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Why Is Cataract Surgery Performed

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Why Is Cataract Surgery Performed

Why Is Cataract Surgery Performed

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.”

What Is a Cataract?

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.”

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts may develop due to several reasons. The most common cause is aging, but certain factors accelerate the process:

  • Aging – the structure of the lens changes after the age of 40
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Diabetes (high blood sugar)
  • Eye injuries or trauma
  • Long-term UV exposure (sunlight)
  • Long-term steroid (cortisone) use
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption

“Cataracts have no age limit. Sun exposure, smoking, and diabetes may cause early lens clouding,” says Op. Dr. Diclehan.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts usually progress slowly, so many people do not notice the vision loss at first. However, the following symptoms indicate the need for surgery:

  • Blurred or cloudy vision
  • Faded colors
  • Light sensitivity and glare
  • Poor night vision
  • Double or ghost images
  • Difficulty reading
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

According to Op. Dr. Diclehan:
When car headlights or night lights begin to disturb you, it means the time for surgery has come.”

Why Is Cataract Surgery Necessary?

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.”

How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

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:

  • The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops
  • A tiny 2–3 mm incision is made
  • The cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound and removed
  • An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted
  • The incision seals naturally without stitches

Today, cataract surgery takes only 10–15 minutes. There is no pain, no stitches, and vision returns quickly,” explains Op. Dr. Diclehan.

Types of Cataract Surgery

  • Phacoemulsification (Ultrasound method)
  • Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
  • Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS)

Intraocular Lenses Used in Surgery

  • Monofocal lenses – correct distance vision
  • Multifocal lenses – correct both near and distance vision
  • Toric lenses – correct astigmatism

After Cataract Surgery

Recovery is generally rapid. Patients go home the same day and see more clearly within a few days.

Precautions include:

  • Avoid rubbing the eye
  • Avoid dusty environments
  • Use prescribed eye drops
  • Wear sunglasses
  • Avoid heavy exercise for one week

When Should Cataract Surgery Be Done?

In the past, cataracts were left until they matured. Today, surgery is recommended as soon as visual comfort declines.

How Safe Is Cataract Surgery in 2025?

Success rates have reached 99% with modern systems such as:

  • 3D imaging
  • Laser-guided incisions
  • High-speed ultrasound systems

What Happens If Cataracts Are Not Treated?

Untreated cataracts may cause:

  • Severe vision loss
  • Secondary glaucoma
  • Difficulty diagnosing other eye diseases

Who Should Have Cataract Surgery?

People who experience:

  • Significant vision loss
  • Difficulty reading or driving
  • Faded colors
  • Night driving problems

“Age is not the main factor — reduced visual comfort is,” says Op. Dr. Diclehan.

Results of Cataract Surgery

After surgery:

  • Visual clarity improves rapidly
  • Colors appear brighter
  • Light sensitivity decreases
  • Many patients reduce dependency on glasses

“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.