Cataract Treatment
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is an eye condition in which the eye’s natural lens—located behind the pupil—gradually loses its transparency over time, leading to blurred vision. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and older individuals, can affect vision quality, and may require treatment.
Early-Stage Cataract
Just behind the pupil, the natural lens provides about +10 diopters of focusing power for distance vision and +13 diopters for near vision. As we age, the lens may lose its clarity and become cloudy. In the early stages, cataract may not significantly affect vision because it does not initially cover the entire lens. Early changes typically include duller colors and a reduction in visual quality.
How Does a Cataract Eye See?
With cataract, vision may feel like looking through a fogged or frosted window. As the cataract progresses, it can noticeably reduce vision and negatively affect daily life. Cataract can be diagnosed with a simple eye examination. However, a detailed eye exam is essential to determine whether other eye diseases are present. During the evaluation—before surgery planning—the following are assessed in detail: corneal clarity, cataract structure, lens position, pupil dilation, and retinal status. Based on these findings, the patient’s suitability for cataract treatment and surgery is evaluated.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Common symptoms include:
Decreased visual acuity
Reduced night vision
Blurry vision in bright/sunny conditions
Sensitivity to light
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Dull or faded colors
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
It is not possible to completely prevent cataracts. However, certain measures may reduce the risk:
Protecting eyes from sunlight and using sunglasses
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Keeping diabetes under good control (for individuals with diabetes)
At What Ages Do Cataracts Occur?
Cataracts commonly begin to appear between 50–60 years of age, with mild clouding and hardening of the lens. However, they can also occur earlier, even in infancy. Cataracts may also be seen in people with diabetes, those who have experienced eye trauma, or patients who use corticosteroids for long periods.
Can Cataracts Be Treated with Medication or Glasses?
No. Once a cataract has formed, it cannot be reversed with medication or glasses. The only effective treatment is surgery. As cataracts progress, they increasingly reduce vision and begin to interfere with daily life. The technology used and the quality of the intraocular lens implanted play a major role in surgical success and, most importantly, in the patient’s visual quality.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
Cataract surgery typically takes 15–20 minutes. The patient can usually be discharged the same day. If both eyes are affected, surgery is performed on each eye at intervals determined by the physician.
What Is the Treatment for Cataract?
The only treatment is surgery. The cloudy natural lens is removed. Once removed, the eye loses its natural focusing power (approximately 10 diopters for distance and 13 diopters for near). Therefore, during surgery, a new intraocular lens (IOL) with the required power is implanted.
Today, the most widely used method is phacoemulsification (phaco). Depending on the surgeon’s preference, it can be performed under topical drops, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Because stitches are usually not required, it may mistakenly be referred to as “laser cataract surgery.” However, there is also true laser-assisted cataract surgery: femtosecond laser–assisted phaco, where certain surgical steps are performed with a laser first, and the remaining steps are completed with phaco. Computer-assisted femtosecond laser technology—among the most advanced worldwide—can increase surgical safety and support precise positioning of the implanted lens.
Intraocular Lens Options
Equally important as the surgical technology is the choice of intraocular lens. During cataract surgery:
Existing astigmatism can be corrected,
The need for distance and/or near glasses may be reduced or eliminated.
If a monofocal lens is implanted without considering astigmatism, the patient may need glasses for both distance and near.
If a monofocal lens that corrects astigmatism is used, the patient may see distance without glasses but typically needs reading glasses.
For patients who want to be less dependent on glasses for both distance and near, options include trifocal lenses, EDOF lenses, new-technology monofocal lenses, or accommodating lenses.
In suitable patients who are at the age of needing reading glasses—even without cataract—it may also be possible to achieve a glasses-free lifestyle by performing early lens surgery and implanting a premium lens.
What Should Be Considered Before Cataract Surgery?
With modern techniques, cataract surgery is generally performed painlessly. Success depends not only on the surgeon’s experience, but also on the technology used, consumables, and the quality of the implanted lens.
