Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a surgical intervention performed to treat a condition causing vision loss due to the clouding of the eye’s lens. This procedure aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and ensure clear vision by removing the lens and usually inserting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is the opacification of the eye lens, typically due to aging, genetic factors, eye injuries, or prolonged use of certain medications. This condition prevents clear image perception.

Surgical Techniques:

Phacoemulsification: This is the most commonly used technique. In this method, the clouded lens is liquefied and aspirated using ultrasonic waves. Then, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted.

Extracapsular Surgery: This involves removing the lens in one piece. This method is less commonly used.

IOL Selection:

The type of artificial lens is determined based on the patient’s visual needs, age, and health status.

Options include monofocal, multifocal, or toric lenses.

Surgical Process:

The surgery is generally performed under drop anesthesia and lasts about 5-10 minutes.

The surgery is done under a microscope, and the incision made is very small, making it a sutureless procedure.

Patient’s Recovery Process:

The patient does not need to be hospitalized. They are discharged immediately.

There is generally a quick recovery process after cataract surgery.

The use of glasses or eye drops continues according to the plan determined by the surgeon.

Risks and Complications:

Cataract surgery is usually a successful procedure, but complications such as infection, lens displacement, or retinal tears can occur, albeit rarely.

Every patient is different, so it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the best options for cataract surgery and assess the individual situation.