Treatment Services

Cataract Surgeries

What is a Cataract and How Does it Form?

A cataract is a condition in which the natural lens, the transparent structure located behind the iris and pupil of the eye, loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. Normally, light passes through the lens and focuses on the retina, forming a clear image. However, when a cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing through completely, resulting in a unclear image on the retina and blurry vision. This can be likened to foggy glass. In eyes with cataracts, blurred vision varies greatly depending on the degree of the cataract, ranging from mild blurriness to the point where one can only see light. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As we age, the proteins in the natural lens gradually lose their properties, forming opacity and leading to cloudiness. It is generally known as a disease of old age. More than 90% of cataract patients are over 60 years old.

However, there are factors other than old age that can cause cataracts:

Diabetes, glaucoma, inflammatory eye conditions (such as intraocular infections and uveitis), intraocular surgeries such as glaucoma and retinal surgery, eye injuries, and trauma to the eye area can lead to cataract formation. Long-term use of certain eye drops or medications, such as corticosteroids, can accelerate cataract development. The sun's ultraviolet rays can damage proteins in the lens, triggering cataract formation. Genetic predisposition is another factor. Individuals with a family history of cataracts may have a higher risk. Habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption are also among the factors that can increase the risk of cataracts. Furthermore, it should not be assumed that cataracts only occur in the elderly. Cataracts can occur in all age groups, albeit in smaller proportions. For various reasons, cataracts can be found in newborns (congenital cataracts), children, young people, and middle-aged individuals.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

• Decreased vision/blurred or hazy vision
• Depending on the type of cataract, some people experience decreased vision during the day, while others experience decreased vision at night or in low-light environments. • Sensitivity to light/glare in sunny weather
• Impaired night vision/visibility of halos or reflections from oncoming lights while driving
• Double vision in one eye
• Difficulty reading
• Fading or yellowing of colors
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

How is a Cataract Diagnosed? It's actually simple. Cloudiness in the eye lens can be easily seen with a biomicroscope, a special microscope. The pupils are dilated with drops to allow for better examination of the lens. Eyeglass prescription is checked during the examination. Your visual acuity is evaluated. In fact, if your cataract is very dull or white, it may be noticeable even without a biomicroscope.

What is Cataract Treatment Like?

The definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. Medications/drops or glasses do not cure cataracts. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and highly successful surgical operations today.

Examination and Preliminary Assessment

A comprehensive eye examination is performed to diagnose cataracts. During the examination, your eyeglass prescription is checked. Your visual acuity is assessed. Your pupils are dilated with drops, and the anterior and posterior structures of your eye, the cornea, retina, and the condition of your natural lens are examined in detail using a biomicroscope, a special microscope, and some tests are performed. Intraocular pressure is measured to investigate other eye diseases such as glaucoma. Since the cloudy lens, which has lost its transparency due to the cataract, will be removed surgically, tests are performed to determine the appropriate lens and lens power to replace it.

Surgical Process

1- Before Surgery

Since you cannot wash your face or shower after surgery, it is advisable to shower on the morning of the surgery. You will be given a sedative before the surgery. If that is insufficient, it can also be given intravenously. This reduces surgical anxiety and increases compliance. Immediately before the surgery, anesthetic drops will be instilled into your eyes; rarely, an anesthetic injection may be given if necessary. In most cases, general anesthesia is not required. This ensures you do not experience significant pain or discomfort. General anesthesia may be preferred if medically necessary or if the patient is excessively anxious.

2- During Surgery

Cataract surgery may require different procedures depending on the type/condition of the cataract. Although there are some technical differences in the surgeries, the procedure performed in cataract surgery consists of removing the cataract and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Today, cataract surgery is performed using a technique known medically as "phacoemulsification" or simply "phaco," commonly referred to as sutureless cataract surgery with laser technology. A very small incision, approximately 2-3 mm, is made in the cornea. Therefore, sutures are not used unless absolutely necessary. The natural lens of the eye, where the cataract is located, has a very thin capsule at the micron level. A circular hole of approximately 5 mm is made in this capsule. However, the energy used here is not actually laser energy, but ultrasound (sound vibrations) energy. In the phaco technique, the cataract is broken down into small pieces by ultrasound energy and completely removed by suction, leaving the capsule of the natural lens in place. An intraocular lens, suitable for the patient's needs and eye structure, is then placed inside the capsule. Because intraocular lenses are foldable, they can be passed through the 2-3 mm incision via a syringe. This lens remains in the eye for life and provides permanent vision. Cataract surgery involves suturing or attaching different types of lenses to the iris, depending on the type/condition of the cataract. The surgery usually takes 15-30 minutes. This time may be longer for advanced or specific cataracts. Patients are usually discharged the same day.

3- Post-operative and recovery process

The recovery process after cataract surgery is generally fast, and patients can return to their daily lives within a few days. The recovery time may vary depending on the patient's general health and the procedure. Protective glasses may be given on the day of surgery, or an eye bandage may be applied depending on the condition of the surgery. Antibiotic, corticosteroid, and artificial tears are prescribed. These will be used as directed by your doctor.

Within the first 24 hours, there may be a slight discomfort or blurring in the eye, but this is usually temporary and resolves on its own. Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within the first week after surgery. It may take up to several weeks to achieve full recovery and final visual clarity.

Routine check-ups are usually on day 1, week 3, and month 3 after surgery, but your doctor may change the frequency and duration of check-ups if deemed appropriate.

Post-operative precautions

• Resting at home for the first 24 hours is advisable.
• You can return to your daily life after 24 hours. • The eyes should absolutely not be rubbed. If you have been given protective dark-tinted glasses to wear while sleeping the night before the surgery, you must wear them.
• If you have been given an eye bandage, you must use it for the duration recommended by your doctor.
• Washing your face and showering are not recommended within the first 48 hours.
• You may need to wear sunglasses for 7-10 days. This is necessary to protect you from sunlight, impacts, and foreign objects in your eyes. • Driving is not recommended for the first week.

Rare but Possible Problems After Cataract Surgery

Remaining refractive error: If refractive error remains, it can be removed with Excimer Laser if there are no contraindications.

Cornea edema: This can develop if the innermost layer of the cornea is damaged during surgery. It will usually resolve with drops prescribed by your doctor.

High intraocular pressure (glaucoma): This is a condition that can occur after intraocular surgeries. It causes eye pain. It will usually resolve with drops prescribed by your doctor.

Eye infection: Infections can occur after intraocular surgeries, although very rare. It is a serious condition and requires early intervention.

Bleeding: Bleeding may occur in the vessels of the iris tissue or inside the eye. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, medication/drops or, rarely, additional surgery may be required.

Retinal tear: This is a rare condition that can occur after intraocular surgeries. It should be treated by a retinal specialist.

Secondary cataract may develop: Posterior capsule opacification is the clouding of the capsule containing the artificial lens over the years following surgery. This condition can be easily corrected with simple laser treatment.

Halos and glare: More common in multifocal lenses. They become almost imperceptible in about 3-6 months.

Also: Rarely, the expected improvement in vision may not be achieved after surgery. Vision may even worsen. It is important to get detailed information about these risks from your doctor. *Since every surgery has its own risks, the risks listed above, although rare, must be explained to the patient.

 *HOWEVER, IT ENDS WITHOUT PROBLEMS IN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF TIMES.

“The results of any surgical or interventional procedure can vary from person to person. It is recommended that you get a detailed consultation with your doctor before the procedure.”

Publication Date: 20.01.2026

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