With the right lens selection, patients can see clearly after surgery and gain significant improvement in quality of life. Lens selection should consider factors such as the patient’s age, lifestyle, hobbies, occupation, and ocular anatomy. The lenses used should have undergone sufficient testing and have documented quality certification.
Is Cataract Surgery Risky?
As with all surgeries, cataract surgery carries some risks. However, thanks to modern techniques and technology, the success rate is very high. Timely intervention helps minimize the risk of complications. Lens choice and correct implantation are among the most critical steps. The lens type, power, and implantation axis are determined precisely based on preoperative measurements (including astigmatism and correction of distance/near). These lenses do not cause allergies and are not rejected by the body. Intraocular lenses implanted during surgery typically remain in the eye for life.
Cataract Surgery Prices
For cataract surgery pricing, you can click the link below and fill in the form. Our patient representatives will contact you as soon as possible with detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I regain my previous vision after cataract surgery?
If there is no other condition in the eye reducing vision, the operated eye can regain its previous visual capability.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
The implanted lens power can be adjusted to prioritize distance or near vision. If distance is targeted, the patient may see distance clearly without glasses but usually needs reading glasses. If the eye is intentionally left slightly myopic, near vision may be possible without glasses, but distance glasses may be needed. With multifocal lenses, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism may be addressed with a single lens.
Do I need my vision to become very poor before I can have cataract surgery?
No. Surgery can be performed at any stage after cataract develops and vision begins to decrease.
Does having cataract surgery very late (advanced cataract) affect success?
Yes. Very advanced cataracts have a higher likelihood of surgical difficulty and complications, and the operation may take longer.
Do I need general anesthesia for cataract surgery?
General anesthesia is not typically used in adults, except in children and infants. In adults, various types of local anesthesia are used. The eye can be numbed with an injection around the eye, which also reduces eye movement.
If I later need laser vision correction, can I have it after cataract surgery?
If your eye is found suitable after examination, laser vision correction may be possible.
Will amblyopia (lazy eye) improve?
Cataract surgery does not treat amblyopia. Different treatment methods are available for amblyopia.
*This page content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last updated: 05.01.2023
A cataract is an eye condition in which the eye’s natural lens—located behind the pupil—gradually loses its transparency over time, leading to blurred vision. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and older individuals, can affect vision quality, and may require treatment.
Early-Stage Cataract
Just behind the pupil, the natural lens provides about +10 diopters of focusing power for distance vision and +13 diopters for near vision. As we age, the lens may lose its clarity and become cloudy. In the early stages, cataract may not significantly affect vision because it does not initially cover the entire lens. Early changes typically include duller colors and a reduction in visual quality.
How Does a Cataract Eye See?
With cataract, vision may feel like looking through a fogged or frosted window. As the cataract progresses, it can noticeably reduce vision and negatively affect daily life. Cataract can be diagnosed with a simple eye examination. However, a detailed eye exam is essential to determine whether other eye diseases are present. During the evaluation—before surgery planning—the following are assessed in detail: corneal clarity, cataract structure, lens position, pupil dilation, and retinal status. Based on these findings, the patient’s suitability for cataract treatment and surgery is evaluated.
What Are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Common symptoms include:
Decreased visual acuity
Reduced night vision
Blurry vision in bright/sunny conditions
Sensitivity to light
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Dull or faded colors
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
It is not possible to completely prevent cataracts. However, certain measures may reduce the risk:
Protecting eyes from sunlight and using sunglasses
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Keeping diabetes under good control (for individuals with diabetes)
At What Ages Do Cataracts Occur?
Cataracts commonly begin to appear between 50–60 years of age, with mild clouding and hardening of the lens. However, they can also occur earlier, even in infancy. Cataracts may also be seen in people with diabetes, those who have experienced eye trauma, or patients who use corticosteroids for long periods.
Can Cataracts Be Treated with Medication or Glasses?
No. Once a cataract has formed, it cannot be reversed with medication or glasses. The only effective treatment is surgery. As cataracts progress, they increasingly reduce vision and begin to interfere with daily life. The technology used and the quality of the intraocular lens implanted play a major role in surgical success and, most importantly, in the patient’s visual quality.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Take?
