed and an artificial intraocular lens is placed in its place. In this way, the patient can regain clear vision. Today, thanks to advanced surgical techniques, cataract surgery has become a safe and highly successful procedure.
How is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Cataract surgery is a short and effective operation performed by eye surgeons. To answer the question of how cataract surgery is performed, this procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. However, the patient does not feel any pain.
Before the surgery, anesthesia is applied to the patient’s eye in the form of drops to dilate the pupil and prevent pain during the surgery. Then, the surgeon starts to remove the cloudy lens by making a small incision in the cornea, which is the transparent layer of the eye.
The most commonly used surgical technique today is the phacoemulsification method. In this method, the cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound waves and removed from the eye in small pieces. Then, an artificial intraocular lens is placed in the patient’s eye and the surgery is completed. The artificial lens improves the patient’s vision and prevents cataracts from recurring.
In some cases, traditional extra-capsular surgery or laser-assisted cataract surgeries can also be applied. The technique used is determined according to the patient’s eye structure and the level of the cataract. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes and the patient can be discharged on the same day.
After cataract surgery, a protective bandage is placed on the patient’s eye and eye drops recommended by the doctor are used regularly. The full recovery process can take several weeks and the patient should not skip doctor check-ups during this period. After the surgery, symptoms such as mild discomfort in the eye, blurred vision or sensitivity to light may be experienced, but these will improve over time.
In Which Cases Is Cataract Surgery Performed?
Cataract surgery is recommended when cataracts start to negatively affect the patient’s daily life. As cataracts progress, vision decreases significantly and the patient has difficulty performing daily activities. Cataract surgery is recommended especially in the following cases:
Daily activities become difficult due to visual impairment: Difficulty in basic activities such as reading, driving or watching television increases the necessity of surgery.
Impaired night vision: Cataracts can make it even more difficult to see, especially in low light conditions. When driving at night, the scattering of lights emitted by headlights or a feeling of glare can be a symptom of cataracts.
Light sensitivity: Cataractous eyes become more sensitive to bright lights. Sunlight or artificial lights can bother the patient.
Double vision or blurred vision: Advanced cataracts can cause patients to have double vision or blurry vision. If this condition is more pronounced in one eye, the person’s vision can be seriously affected.
Colors appear pale or yellowish: Cataracts can affect the perception of colors and patients may see colors in duller or yellowish tones.
Failure to improve vision despite using glasses or contact lenses: If using glasses or contact lenses does not solve the vision problem, cataract surgery may be the only effective solution.
Some patients may not want to have surgery early when they notice cataract formation. However, since cataracts progress over time, surgery may become necessary when they reach an advanced stage. Cataracts can progress more quickly and require early intervention, especially in people with additional health problems such as diabetes.
Doctors decide on surgery by evaluating the effects on the patient’s vision level and quality of life. As a result of the eye examination, the progression of the cataract is determined and the appropriate time is determined. Cataract surgery is only applied to patients with vision loss; in mild cataract cases, doctors may recommend changing glasses for a certain period of time or taking protective measures against light sensitivity.
As a result, cataract surgery is an operation that directly affects the patient’s quality of life. As a result of a detailed examination by the ophthalmologist, the necessity of surgery is evaluated and the most appropriate treatment method is determined. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention allow the patient to have healthier and clearer vision.
What are the Types of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery can be performed with different methods depending on the patient’s eye structure, the level of cataract and the doctor’s preference. The most commonly used cataract surgery techniques today are:
Extra capsular surgery application
Phacoemulsification surgery application
Laser surgery application
Each of these methods is determined according to the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s expertise. With the development of modern technology, cataract surgeries have become safer and the recovery period has shortened. Although traditional methods are still used for some patients, the most commonly preferred technique is phacoemulsification surgery.
Daily activities become difficult due to visual impairment: Difficulty in basic activities such as reading, driving or watching television increases the necessity of surgery.
Impaired night vision: Cataracts can make it even more difficult to see, especially in low light conditions. The scattering of the lights emitted by headlights or the feeling of glare while driving at night can be a symptom of cataracts.
Light sensitivity: Cataractous eyes become more sensitive to bright lights. Sunlight or artificial lights can disturb the patient.
Double vision or blurred vision: Advanced cataracts can cause patients to have double vision or blurred vision. If this condition is more pronounced in one eye, it can seriously affect a person’s vision.
Colors appear pale or yellowish: Cataracts can affect the perception of colors, and patients may see colors as duller or yellowish tones.
Failure to improve vision despite wearing glasses or contact lenses: If wearing glasses or lenses does not solve the vision problem, cataract surgery may be the only effective solution.
