Cataract Treatment
Cataract is defined as the condition where the transparent lens in the eye fails to transmit light effectively into the eye. There are many important reasons for cataract problems. However, the primary cause is the aging process, which leads to changes in the protein structure of the lens in the eye. This causes the lens to become cloudy, making vision difficult. The risk of developing cataracts in individuals aged 52-64 is approximately 50%.
Causes of Cataracts
While cataracts are frequently seen in older age groups, they can also occur at younger ages. Additionally, some types of cataracts are congenital. The most common causes include:
Cataract development is common among eye diseases. However, cataract treatment is possible today and should be handled by specialist doctors.
How is Cataract Treatment Performed?
Cataract treatment involves surgical intervention performed by a specialist doctor in an operating room. After ensuring sterile conditions, cataract surgery is conducted with the aid of an operating microscope. The duration of the operation varies depending on the hardness of the cataract and the features of the lens to be used. The process typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes.
The use of anesthesia varies depending on the patient's condition. If suitable for the patient, sedation and topical drop anesthesia are preferred. Anesthesia ensures the numbing of the eye, helping the patient feel no pain, although slight touches may be felt. Additionally, the patient's pulse and blood pressure are regularly monitored during the operation.
Local or general anesthesia may also be applied based on the doctor's discretion. The only cure for cataract disease is surgery. Delaying surgery can cause the cataract to harden, increasing the risk of complications.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is among the most reliable operations. It is also an easily performed operation, making it an important factor in quickly addressing cataract problems, especially when performed early. It is one of the diseases where the risk is minimized with early intervention.
Phaco Method for Cataract Treatment
Phaco surgery is one of the most commonly used methods in cataract treatment. Its main advantage is that it involves mini incisions and is performed mostly under drop anesthesia. During this procedure, stitches are not used. Cataract surgery requires microsurgery. For the success of phaco surgery, the doctor must be highly experienced in this field. It is important to conduct thorough preoperative examinations and ensure the operating room is well sterilized. Additionally, the quality of the materials used directly affects the success of the surgery.
Premium Smart Trifocal Lenses
Premium smart trifocal lenses help you see clearly without glasses at near, intermediate, and far distances. While single-focus lenses necessitate the use of reading glasses, trifocal lenses offer three focal points, eliminating the need for glasses. The three focal points allow patients to perform activities at different distances without glasses.
Premium Smart Trifocal Toric Lenses
Premium smart trifocal toric lenses are widely used in cataract treatment today. Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases. They are defined as the clouding of the lens in the eye, preventing sufficient light from reaching the eye. Cataracts can arise due to many different causes. The most important cause is age. As age progresses, certain changes occur in the protein structure of the lens, leading to blurry vision problems.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are a type of smart lens used to treat multiple eye defects. Some patients may have problems seeing both near and far. For these conditions, they may need to use two different types of glasses. Some may also have difficulty seeing near while seeing far clearly. Smart lenses have been developed to correct different conditions simultaneously. Multifocal lenses are one of these.
Monofocal Lenses
Monofocal lenses are a type of lens placed in the eye during cataract surgery. Cataracts occur when the clear lens in the eye becomes cloudy and loses its light-transmitting ability due to various reasons. This problem can arise for many reasons, including excessive sun exposure, eye trauma, aging, exposure to toxic chemicals, and more. In addition, the use of high doses of corticosteroids and changes in body metabolism can also cause cataracts. The most important treatment for this problem is surgery.
Monofocal Toric Lenses
Monofocal toric lenses help correct astigmatism by providing a single focal point. These lenses are used during cataract surgery when the natural lens of the person with cataracts is removed and replaced. Astigmatism is a condition where vision becomes blurry due to an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. These lenses correct the irregular curvature and provide clear vision. Monofocal toric lenses only provide a focus for distant objects. Therefore, patients may need additional visual aids (reading glasses) to see nearby objects.
Does Cataract Return After Surgery?
Once the cataract-affected lens is removed during surgery, cataracts do not recur. During the operation, the cataractous lens is removed, and a lens is placed in a capsule (thin membrane). However, over time, the thin membrane may thicken and the membrane that holds the lens in place may whiten. This is natural and can be treated with YAG laser. However, this is not a result or effect of the surgery.
Vision Level After Cataract Surgery
Cataract treatment generally improves vision if there are no other eye diseases. The clarity of vision also depends on the type of lens recommended by the doctor and chosen by the patient. Monofocal lenses are preferred for clear vision at long distances. If clear vision is desired at both long, intermediate, and close distances, trifocal smart lenses are chosen.
Are Eye Drops Used After Cataract Surgery?
After surgery, the patient must use the eye drops prescribed by the doctor. If deemed appropriate, the eye is kept closed for 4-12 hours. Additionally, the drops are used as instructed by the doctor. It is sufficient for the patient to use the drops while awake. If multiple drops are prescribed, they should be used with a 5-minute interval between each. Care should be taken not to touch the eye with hands while applying the drops. Avoid contact with water. If excess drops run down your cheek, you can gently wipe it off, but avoid rubbing your eyes.
Precautions After Cataract Surgery
The precautions to be taken and things to avoid after cataract treatment are as follows:
Additionally, avoid swimming and steam rooms for a month.
How Much Does Cataract Treatment Cost?
The cost of cataract treatment can vary from person to person, and one of the most important factors in determining these costs is the surgical technique used. Generally, the cost of cataract surgery varies depending on the features of the smart lens chosen by the patient. Your ophthalmologist will help you choose the most suitable smart lens for your profession and lifestyle. Therefore, the cost of cataract surgery may vary based on the characteristics of the selected lens.
For appointment and price information, please click here.The above information is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please schedule an appointment with our eye doctors.