Cataract
What is Cataract?
A cataract is a cloudiness of the intraocular lens in the eye that impairs vision. It is a common condition that is usually caused by aging, but can also be due to diseases such as diabetes or trauma to the eye. Babies are rarely born with cataracts. Symptoms of a cataract include blurred vision, changes in color vision, halos, and glare. If left untreated, the cataract will worsen, leading to a decrease in visual acuity, difficulties recognizing people, and problems reading and watching television. When the cataract starts to affect one's quality of life, surgery is recommended. Delay of surgery can lead to a hardening of the lens and potential complications.
Cataract operation
At surgery, a cloudy lens is replaced with a transparent artificial lens that has been custom-made based on tests and measurements. The lens can be adjusted for far vision, intermediate distance, and in some cases, near distance, and with special lenses, cylinder can be reduced. The appropriate lens is determined through eyeball measurements and precise calculations. The procedure typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes, although it may last longer. The body is covered with a thin sheet of paper that is breathable except for the eye. The eye is exposed to light from the microscope, which may feel blinding initially, but one will get accustomed to it. The surgery is done through small incisions at the edge of the cornea. This creates a round opening in the front of the lens, and its contents are emptied through ultrasound waves and manual suction. The lens is then folded and inserted into the opened shell. Finally, antibiotics are put into the eye cavity to prevent infection. No pain is typically felt during the operation, but if it does, the surgeon can administer an anesthetic. If the patient needs to sneeze or cough, the surgeon must be informed to avoid any harm from the tools. Complications are rare and can generally be treated.
After cataract operation
Following a surgical procedure, it is suggested that you keep your operated eye shielded while sleeping and, in some cases, while showering for a certain period of time afterwards. You should also administer eye drops containing antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for several weeks. Normal drinking and eating habits, taking a shower (keeping your eyes closed when washing your head), watching TV, reading, and using a computer are all safe activities to do. Additionally, you can engage in sexual activity. However, it is important to refrain from rubbing the eye, activities with a risk of damage to the eye, and entering the sea or pool for 3 weeks. Visual acuity should start to improve in the early days after surgery, although some blurring and distortion may initially be present. An optometrist should be visited about a month after surgery to fit glasses. If any discomfort, redness, swelling, or
decreased vision is experienced, please consult an ophthalmologist right away.
Laser in cataract surgery and ultrasound phacoemulsification
A laser can be used to open the lens capsule and partially divide the lens nucleus for today's operations. The laser is similar to the one used to remove glasses. This part of the procedure takes place in a room outside the operating suite while the eye is still intact. Then, the patient is taken to the operating room, where the operation is completed in a manner similar to standard ultrasound-assisted phacoemulsification. The laser is not part of the regular service plan, but is usually covered by private health insurance.
Premium lenses in cataract operation
Premium intra-ocular lenses offer the chance to see clearly at all distances – near, intermediate and far – without glasses. These lenses are usually more complex than the regular lenses and are therefore more expensive. They can also provide better vision in low light.
Toric lenses
For those with astigmatism, glasses may be necessary for distance vision. Toric lens implantation can be a suitable option in many cases, providing good far vision without corrective lenses. However, additional tests are necessary and the cost is not covered by health insurance. In cases of complex cylinder, a toric lens is not recommended, as the desired lens axis is difficult to calculate accurately.
Multifocal lenses
Those who wish to diminish their dependence on eyeglasses may opt for multifocal lenses, which necessitate further fitting tests and are not part of the health basket. Unlike regular or toric lenses, multifocal lenses are more likely to result in post-surgery side effects such as halos and glare.