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How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

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How Is Cataract Surgery Performed

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery is the procedure of removing the cloudy layer formed in the eye’s lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. The purpose of this operation is to improve the patient’s visual quality and make daily life easier. Specialist doctors such as Dr. Diclehan perform this operation quickly and safely using modern techniques.

How Is Cataract Surgery 

Eye health is one of the most important factors that directly affects quality of life. Cataracts, which cause a decrease in visual acuity, are one of the most common eye diseases, especially in advanced age. The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgical intervention, and today it is performed quite safely with modern techniques.

Op. Dr. Diclehan applies the most up-to-date methods in cataract surgery, providing his patients with clearer vision and improving their quality of life.

What Is a Cataract?

Cataract is the loss of transparency of the natural lens of the eye, causing it to become cloudy and resulting in blurred vision. In a healthy eye, the lens focuses light clearly on the retina. In an eye with cataract, the light scatters, and vision deteriorates.

Symptoms of Cataracts

The most common symptoms of cataracts are

  • Blurry near and distant vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Halos around lights
  • Faded colors
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts mostly develop due to aging. However, diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids, eye injuries, and genetic factors can also lead to cataract formation.

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

Suitable Candidates

  • Individuals whose vision problems make daily life difficult
  • Patients whose vision does not improve with eyeglass changes
  • People who experience problems while driving at night
  • Those who struggle with reading and writing

Unsuitable Conditions

  • Patients with severe eye infections
  • Those with advanced uncontrolled glaucoma
  • Individuals whose general health does not allow surgery

Preparation Before Cataract Surgery

Detailed Eye Examination

Before surgery, the structure of the patient’s eye is examined with detailed devices. Retinal health is checked, eye pressure is measured, and corneal thickness is evaluated.

Eye Measurements

Biometric measurements are taken to determine the power of the artificial lens to be implanted during surgery. These measurements are extremely important for the success of the surgery.

General Health Check

Systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions are taken into account. If necessary, consultations are obtained from related specialists.

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Preparation Before the Operation

On the day of surgery, anesthetic eye drops are applied. In this way, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. If necessary, a mild sedative may be given.

Surgical Methods

Today, the most commonly used method in cataract surgery is phacoemulsification. In this technique, a small incision is made in the eye, and the clouded lens is broken into small pieces with ultrasound waves and then removed.

Implantation of an Artificial Lens

The natural lens that has been removed is replaced with a foldable artificial intraocular lens. This lens remains in the eye for life and restores clear vision.

Duration of the Surgery

Modern cataract surgery usually takes 15–20 minutes. Patients are often discharged the same day.

Types of Lenses Used in Cataract Surgery

Monofocal Lenses

They correct only distance or only near vision. The need for glasses may not be completely eliminated.

Multifocal Lenses

They can correct both near and distance vision. Patients usually achieve the comfort of life without glasses.

Toric Lenses

They are preferred in patients with astigmatism. They provide clearer and higher quality vision.

Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes the importance of selecting the most appropriate lens according to each patient’s lifestyle and eye structure.

Postoperative Process

Recovery Process

In the first few days after surgery, mild burning, stinging, or blurred vision may occur. However, these complaints subside in a short time. Most patients notice improved visual quality within a few days.

Use of Eye Drops

After surgery, antibiotic and corticosteroid drops are prescribed to prevent infection and accelerate healing.

Return to Daily Life

Patients usually return to normal life within a few days. However, heavy sports and strenuous activities should be avoided in the first weeks.

Advantages of Cataract Surgery

  • It improves visual quality.
  • It allows colors to be seen more vividly.
  • It reduces dependence on glasses.
  • It is a safe and fast procedure.

Possible Risks of Cataract Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks in cataract surgery. These include infection, increased intraocular pressure, retinal edema, and lens displacement. However, these risks are very rare and minimized with modern techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

Is the surgery painful?

No, thanks to anesthetic eye drops, the procedure is painless.

Are both eyes operated on at the same time?

Usually, one eye is operated on first, and after a few days or weeks, the second eye is operated on.

Does vision improve immediately after surgery?

In most patients, vision becomes clear within a few days. Full recovery may take several weeks.

Can cataracts recur after surgery?

No, artificial lenses remain in the eye for life. However, posterior capsule opacification may occur, which can easily be treated with a simple laser procedure.

Additional Preoperative Preparation

During the preoperative process, the patient undergoes a detailed eye examination.
Visual acuity is measured.
Eye pressure is checked.
The back of the eye including the retina and optic nerve is evaluated.

In addition, special biometric measurements are taken to select the artificial lens. This ensures that the patient’s near or distance vision is clearer after surgery.

Surgical Techniques Used

Today, cataract surgery is most frequently performed using the phacoemulsification technique. In this method

  • A very small incision is made in the eye.
  • The cloudy lens is broken into pieces using ultrasound energy.
  • The fragments are removed.
  • An artificial lens is implanted.

This method does not require stitches, and the recovery period is short.

Stages of the Operation

Anesthesia: Usually performed with eye drop anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain.
Small incision: A 2–3 mm incision is made to access the inside of the eye.
Removal of the cataract: The cloudy lens is fragmented with ultrasound energy and extracted.
Implantation of the artificial lens: A foldable artificial lens is inserted into the eye.

Dr. Diclehan carries out this process meticulously to ensure maximum comfort for the patient.

Postoperative Process

In the first days after surgery, mild stinging, blurred vision, or watering of the eye may occur. These usually improve within a short time.

  • Antibiotic and corticosteroid drops are used.
  • The eye should be protected from trauma for a period.
  • Dusty and dirty environments should be avoided.
  • Full recovery usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risks. These include infection, increased intraocular pressure, and lens displacement. However, thanks to modern techniques and experienced surgeons, these risks are minimized.

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

Individuals whose blurred vision affects daily life, such as driving, reading books, or other activities, are candidates for cataract surgery.
Dr. Diclehan determines the most suitable time for surgery according to the patient’s visual needs and overall eye health.

Cataracts are a condition that causes vision loss and significantly reduces quality of life. Thanks to modern surgical methods, cataract surgery is now safe, quick, and highly successful.

Op. Dr. Diclehan creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient and provides clearer vision through cataract surgery. With detailed preoperative examination, correct lens selection, and advanced surgical techniques, cataracts are no longer a disease to be feared.