What is Cataract?

Cataract is an eye disease that is usually classified as age-related. The cataract that occurs at birth is called "congenital cataract", while the type that occurs with aging is called "senile cataract". This disease is characterized by the loss of transparency of the lens in the eye and the formation of blurred areas on it. This clouding causes the lens to take on brown and yellow tones, resulting in reduced vision. Cataracts can occur in one eye or both eyes. In this case, one eye is usually more affected than the other. Under normal conditions, the lens in the eye transmits light to the back of the eye, providing clear vision.
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However, when the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot be transmitted sufficiently, which impairs vision. If left untreated, the blurred areas can grow in size and number over time, severely limiting vision. This can lead to a person being unable to lead their daily life. It is known that 90% of cataracts develop due to aging. However, it can also be caused by systemic disorders, other eye diseases, medication, trauma or congenital causes. Congenital cataracts require immediate surgical intervention if they completely block the baby's pupil.

In babies younger than three years of age, lens implantation is not performed during the surgical procedure because the physical development of the eye is not complete. Although it is estimated that 50% of senile cataracts are genetically inherited, the specific genes that cause this condition have not yet been identified. For this reason, it is very important for people over the age of 40 to have detailed eye examinations at intervals of 2 to 4 years. After the age of 55, this interval should decrease to 1 to 3 years and after the age of 65 to 1 to 2 years. For individuals in these age groups, early detection and treatment of cataracts through regular eye examinations are critical for maintaining quality of life.

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Katarakt Belirtileri Nelerdir

What are the Symptoms of Cataract?

Symptoms of cataracts usually appear with age and may not be obvious at first. Over time, the clouding of the lens of the eye increases. This starts to be noticed by people around you. Common symptoms include blurred, smoky or hazy vision. In some cases, spots may appear in the visual field. At the same time, these symptoms can become even more pronounced in situations where there is too much or not enough light.

Cataracts can also cause colors to appear faded and less vibrant. This can make daily activities difficult. Routine tasks such as reading the newspaper, watching television or driving a car can become increasingly difficult due to cataracts. In rare cases, double vision can occur, as well as halo formation around strong light sources. In addition, other symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Inability to see far and near clearly.
  • Sensitivity to light and glare.
  • Deterioration of vision on sunny days.
  • Frequent change of glasses numbers.
  • Tendency to see near better without glasses.
  • Decreased night vision.
  • Loss of depth perception.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Pale and difficult perception of colors.
  • Eye fatigue and headache.
Cataract symptoms become more pronounced as the problem progresses and can negatively affect the quality of life. If such symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult an eye specialist for early diagnosis and treatment.

How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery can be performed quickly and comfortably thanks to the advanced technology offered by modern medicine. Before the operation, the eye area is usually numbed with local anesthesia. A small tunnel incision (approximately 2-3 mm) is created and a technique called phacoemulsification is used.

In this way, the clouded lens is broken up and removed by ultrasonic vibrations. After this procedure, a high-quality artificial monofocal or multifocal lens is implanted into the eye. Thus, the person’s vision is restored. The artificial lens implanted during cataract surgery not only corrects the cataract, but also corrects other visual defects. In this way, patients can see both far and near clearly without using glasses. The operation is usually completed within half an hour.

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Patients are then advised to use eye drops for 3-4 weeks. Hospitalization is not required after surgery. If cataracts are present in both eyes, the surgeries are performed at the times recommended by the doctor. Both eyes are not operated on at the same time. Although there are some restrictions after surgery, patients can start using their eyes from the first day. In this way, the quality of life after cataract surgery improves rapidly and patients can return to their daily activities in a short time.

Katarakt Ameliyatı Nasıl Yapılır
HOW TO PERFORM CATARACT SURGERY STEP BY STEP
HOW TO PERFORM CATARACT SURGERY STEP BY STEP
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First Step

Before surgery, your ophthalmologist will examine your eye in detail.

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Second Step

Local anesthesia is usually administered before surgery, which ensures that only the eye area is numbed.

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Step Three

A small incision is made on the cornea of the eye. The cataract lens is accessed through this incision.

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Step Four

The cataract lens is shattered and absorbed using ultrasound or laser technology. This procedure is called “phacoemulsification”.

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Step Five

A light bandage or a protective cap can be placed over the eye after surgery.