Some patients may not want to have surgery early when they notice cataract formation. However, since cataracts progress over time, surgery may become necessary when they reach an advanced stage. Cataracts can progress more quickly and require early intervention, especially in people with additional health problems such as diabetes.
Doctors make the decision to have surgery by evaluating the effects on the patient’s vision level and quality of life. As a result of the eye examination, the progression of the cataract is determined and the appropriate time is determined. Cataract surgery is only applied to patients who have vision loss; In mild cataract cases, doctors may recommend changing glasses for a certain period of time or taking protective measures against light sensitivity.
As a result, cataract surgery is an operation that directly affects the patient’s quality of life. As a result of a detailed examination by the eye doctor, the necessity of surgery is evaluated and the most appropriate treatment method is determined. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention allow the patient to have healthier and clearer vision.
Cataract Surgery Applications
Cataract surgery is performed by removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. The techniques used may vary depending on the level of cataract progression, the patient’s eye structure, and the surgeon’s preference.
Surgical applications are constantly being developed to ensure faster recovery of patients and to improve the quality of vision. In addition to traditional surgical methods, modern techniques with ultrasound and laser support are also widely used today. We can examine cataract surgery applications under three main headings:
Extra Capsular Surgery Application
Extra capsular surgery is one of the traditional cataract surgery methods. In this technique, the cataractous eye lens is removed as a whole, while the back part of the capsule part of the lens is preserved. This preserved capsule is used to support the artificial lens placed inside the eye.
Extra capsular surgery is usually applied in advanced cataract cases. Because this method requires a larger incision, the recovery period may be slightly longer. However, in some cases, especially if the cataract has become very hard and dense, this method may be the most suitable option.
The basic stages of the surgery performed with this technique are as follows:
Preoperative preparation: The patient’s pupil is dilated and local anesthesia is applied.
Incision procedure: An incision is made in the front of the eye, usually at the edge of the cornea.
Removal of the lens: The cataractous lens is removed as a whole.
Insertion of the artificial lens: An artificial lens is placed inside the eye to improve the quality of vision.
Suturing procedure: Since a large incision is made, stitches may be required.
Although this surgery is not as widely used as modern techniques, it is an effective method preferred in some special cases.
Phacoemulsification Surgery Application
Phacoemulsification is the most widely used cataract surgery method today. In this technique, the cataractous lens is broken into small pieces using ultrasound waves and removed from the eye by suction. Then, an artificial intraocular lens is placed inside the eye.
The advantages of this method are as follows:
It does not require stitches since it is performed with a small incision.
The recovery period after the surgery is quite short.
Patients are usually discharged on the same day.
The quality of vision improves in a short time.
The stages of phacoemulsification surgery are as follows:
Application of eye drops: The pupil is dilated and local anesthesia is applied before the surgery.
Small incision: An incision of approximately 2-3 mm is opened in the cornea.
Fragmentation of the lens with ultrasound: The cataractous lens is broken into small pieces with the help of ultrasound waves.
Suction of the pieces: The fragmented lens is vacuumed and removed from the eye.
Placement of the artificial lens: The procedure is completed by placing an artificial intraocular lens in the eye.
Thanks to this method, patients can usually return to their daily lives quickly after the surgery. It is one of the most reliable and preferred techniques today.
Laser Surgery Application
Laser-assisted cataract surgery has started to be applied thanks to the technological innovations developed in recent years. In this method, some incisions that the surgeon needs to make and the removal of the lens are performed using a laser.
The most important advantages of laser surgery are as follows:
It ensures the protection of the eye tissue by making more precise incisions.
It does not require stitches during the surgery.
The recovery period is faster.
The quality of vision improves in a shorter period after surgery.
The stages of laser cataract surgery are as follows:
Incision using laser: The incision is made with a laser, not a knife as in traditional surgeries.
Fragmentation of the cataractous lens: The lens is broken into small pieces with laser energy.
Removal of the pieces: The lens pieces are removed from the eye with ultrasound or vacuum.
Placement of the artificial lens: The surgery is completed by placing an artificial lens in the eye.
Laser-assisted surgery may be a safer option, especially for patients with sensitive eye structures. However, laser surgery can be more costly than traditional methods.
Recovery Process After Cataract Surgery
The recovery process after cataract surgery varies from patient to patient, but it usually progresses quickly and smoothly. In the first few days after surgery, symptoms such as a slight stinging sensation in the eyes, redness, and sensitivity to light may be observed. These symptoms are normal and begin to decrease within a few days with the regular use of eye drops prescribed by the doctor.
