The eye is an optical system that resembles a camera. In order for the light and images coming from outside to reach the visual center clearly, they must first be refracted in the cornea, the outermost transparent layer of the eye, and then in the lens layer inside the eye. Under normal conditions, both of these layers are transparent. Cataracts are when the lens inside the eye loses its transparency and takes on an opaque appearance.

Although there are many types, cataracts can generally be examined under 3 main groups:

Age-related cataracts
Congenital cataracts
Secondary cataracts: These are those that occur as a result of long-term use of certain medications (such as cortisone), impacts, and metabolic diseases (such as diabetes).

Cataracts most often occur due to age. Although there is no known cause, there are many risk factors such as nutrition and ultraviolet rays. Depending on the condition of the lens opacification, patients initially complain of near or far vision impairment. As opacification increases, both near and far vision decreases, which disturbs the patient's social life.

CATARACT TREATMENT

Cataract treatment is surgical. No matter which surgical technique is used, the lens layer that has lost its transparency is removed and an artificial intraocular lens is placed in its place. If a lens is not placed inside the eye, patients have to use high-precision glasses or contact lenses after the surgical operation.

1-INTRACAPSULAR SURGERY:

This is an old surgical method. In cataract surgeries performed with this surgical method, the lens layer is removed as a whole. After the surgeries, patients develop high hyperopia because the refractive power of the lens layer is eliminated. Patients have to use thick glasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly. Now, surgeries performed with this method are outdated unless necessary.

2-EXTRACAPSULAR SURGERY

This is a more advanced surgical method. The cataract is removed by preserving the posterior lens capsule during the surgery and an artificial lens is placed inside the eye. In order to perform surgery with this technique, the lens must reach a certain maturity and mature. This type of surgery requires a wide corneal incision and suture. Since the stitches placed in the eye create a certain astigmatism, the patient can regain functional vision within 8-10 weeks after the surgery, when the stitches are removed.

3-PHACOEMULSIFICATION

In cataract surgeries performed with the phacoemulsification method, which is the most advanced method applied today, the opaque lens layer is broken down and removed with the help of ultrasonographic waves while preserving the posterior capsule, and intraocular lenses that fit more easily into the eye are placed. The advantage of this method is that the entire surgery is performed through a small corneal incision and no stitches are placed in the eye. Thus, since astigmatism does not occur in the eye due to the stitches, the patient regains functional vision in a very short time. Patients can continue their social life normally immediately after the surgery. In order for this surgical technique to be applied, the lens must fully mature; surgery can be performed after it starts to prevent the person from seeing, before the vision is completely blocked.

Today, the increase in people's activities requires people with cataracts to return to their daily lives in a shorter time.
Phacoemulsification is currently the most widely used method in developed countries. The short recovery period and the absence of postoperative astigmatism problems make this method more preferred by patients.

HOW IS LASER USED IN CATARACT SURGERY?

The treatment of cataract is surgical. In laser cataract surgery; the principles of the phacoemulsification technique are applied, only laser beams are used instead of ultrasonographic waves in breaking down the lens. Since the corneal incision is small, stitches are not required and healing is rapid.
In some people who have normal cataract surgery, regardless of the surgical technique used, there may be opacification in the capsule where the intraocular lens is placed after the operation. This opacified layer is opened with a disintegrating laser called YAG Laser. However, this is the treatment performed after cataract surgery.

AFTER SURGERY!

Excessive pressure should not be applied to the eye during this period, and blows to the head should be avoided.
The medications prescribed by your doctor should be used regularly after the surgery.
After the surgery, your doctor will adjust your prescription according to your eyeglass needs within 2-4 weeks.
People who have cataract surgery should have regular eye examinations within 6-8 months.

REMEMBER!

If your vision decreases or becomes unclear at near and far, this may be the beginning of a cataract.
Treatment of congenital cataracts is important. If time is lost because the eye has not learned to see, amblyopia may develop.

IF CATARACT IS NOT TREATED:

Visual function is impaired or lost at near and far.
Increased intraocular pressure may be observed.