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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Sep 15, 2024

What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure used to treat cataract conditions, which refers to the clouding of the natural lens of the eye, often leading to a decrease in the patient's vision. Cataract, which can affect one eye or both, usually develops slowly, over a long period. Cataract symptoms include one or more of the following: 

  •  Blurry vision 
  •  Less vivid color vision
  •  Halos around light 
  •  Trouble seeing at night 

Patients suffering from cataracts have a problem, especially with reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Although most cataracts are related to aging, the condition is also linked to depression and an increased risk of accidents such as falling.

By age 80, more than half of all Americans have a cataract or have had cataract surgery, and cataract causes 50% of the world’s blindness. 

Cataracts can be caused by one or more of the following: 

  • Depression
  • Radiation 
  • Genetics 
  • Skin diseases 
  • Smoking 
  • Medications 

Other factors that can cause cataracts and ultimately lead to cataract surgery include: 

  • Diabetes 
  • Hypertension 
  • Poor nutrition 
  • High alcohol intake 

Although early cataract symptoms may be corrected by wearing glasses, many people require cataract surgery to regain their vision. They choose to undergo cataract surgery by evaluating various cost alternatives in (usually) private clinics where successful surgeons are involved. 

Cataract Surgery Recovery Time

You will experience complete recovery eight weeks after the cataract surgery. The ophthalmologists will arrange follow-up visits to ensure the eye is healing following the operation.

How is Cataract Procedure Performed?

Cataract surgery is a procedure that involves removing cloudy eye lenses and replacing them with artificial lenses to restore clear vision. This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay in a hospital. The surgeon will use a high-frequency ultrasound device that breaks the affected lens and gently removes it from the eye.

1. Taking the anesthesia

Your doctor will begin the treatment by placing eye drops in your eye to dilate the pupil. After this, you will then receive topical anesthesia to numb the area. Some patients are also given sedation to help them relax. Your doctor will decide what’s best for you.

2. Operation

After the anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in your eye to remove the cataract. He/she will place a needle-thin probe emitting ultrasound energy to disintegrate the cataract. Once the cataract is emulsified, the next step will be to use soft suction to remove the cloudy lens.

After the cataract has been removed, the surgeon will implant an intraocular lens into the capsular bag that previously contained the cloudy lens. At this moment you won’t see or feel the new lens, and within a few weeks of surgery, your vision will be very clear.

 

What Should I Expect After Cataract Surgery?

  • You are not allowed to drive in the first two days after your surgery.
  • You should avoid lifting heavy objects, sneezing, vomiting, and being involved in strenuous activities during the recovery process.
  • To reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid swimming or using a hot tub in the first week after the cataract surgery.
  • It is important to protect the eye from any irritants such as dust, dirt, wind, and pollen during the first few weeks after surgery.
  • You should not rub your eyes.
  • You will have a pad and plastic shield over your eye when you leave the hospital, usually, you can self-remove it the following day.
  • The sensation will return after a few hours, but it may take a few days for the vision to fully return.
  • During the recovery, it's normal to have grittiness, watery eyes, blurred vision, double vision, a red or bloodshot eyes which are usually improved within a few days.

Cataract Treatment in Turkey Side Effects

  • Infections
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Vision loss or double vision
  • Drooping eyelid
  • Changes in eye pressure
  • Retinal detachment

Cataract Surgery Results

Most patients report a high satisfaction rate, and cataract surgery has a success rate of 90%.

How To Prepare For Cataract Surgery 

  • Stop Aspirin and other medications that might contain blood thinners weeks before the procedure.   
  • Do not smoke tobacco at least two weeks before the procedure
  • Use the antibiotic drops before the procedure to prevent an infection
  • Avoid alcohol and other drugs that might affect anesthesia

Cataract Surgery Quick Facts

Procedure  Cataract Surgery
Duration  15 - 30 minutes
Stay  1 - 2 nights
Cost in Turkey  €2000 - €3500
Anesthesia  Local anesthesia
Recovery  4 - 6 weeks
Final Results  8 weeks
Side Effects  Swelling, bleeding
Risks  Infections, changes in eye pressure, retinal detachment
Success Rate  90%
Exercise  After 1 - 2 weeks
Back To Work  After 3 days
Scars  No
Pain  Slight
Related Procedures  LASIK eye surgery

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the average waiting time for cataract surgery?

Recent studies show the average waiting time for cataract surgery can span from ten weeks to four years, depending on the location you're planning to receive treatment.

Do you need glasses after cataract surgery?

Yes, you will need glasses to correct your vision and to compensate for what the lens can't provide.

What is the most common complication after cataract surgery?

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is the most frequent complication after uncomplicated cataract surgery. 

Is Cataract Surgery Painful?

You may feel pain or soreness after the procedure is done. However, your surgeon may prescribe painkillers to relieve this pain and discomfort.

Is Cataract Surgery Results Permanent?

Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to remove the natural lens in the eye since it causes blurry vision. This natural lens is replaced with a plastic, artificial lens and it is permanent, requires no care, and significantly improves vision.

At What Stage Should Cataracts Be Removed?

If there is blurred vision arising from a cataract which makes it a person to do any basic activity with the eyes, it is time to consider cataract surgery and visit an ophthalmologist.