The sense of sight is one of the most important abilities that directly affects a person’s quality of life. However, due to aging, metabolic diseases, or environmental factors, the eye’s natural lens may gradually lose its transparency. In this case, a visual impairment called cataract develops.
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which normally should be clear. This condition prevents light from properly reaching the retina and causes vision to gradually deteriorate. The only permanent solution for cataracts is surgery.
Ophthalmology specialist Op. Dr. Diclehan explains the necessity of surgery as follows:
“Cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses. If visual blur has progressed, the only treatment is surgery.”
The eye forms a clear image through the lens and the retina. The lens refracts light entering through the cornea and focuses it onto the retina. When the lens loses its transparency, light cannot be properly focused.
Cataract refers to this loss of lens clarity. In this condition, the person sees as if looking through a foggy or steamed-up window.
Cataracts may go unnoticed in the early stages. Over time, however, colors fade, night vision becomes difficult, and clarity is lost.
Op. Dr. Diclehan states:
“Cataracts progress slowly but cannot be stopped. They do not improve with glasses or medication. The only solution is surgery.”
Cataracts may develop due to several reasons. The most common cause is aging, but certain factors accelerate the process:
“Cataracts have no age limit. Sun exposure, smoking, and diabetes may cause early lens clouding,” says Op. Dr. Diclehan.
Cataracts usually progress slowly, so many people do not notice the vision loss at first. However, the following symptoms indicate the need for surgery:
According to Op. Dr. Diclehan:
“When car headlights or night lights begin to disturb you, it means the time for surgery has come.”
Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or glasses. Advanced cataracts can only be corrected with surgery. Therefore, cataract surgery is performed to restore visual quality and daily comfort.
To Prevent Progressive Vision Loss:
If untreated, cataracts may eventually cause severe vision impairment.
To Improve Daily Function:
Reading, driving, and watching television become difficult. After surgery, patients regain clear vision.
To Diagnose Other Eye Diseases:
Cataracts block the view of deeper eye structures such as the retina and optic nerve. After surgery, these structures can be clearly examined.
Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes:
“Cataracts not only affect vision but also hide other eye diseases. Timely surgery is essential.”
By 2025, cataract surgery is a painless, suture-free procedure thanks to modern technology. The most commonly used technique is phacoemulsification (ultrasound).
Steps of the procedure include:
“Today, cataract surgery takes only 10–15 minutes. There is no pain, no stitches, and vision returns quickly,” explains Op. Dr. Diclehan.
Recovery is generally rapid. Patients go home the same day and see more clearly within a few days.
Precautions include:
In the past, cataracts were left until they matured. Today, surgery is recommended as soon as visual comfort declines.
Success rates have reached 99% with modern systems such as:
Untreated cataracts may cause:
People who experience:
“Age is not the main factor — reduced visual comfort is,” says Op. Dr. Diclehan.
After surgery:
“Patients often say, ‘The colors have returned to life,’” notes Op. Dr. Diclehan.
Cataracts significantly reduce vision and quality of life if untreated. They cannot be corrected with medication or glasses — the only solution is modern cataract surgery.
By 2025, cataract surgery has become highly safe, comfortable, and effective, restoring clear vision and daily comfort when performed at the right time.