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Step Six

You may need to use eye drops as recommended by your doctor during the postoperative healing process.

    Katarakt Ameliyatı Kimler İçin Uygundur

    Who is Suitable for Cataract Surgery?

    Age-related cataracts usually become apparent around the age of 55-60. In fact, cataract formation usually starts in the 40s. However, the symptoms are not noticed during this period. Symptoms of cataract usually appear in the 60s. During this period, people consult an ophthalmologist because of problems with their eyes and cataracts are diagnosed.

    These patients are suitable for cataract surgery. The risk of cataract development increases with age. About half of people over 80 years of age develop cataracts. In rare cases, babies can be born with cataracts. It is also possible to develop cataracts at a young age due to trauma or certain systemic diseases.

    How Many Hours Does Eye Cataract Surgery Take?

    Cataract surgery is performed as a day surgery that does not require hospitalization. Cataract surgery usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, depending on the patient’s needs and surgical preparations, the operation may take a little longer. Patients can usually return home the same day after surgery. This provides a great advantage for a fast recovery process.

    Laser Cataract Surgery

    Cataract surgery can be performed with two main methods. The most common is laser cataract surgery. In this method, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eye. Using ultrasound or laser, the surgeon breaks the clouded lens into small pieces and removes it. An artificial lens is then inserted into the eye.

    This technique is minimally invasive, does not require stitches and the healing process is very fast. However, in some cases, the lens may be too hard to be destroyed by ultrasound or laser. In such cases, the surgeon may opt for extracapsular cataract surgery. This method requires a larger incision in the eye. The lens is removed in one piece without fragmentation. The aim of both methods is to remove the cloudy lens so that the patient can see clearly.

    Lazerli Katarakt Ameliyatı

    Cataract Surgery Results

    Those who have cataract surgery get rid of the complaint of blurred vision. In this way, they start to live a smoother and more comfortable life in their daily lives. It also eliminates sensitivity to light. This makes cataract surgery patients comfortable in activities such as reading newspapers, watching television or driving.

    Benefits of Cataract Surgery

    Cataract surgery is preferred by many people as it is both a practical and effective method. The patient is usually discharged after the procedure and recovers in a short time. So, what are the benefits of cataract surgery?
    • Corrects cloudy, smoky or hazy vision.
    • It makes vision clearer.
    • Eliminates sensitivity to light.
    • Provides easier perception of colors.
    • Treats eye fatigue.
    • It improves headache.
    • Provides patients to see better at night.

    After Cataract Surgery

    It is normal to experience itching and mild pain after cataract surgery. It may take about 8 weeks for your eye to heal completely. In the first days, you may have difficulty seeing under bright lights. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such environments. To minimize the risk of infection after cataract surgery, you should regularly use the eye drops recommended by your doctor. During the healing process, it is important to avoid heavy lifting and situations that may put pressure on your eyes. After the surgery, your vision will improve significantly. However, some patients may still need to wear glasses.

    Cataract Surgery Costs

    Major advances in cataract surgery in recent years have enabled patients to be treated more quickly and effectively. Therefore, there are several factors that determine cataract surgery costs. The type of intraocular lens to be used, the location and equipment of the health institution where the operation will be performed, the experience of the surgeon and his team, and the quality of the materials used are among these factors.

    Before cataract surgery, it is important that the patient undergoes a detailed examination and the most appropriate treatment method is determined. Without completing this process, it is not possible to give clear information about cataract surgery costs. You can get detailed information about cataract surgery costs and other questions by contacting us.

    Katarakt Ameliyatı Fiyatları

    Get a quote for Cataract Surgery

    The cost of cataract surgery can vary depending on the methods used, the scope of the treatment, and the level of expertise. For detailed information and a price quote, please contact our clinic directly.
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    Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract

    Lens shift after cataract surgery can be recognized by symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye and headache.
    It is recommended not to take a bath for the first 5 days after cataract surgery. At the same time, it is very important not to touch water to the eye while bathing.
    If cataract surgery is not performed, vision may be completely blocked.
    Before laser cataract surgery is performed, the area is anesthetized. Then the incision is opened and the lens is separated into small pieces with a laser. The new lens is placed in the eye instead of the removed lenses. No stitches are needed after laser cataract surgery is completed.
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