During the recovery process, it is important for the patient to protect their eyes and pay attention to certain activities. In particular, care should be taken not to get water in the eyes, not to rub the eyes, and not to lift heavy objects during the first week after surgery. After the surgery, the doctor calls the patient for a check-up at regular intervals and evaluates the healing process of the eye. The patient’s vision begins to improve significantly within the first week, but the full recovery process can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Although visual acuity begins to improve rapidly after surgery, some patients may experience temporary blurred vision. This condition improves over time as the eye adapts to the new lens. In addition, a slight dryness may occur in the eye.
In order to minimize such symptoms, the eye drops recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. It is also recommended to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from external factors after cataract surgery.
Most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days after surgery, but the following precautions should be taken to speed up the healing process:
Avoid rubbing the eyes for the first few days.
Be careful not to get water in your eyes when washing your face or taking a shower.
Use eye drops regularly as recommended by your doctor.
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous physical activities.
Wear sunglasses when going outside to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
Things to Consider After Cataract Surgery
There are some important points to consider after cataract surgery. In order to protect eye health and speed up the healing process in the post-operative period, the following points should be taken into consideration:
Eye hygiene should be taken into consideration: After surgery, hands should be clean before touching the eye area. Hygiene rules should be followed to reduce the risk of infection in the eye.
Eye drops should be used regularly: The use of eye drops after cataract surgery is of great importance. These drops reduce the risk of infection and prevent inflammation that may occur in the eye.
The eye should be protected from impacts: Since there will be sensitivity in the eye after surgery, it is important to protect the eye from trauma. Care should be taken especially when doing sports or playing with children.
Heavy lifting should be avoided: Heavy lifting and bending movements that may cause increased intraocular pressure after surgery should be avoided.
The eye should be protected during sleep: After surgery, patients are advised to use protective glasses or an eye bandage at night for the first few days to protect their eyes.
Bright lights should be avoided: The eyes may be more sensitive to light after surgery. Therefore, it would be useful to wear sunglasses when going out.
Avoid swimming in pools and the sea: Swimming in pools and the sea should be avoided for the first few weeks after surgery, as these environments can increase the risk of eye infection. If symptoms such as severe pain, sudden vision loss or intense redness in the eye are observed after surgery, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
The answer to the question of how long cataract surgery takes depends on the surgical technique used. Thanks to the phacoemulsification technique, which is the most commonly used method today, cataract surgery is usually completed in 15 to 30 minutes. However, when the pre-operative preparation process and post-operative eye check-up are considered, the total time spent in the hospital can be several hours.
The patient is usually anesthetized with local anesthesia during the surgery. Local anesthesia only numbs the eye area and prevents the patient from feeling pain. A conscious patient can easily complete the surgery process with the doctor’s guidance.
In some patients, especially those with additional health problems, cataract surgery may take longer. Apart from this, if there is cataract in both eyes and the doctor plans surgery for both eyes, surgery is usually performed on separate days for each eye.
Cataract Surgery Prices
Cataract surgery prices can vary depending on many factors. Factors such as the hospital where the surgery is performed, the technology used, the experience of the doctor, and the patient’s insurance status affect the price.
The price of cataract surgeries performed in private hospitals can vary depending on the quality of the intraocular lens used and the technological infrastructure. In surgeries performed in private hospitals, standard monofocal lenses are more affordable, while multifocal or toric lenses may be more costly.
Cataract surgeries performed in state hospitals or under the SSI are less costly and may be free under certain conditions. However, patients may have to pay an additional fee if they request higher quality lenses or special services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cataract surgery painful?
No, cataract surgery is performed with local anesthesia, so there is no pain. There may be a slight stinging or discomfort after the surgery, but this is temporary.
When does vision improve after cataract surgery?
Vision usually improves significantly a few days after surgery. However, full recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Will I need to wear glasses after cataract surgery?
This depends on the intraocular lens used. With monofocal lenses, glasses may be required for distance or near vision. With multifocal lenses, most patients can achieve clear vision without glasses.
Can an eye that has had cataract surgery develop cataracts again?
No, artificial intraocular lenses do not cause cataracts. However, in some patients, capsular clouding called “secondary cataracts” may occur months or years after surgery. This condition can be easily treated with laser.
Can I drive after cataract surgery?
Driving is not recommended immediately after surgery. Driving should be avoided for at least a few days until vision is completely restored.
Can I take a bath after cataract surgery?
It is recommended that the eye not come into contact with water for the first few days after surgery. According to the doctor’s advice, bathing can be done carefully, protecting the eye.
With this detailed information, we have provided you with a better understanding of the cataract surgery process. If you have any further questions, consulting your doctor will provide you with the most accurate information.