Has your mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, or perhaps even yourself started to feel like the world was a little blurry and covered in fog? Are your eyes so blue that you can't see the headlights when driving at night? One of the main reasons for this could be the development of 'cataracts'. When many people hear this name, they think of surgery for this. Along with that, there is a great deal of fear. So, is there really anything to be afraid of? Today, let's find answers to all the questions you have about cataract surgery.
Simply put, what is cataract surgery?
Our eyes are like good cameras. Like a camera, our eyes also have a natural lens that helps focus light and create a clear image. This lens is made up mainly of water and proteins.
As we age, the proteins in this lens naturally start to clump together. Then the lens of our eye gradually turns milky, yellow, and starts to become cloudy. Imagine, a clean glass becomes foggy over time, right? That's what happens. We call this condition a cataract . Although aging is the main cause, cataracts can also be caused by certain diseases like diabetes, certain medications, eye injuries, and previous eye surgeries.
So, what is done with this cataract surgery is a very simple thing. The cloudy, foggy natural lens is carefully removed and replaced with a completely clear, artificial lens. We call this artificial lens an Intraocular Lens (IOL) .
This new IOL lens is clear, allowing light to pass through the eye without any obstruction, allowing you to see the world clearly again. There are different types of IOL lenses. Some correct both farsightedness and nearsightedness to some extent. There are also special types of lenses that address conditions such as astigmatism and presbyopia. You can discuss these with your eye surgeon to choose the one that is best for you.
Is this surgery very painful? The question everyone asks!
This is the biggest fear and question that many people have. To put it simply and clearly, no . You will not feel any pain during the surgery.
Before the surgery begins, special eye drops are used to numb your eye completely. So you won't feel anything. You will be awake during the surgery, but you will only see a ring of different colored lights. For a few hours after the surgery, your eye may feel a little gritty and gritty. This is normal. The painkillers your doctor will give you will usually help relieve the discomfort.
How do you decide when is the best time to have surgery?
Cataracts are not a medical emergency. So don't panic and think you need surgery tomorrow just because you found out you have a cataract. You can do this at a time that suits you.
In the early stages, you may be able to improve your vision by changing your glasses, but over time, the condition gradually worsens.
The most important thing is that the day your vision becomes so impaired that you can't do your daily activities (reading a newspaper, watching TV, cooking, driving) and you can't enjoy life, that's the best time to think about surgery.
It is wise to talk to your eye surgeon and decide what the best time is for your situation.
Preparation before surgery and how the surgery is performed
This surgery does not require a hospital stay. You can go home within a few hours after the surgery. Let's take a look at what happens before and after the surgery.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparation before surgery | Your eye doctor will carefully examine your eye and check for any complications during the surgery. He or she will measure the power of the new intraocular lens (IOL) that will be inserted. He or she will prescribe eye drops to use before the surgery. Since you will not be able to drive after the surgery, arrange for someone to drive you home in advance. |
| Steps of the surgery | 1. Eye numbing: Eye drops are used to numb the pain. 2. Small incision: A very small incision is made in the cornea of the eye. Stitches are often not required. 3. Cataract removal: Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound waves to break the cataract into small pieces and carefully suction it out. 4. Inserting the new lens: The new IOL lens is inserted into the eye through the same small incision. 5. Eye protection: After surgery, a special eye shield is worn to protect the eye. |
| Time spent | The surgery itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes , but the total time can be several hours, including preparation time and post-operative monitoring. |
What are the benefits and possible risks of the surgery?
As with any surgery, there are benefits and very few or no risks. Cataract surgery is a very safe procedure with a success rate of over 97% .
| Benefits | Risks - (Very rare) |
|---|---|
|
Many of these risks can be successfully managed by an experienced doctor. If you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor about them and be aware of your personal risks.
How to take care of yourself during the recovery period and at home?
Although it may take about four weeks to fully recover, you will notice a significant improvement in your vision within a few days . It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully during this time.
Things to remember at home
- Use the prescribed eye drops exactly as prescribed.
- Do not let water, soap, or shampoo get into your eyes for a few weeks. Be very careful when bathing.
- Never rub or press on the operated eye.
- Be sure to wear sunglasses when going out.
- Wear an eye shield when sleeping and at other times advised by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor when you can resume lifting weights, bending, and exercising.
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
If you experience any of the following, see your ophthalmologist or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
- Persistent eye pain or redness.
- Discharge of mucus or other fluid from the eye.
- Vision getting worse again.
- Seeing black spots floating in front of the eyes or seeing lights like lightning (floaters or flashes).
Take-Home Message
- Cataract surgery is a very common, highly successful, and safe procedure performed worldwide, so don't be afraid to have it.
- The pain during or after the surgery is minimal, and the recovery time is expectedly short.
- If your vision loss is interfering with your daily life, see an eye surgeon without delay and discuss this.
- After surgery, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly (especially regarding the use of eye drops and eye protection) to achieve the best results.
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