Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is the process of changing the lens in the eye to an artificial lens. The lens in the eye is normally transparent, but with cataract, the lens loses its transparency, causing vision deterioration. With cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is changed, allowing people to have a problem-free vision. Cataract surgery, which is very common, is among the safest types of surgery.

With the formation of cataract in the eye, the lens of the eye begins to become opaque. This causes flashes of light and blurred vision. Due to cataracts, it becomes difficult to perform even some daily activities. People with cataracts find it difficult to drive or continue their current job. The indispensable parts of daily life such as reading books, watching TV, cooking, shopping, taking medicine, climbing stairs are very difficult to fulfill. In addition, bright lights are very challenging for cataract patients.
Types of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is divided into two as phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction. Phacoemulsification surgery, also known as FAKO in short, is the most commonly performed cataract surgery. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the outer corner of the eye. The center and hardened parts of the lens are refracted by ultrasonic waves. The remaining cataract fragments are also vacuumed.

In extracapsular cataract extraction, an incision is made in the upper part of the eye and the hardened center of the lens is removed. The remaining part is taken by vacuuming. After the cataract lens is removed, an intraocular lens is placed through the same opening. The implanted intraocular lens is synthetic and does not require any maintenance. Once inserted, it becomes part of the eye. In addition, since the beam can pass to the retina, vision improvement is achieved. The biggest advantage of the intraocular lens is that it cannot be felt in any way.

After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a very short operation. It is completed in approximately 20 minutes in both types. Patients rest for a while after the operation. After cataract surgery, patients are discharged on the same day. Within a few hours after the surgery, patients begin to notice that the colors are brighter, as the opaque lens is replaced by a transparent one. However, it is perfectly normal for the image to be blurry and sensitive to light during the first few days. The most common complaints after surgery are dryness, itching, burning and redness of the eyes. These complaints disappear spontaneously within a few days.

In order to prevent infection, inflammation or high pressure in the eye, patients should use eye drops and medication for a while. It is recommended to wear a protector to protect the eyes during sleep. In order to control the healing process, it is usually necessary to go to a specialist doctor 3 - 4 weeks after the operation. However, an eye test should be performed approximately 1 month after the operation and glasses should be changed if necessary.

Cataract Risk Factors

The problem of cataracts is generally related to aging. Rarely, babies are born with cataracts. This condition is called congenital cataract. It is also possible to develop cataracts in childhood as a result of an injury or illness. The risk of cataracts increases significantly along with eye problems in people who are overexposed to ultraviolet light. Apart from these, diabetes, smoking, eye trauma, corticosteroid use and exposure to radiation significantly increase the risk of cataracts.

Although the risk factors for cataract are known, the exact cause of cataract is still unknown. Because while cataracts do not occur in people with several of these risk factors, cataract formation may occur in people who do not have any risk factors. Not smoking, wearing a hat and sunglasses when going out in the sun, limiting alcohol intake and keeping blood sugar levels under control are among the measures that reduce the risk of cataracts.