Cataract surgery typically takes 15–20 minutes. The patient can usually be discharged the same day. If both eyes are affected, surgery is performed on each eye at intervals determined by the physician.
What Is the Treatment for Cataract?
The only treatment is surgery. The cloudy natural lens is removed. Once removed, the eye loses its natural focusing power (approximately 10 diopters for distance and 13 diopters for near). Therefore, during surgery, a new intraocular lens (IOL) with the required power is implanted.
Today, the most widely used method is phacoemulsification (phaco). Depending on the surgeon’s preference, it can be performed under topical drops, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Because stitches are usually not required, it may mistakenly be referred to as “laser cataract surgery.” However, there is also true laser-assisted cataract surgery: femtosecond laser–assisted phaco, where certain surgical steps are performed with a laser first, and the remaining steps are completed with phaco. Computer-assisted femtosecond laser technology—among the most advanced worldwide—can increase surgical safety and support precise positioning of the implanted lens.
Intraocular Lens Options
Equally important as the surgical technology is the choice of intraocular lens. During cataract surgery:
Existing astigmatism can be corrected,
The need for distance and/or near glasses may be reduced or eliminated.
If a monofocal lens is implanted without considering astigmatism, the patient may need glasses for both distance and near.
If a monofocal lens that corrects astigmatism is used, the patient may see distance without glasses but typically needs reading glasses.
For patients who want to be less dependent on glasses for both distance and near, options include trifocal lenses, EDOF lenses, new-technology monofocal lenses, or accommodating lenses.
In suitable patients who are at the age of needing reading glasses—even without cataract—it may also be possible to achieve a glasses-free lifestyle by performing early lens surgery and implanting a premium lens.
What Should Be Considered Before Cataract Surgery?
With modern techniques, cataract surgery is generally performed painlessly. Success depends not only on the surgeon’s experience, but also on the technology used, consumables, and the quality of the implanted lens.
With the right lens selection, patients can see clearly after surgery and gain significant improvement in quality of life. Lens selection should consider factors such as the patient’s age, lifestyle, hobbies, occupation, and ocular anatomy. The lenses used should have undergone sufficient testing and have documented quality certification.
Is Cataract Surgery Risky?
As with all surgeries, cataract surgery carries some risks. However, thanks to modern techniques and technology, the success rate is very high. Timely intervention helps minimize the risk of complications. Lens choice and correct implantation are among the most critical steps. The lens type, power, and implantation axis are determined precisely based on preoperative measurements (including astigmatism and correction of distance/near). These lenses do not cause allergies and are not rejected by the body. Intraocular lenses implanted during surgery typically remain in the eye for life.
Cataract Surgery Prices
For cataract surgery pricing, you can click the link below and fill in the form. Our patient representatives will contact you as soon as possible with detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I regain my previous vision after cataract surgery?
If there is no other condition in the eye reducing vision, the operated eye can regain its previous visual capability.
Will I need glasses after cataract surgery?
The implanted lens power can be adjusted to prioritize distance or near vision. If distance is targeted, the patient may see distance clearly without glasses but usually needs reading glasses. If the eye is intentionally left slightly myopic, near vision may be possible without glasses, but distance glasses may be needed. With multifocal lenses, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism may be addressed with a single lens.
Do I need my vision to become very poor before I can have cataract surgery?
No. Surgery can be performed at any stage after cataract develops and vision begins to decrease.
Does having cataract surgery very late (advanced cataract) affect success?
Yes. Very advanced cataracts have a higher likelihood of surgical difficulty and complications, and the operation may take longer.
Do I need general anesthesia for cataract surgery?
General anesthesia is not typically used in adults, except in children and infants. In adults, various types of local anesthesia are used. The eye can be numbed with an injection around the eye, which also reduces eye movement.
If I later need laser vision correction, can I have it after cataract surgery?
If your eye is found suitable after examination, laser vision correction may be possible.
Will amblyopia (lazy eye) improve?
Cataract surgery does not treat amblyopia. Different treatment methods are available for amblyopia.
*This page content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last updated: 05.01.2023
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