Eye health is one of the most important factors that directly affects quality of life. Cataract is one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide. It occurs when the eye’s natural lens gradually loses its transparency and becomes cloudy over time. The most effective treatment method is cataract surgery.
Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Diclehan states, “Although cataracts usually develop due to aging, they may sometimes be congenital or occur after trauma. The only treatment is surgery.”
In this article, you will find detailed information about the causes, symptoms, surgical process, recovery period and modern treatment methods of cataracts.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally has a transparent structure. In a healthy eye, the lens focuses light clearly onto the retina. When a cataract develops, light cannot pass through normally, causing blurred vision.
Op. Dr. Diclehan explains, “Cataracts cause blurred vision, faded colors and poor night vision. If left untreated, vision loss may worsen over time.”
Cataracts are most commonly the result of the natural aging process. However, several other factors may trigger their development.
Most common in individuals over the age of 60 due to lens degeneration.
Trauma or previous eye surgery may lead to cataract formation.
Certain medications, especially corticosteroids, increase the risk of cataracts.
Diabetes disrupts protein structure in the lens.
Free radicals damage the lens tissue.
A family history of cataracts increases the risk.
Op. Dr. Diclehan notes, “Cataracts are not seen only in the elderly. They may also develop in younger individuals following trauma, metabolic diseases or medication use.”
Because cataracts progress slowly, they may go unnoticed at first. Over time, vision quality significantly declines.
• Blurred vision
• Faded colors
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Light sensitivity
• Poor night vision
• Double or shadowed vision
• Difficulty reading
Op. Dr. Diclehan says, “Patients often describe it as ‘a fog in front of my eyes’. This is the most typical sign of cataracts.”
Cataracts may appear in different forms and treatment planning depends on the type.
Forms in the central part of the lens and is usually age-related.
White, wedge-shaped opacities appear around the edges of the lens.
Forms at the back of the lens and causes particular difficulty in bright light.
Present at birth due to genetic factors or maternal infections during pregnancy.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes, “Regardless of the type, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.”
Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination, which includes:
• Visual acuity testing
• Slit-lamp examination
• Retinal examination
• Eye pressure measurement
Op. Dr. Diclehan states, “Early diagnosis is very important. If cataracts are detected before they progress, surgery is easier and success rates are higher.”
Early-stage cataracts may not affect daily life. However, as they progress, vision loss worsens.
• Vision becomes blurry
• Driving becomes difficult
• Reading becomes hard
• Colors are difficult to distinguish
• Light sensitivity increases
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “You should not wait until complete vision loss to undergo surgery. When vision quality begins to decrease, surgery should be planned.”
There is no effective medication or eye drop for cataract treatment. The only permanent solution is removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.
Also known as “stitch-free cataract surgery.”
Step-by-Step Procedure
• Eye drops are used for anesthesia — no pain is felt
• A 2–3 mm incision is made in the cornea
• The cloudy lens is broken apart with ultrasound energy
• Lens fragments are removed
• A foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted
• The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “With the FAKO method, the patient is discharged the same day. Vision usually becomes clear within a few days.”
Some steps are performed using a femtosecond laser, allowing greater precision.
• Less ultrasound energy
• Faster recovery
• Reduced risk of astigmatism
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “Laser-assisted cataract surgery is preferred in cases requiring precision, especially when advanced lens technology will be used.”
After removing the natural lens, an artificial intraocular lens is implanted.
Monofocal Lens
Provides clear distance vision; glasses are needed for near tasks.
Bifocal Lens
Improves both near and distance vision.
Trifocal Lens
Provides clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances.
Toric Lens
Used in patients with astigmatism.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “The same lens is not suitable for everyone. The best choice depends on the patient’s lifestyle, eye structure and needs.”
Recovery is usually comfortable, but certain rules must be followed.
Mild blurriness may occur at first, but clear vision is typically restored within 3–5 days.
Antibiotic and steroid drops must be used regularly.
Scheduled for day 1, week 1 and month 1.
Avoid soap, water or makeup entering the eye.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “Proper postoperative care speeds recovery. The eye should not be rubbed and hygiene is very important.”
Modern cataract surgery is very safe, but like any surgery carries some risks:
• Eye infection (endophthalmitis)
• Retinal swelling
• Increased eye pressure
• Posterior capsule opacification
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “When performed by experienced surgeons, complication rates are below 1%.”
Surgery may be postponed when:
• There is an active eye infection
• Severe retinal disease is present
• Uncontrolled glaucoma exists
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “A detailed pre-operative evaluation is essential because the general condition of the eye directly affects success.”
• Avoid dusty environments
• Do not touch or rub the eye
• Avoid heavy exercise for 1 week
• New glasses are usually prescribed after 3–4 weeks
• No shower water or makeup should contact the eye for 5 days
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “The first 7 days are critical. Medication and hygiene must not be neglected.”
Is cataract surgery painful?
No. It is performed under topical anesthesia.
How long does surgery take?
About 10–15 minutes.
When does vision improve?
Usually within 3–5 days.
Are both eyes operated on at once?
Usually no — a few days or weeks are left in between.
Can cataracts come back?
The cataract itself does not return, but capsule clouding may develop later easily treated with laser.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “If vision becomes blurry again after surgery, don’t worry it is usually capsule thickening and can be fixed in minutes with laser.”
Most patients return to daily life the next day. Full recovery takes 3–4 weeks.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “Cataract surgery is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. Most patients regain clear vision within a few days.”
Untreated cataracts may progress to severe and even total vision loss. Hardened cataracts also make surgery more difficult.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “Cataracts may cause blindness therefore, delaying treatment is risky.”
With modern techniques, success rates exceed 98%.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “The key is personalized planning. Every eye is unique.”
The cost depends on:
• Type of lens
• Surgical method
• Technology used
• Medical center and surgeon
Public hospitals may cover standard lenses under insurance. Private clinics vary.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “What matters is not the price, but the technology and lens quality because your vision comfort will last for years.”
Vision quality depends on the lens selected. Trifocal lenses allow clear vision at all distances often eliminating the need for glasses.
Op. Dr. Diclehan: “Cataract surgery doesn’t just restore sight it improves quality of life.”
Cataract surgery is the most effective and permanent treatment for cataract-related vision loss. Thanks to modern technology, it is now painless, stitch-free and completed in a short time.
Early diagnosis, correct lens selection and experienced surgical care restore clear vision and quality of life.
Op. Dr. Diclehan summarizes:
Although cataracts may be an inevitable part of aging, they are treatable. With regular check-ups, early diagnosis and proper treatment, vision comfort can be regained.
Experience healthy vision with our clinic that provides expert and reliable eye health and treatment services.
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