About Cataract
What is a cataract?
What is an eye cataract?
An eye cataract is an eye disease that is often seen in middle-aged and elderly people, as a result of which the lens of the eye behind the pupil loses its transparency over time, causing blurry vision.
Start of cataract:
Right behind our pupil is a natural lens that gives our eyes 10 refractive indices at a far distance and 13 at a near distance. Our natural lens begins to become cloudy, losing its transparency as we age. Cataracts do not completely affect vision at first. The reason is initially, it does not cover the entire lens of the eye. The onset of a cataract is a clouding of colors and a decrease in the quality of vision.
How does an eye with a cataract see?
People with cataracts begin to see as if they are looking through foggy glass. As the cataract progresses, it significantly reduces vision and negatively affects the life of the patient. A cataract is a disease that can be diagnosed with a simple eye examination. However, should be performed a detailed examination of the patient's eyes to find out if there are other eye diseases accompanying the cataract. In the examination before drawing up the operation plan, the transparency of the cornea, the structure of the cataract, the position of the lens, the width of the pupil, and the condition of the retina are examined in detail, and the treatment of the patient's cataract is evaluated from the point of view of the operation.
Symptoms of a cataract
- Among the most obvious symptoms of cataracts, we can list symptoms such as
- Reduced level of vision
- Decreased night vision
- Blurred vision in sunny weather
- Sensitivity to light
- Frequent change of glasses diopter
- Blurring of colors
Can cataracts be prevented?
It is impossible to completely prevent cataracts. However, precautions can be taken against the risk of cataract formation:
- Sun protection, use of sunglasses
- Proper and balanced nutrition
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
- Disease control in people with diabetes
At what age do cataracts occur?
A cataract is manifested by a slight clouding and thickening of the lens of the eye in people with an average age of 50-60 years. However, it can be observed at an earlier age, even in infancy. Cataracts can also occur in diabetics, in those who have had a stroke in the eye, or in those who take cortisone for a long time.
How is a cataract treated?
A cataract that has formed will not go away with medication or glasses. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. As the cataract progresses, it begins to interfere with the life of the patient, significantly reducing vision. The technology used for cataract surgery and the quality of the lens placed in the eye determine the success of the operation and, most importantly, the quality of the patient's vision.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery takes about 15-20 minutes. After the operation, the patient can be discharged on the same day. If a cataract has occurred in both eyes, the operation is carried out at intervals determined by the doctor, and both eyes are operated on at certain intervals.
How is a cataract treated?
The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. The clouded lens is removed surgically. When the natural lens is removed, the eye will be deprived of 10 refractive indices at a far distance and 13 at a near distance. Therefore, during cataract surgery, a new lens is inserted into the eye with the required refractive indices for the eye. Today, the most common method of cataract surgery is phacoemulsification, abbreviated as phaco. This operation can be performed under drip, local, or general anesthesia, depending on the preference of the surgeon. It is often mistaken for laser cataract surgery because it leaves no stitches. There is also laser cataract surgery. In femtosecond laser phacosurgery, some surgical interventions are first performed with a laser. Facosurgery is completed, and some stages are ready. The computerized femtosecond laser technology, which is the world's most advanced technology in cataract surgery, increases the safety of the operation and ensures the perfect positioning of the newly inserted lens. Another factor as important as the technology used in cataract treatment is the artificial lenses that will be placed in the eyes. With lenses placed in the eyes during cataract surgery, astigmatism can be corrected and the need for glasses for far and near distances can be eliminated. When using a monofocal lens with no regard for astigmatism, the patient will wear glasses for both far and near distances. When using a monofocal lens that corrects astigmatism, the patient sees well at a distance without glasses and uses glasses for close distance for reading. For patients who want to see well both far and near without glasses, special lenses such as trifocal, EDOF, monofocal, or new technology adaptive lenses can be used. It is possible to ensure a glasses-free life by having early cataract surgery and using special lenses for suitable spectacle-wearing patients who do not have cataracts.
What should be considered for cataract surgery?
Cataract treatment is painless thanks to the development of modern techniques. The success of cataract treatment depends on the experience of the doctor, the technologies used, consumables, and the quality of the lenses.
With the right lens, a person can see clearly after surgery, and the quality of vision adds comfort to his life. When choosing lenses, there are many important factors to consider, such as age, lifestyle, hobbies, occupation, and eye structure. The lenses used must pass the appropriate tests and their success must be confirmed by a quality certificate.
Is cataract surgery dangerous?
Like all surgeries, cataract surgery has some risks. However, thanks to developing technologies and methods, the success of cataract surgery is quite high. In addition, with timely intervention without delay, the risks of complications that may occur during cataract surgery will be minimized. The choice and correct positioning of the lens is the most important stage of this operation. After measurements, the type and grade of the lens to be placed in the patient's eye, the angle at which it will be placed, and the diopter of the lens (which can correct both astigmatism and far and near vision) should be accurately determined. These lenses do not cause allergies and tissue rejection. The intraocular lenses inserted during the operation remain in the patient's eyes for life.
Prices for cataract surgery
To find out the prices for cataract surgery, click on the link below and fill out the form. Our customer service staff will contact you shortly with further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I regain my old vision after cataract surgery?
If there is no reason for reduced vision other than a cataract in the eye, the eye that has undergone cataract surgery regains its previous vision.
- Will I wear glasses after cataract surgery?
During cataract surgery, the lens placed in the eye can be adjusted so that you can see far or near clearly. Thus, if the eye of the operated person is reconfigured for a long distance, then at a distance he can see clearly without glasses, and at a near distance, he will need to use glasses. If the lens inserted during the operation is adjusted for close distance, the person will be able to see near without glasses but will need glasses for a far distance. If a multifocal lens is preferred, myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism can be addressed with a single lens.
- Does my vision need to be severely reduced to have cataract surgery?
No, the operation can be performed at any stage of the cataract, as soon as the cataract is formed and vision begins to decline.
- Does cataract surgery at a very late stage (advanced cataract) affect the success of the operation?
Yes, there is a higher chance of problems with very advanced cataract surgery. In addition, operations for advanced cataracts take longer.
- Do I need to get anesthesia for cataract surgery?
During cataract surgery, anesthesia (general anesthesia) is not used, except for children and infants. During cataract surgery for adult patients, various types of local anesthesia are used. When injected around the eye, the eye becomes numb and insensitive, and eye movements are prevented.
- Can laser surgery be performed after cataract surgery?
If, after examination, your eye is found to be suitable, laser surgery may be performed.
- Will my lazy eye syndrome be cured?
Lazy eye syndrome does not go away after cataract surgery. There are various treatments for lazy eye syndrome.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*Page content is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment
Update Date: 05.01.2023
