Cataract is a disease that occurs when the lens inside our eye, our natural lens, loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. Cataracts can develop due to advancing age but can also be congenital and seen in infants and children.
Since cataracts cannot be treated with medication, the only treatment method is surgery. However, these surgical procedures do not require hospitalization and allow for a quick return to routine life.
With advancing technology, the phaco method, also known among the public as laser cataract surgery without surgery, allows patients to overcome cataracts in minutes.
Due to the risk of infection, both eyes are not operated on simultaneously; instead, there is a 1-2 day interval. The procedure is completed in a short time of about 15-20 minutes. The patient can return to routine activities such as driving, watching TV, and reading within 1-2 days.
The patient's eye is prepared for the procedure with some drops and numbed; then a small incision of about 2 mm is made to enter the eye, and the cataractous lens is emulsified with Torsional Phaco Energy (Ultrasound Energy). Predetermined smart lenses are then placed in the space of the melted lens. The small incision requires no stitches, and wounds generally heal quickly.
Success Rate in Cataract Treatment with Phaco Method
The phacoemulsification method is one of the most preferred and successful surgical techniques for cataract treatment today. Known as the "phaco method" among the public, this procedure is performed with technologically advanced devices and by experienced ophthalmic surgeons, providing safe and effective results.
One of the most notable advantages of cataract surgeries performed with the phaco method is that the procedure can be completed without stitches. This allows for a rapid healing process in the eye, enabling the patient to return to daily life within a few days. There is a significant improvement in visual quality post-operation, directly enhancing the patient's life comfort.
In the phacoemulsification method, a small incision of about 2 mm is made into the eye. Through this incision, using a special device, the natural lens, clouded due to cataract, is broken and absorbed with the help of ultrasound (torsional phaco energy). A synthetic intraocular lens (smart lens) determined according to the patient's needs is placed in this space. This process, performed through a small incision, eliminates the need for stitches, reducing the risk of infection and accelerating wound healing.
This modern surgical technique is considered a primary choice by both doctors and patients due to its minimally invasive nature and minimal risk of complications. The cataract treatment performed with the phaco method allows patients to achieve clear vision in a short time and raises post-operative comfort to the highest level.
How is a Cataract Diagnosis Made?
A cataract diagnosis is made through a detailed eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Cataracts manifest with symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, fading colors, and difficulty seeing at night, and are often noticed during a routine examination. Thanks to advanced imaging systems and tests, the stage of the cataract is determined, and an appropriate treatment plan is formed.
Early diagnosis positively affects the success of cataract treatment. If the phacoemulsification method is to be applied, the most appropriate time for the operation is determined by evaluating whether there is any other disease in the eye. The choice of suitable lenses after a cataract diagnosis is also among the factors that directly affect the success of the treatment.
Post-Cataract Surgery Considerations
There are some important points patients should be mindful of following cataract surgery with the phaco method. Eye hygiene should be maintained, prescribed drops should be used regularly, and water should be kept away from the eye for the first few days. Avoiding dusty environments and heavy physical activities accelerates the healing process.
The majority of patients begin to see clearly within a few days after this surgery with the phaco method. However, since the complete healing process can vary from person to person, doctor appointments should not be skipped. After the operation, the need for glasses may be minimal, and in patients opting for smart lenses, issues with near and far vision are largely eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the phaco method be applied to everyone?
The phaco method is one of the most commonly used and safest cataract treatment methods today. This surgical technique involves emulsifying and removing the cloudiness caused by cataracts in the intraocular lens with ultrasound (torsional phaco energy), and placing an artificial intraocular lens. Although it can be applied to most patients, each individual's eye structure is different, so the treatment plan should be personalized. In particular, for patients with advanced hardened cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, or existing inflammatory conditions in the eye, the phacoemulsification method may not be suitable or may need to be applied with special precautions. Therefore, it is important to conduct a detailed eye examination and assess the patient's overall health condition and eye structure before the phaco method.
Can cataracts recur after surgery?
Since the natural eye lens is replaced with an artificial lens in cataract surgery, real cataracts do not recur. After surgery, in some patients, the membrane (capsule) behind the artificial lens placed inside the eye can become cloudy over time. This condition is called "secondary cataract" or "posterior capsule opacification". This condition, which adversely affects visual quality, usually develops a few months or years after surgery. This issue can be easily treated with a short and painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure. After this procedure, the patient's vision becomes clear again, maintaining the permanence of cataract treatment.
When can a person who has undergone surgery with the phacoemulsification method return to work?
The recovery process is quite rapid after cataract treatment with the phacoemulsification method. The small incisions of 2 mm made during the procedure require no stitches and the eye heals quickly. Most patients can start watching television, reading books, and using computers within 1-2 days post-operation. Individuals working in jobs that require desk work or light physical activity generally return to work life within 3-7 days. Those engaged in heavy lifting, working in dusty environments, or jobs requiring intense outdoor effort may need to rest for a longer period. The patient's individual recovery process should be evaluated according to the doctor's recommendations. Furthermore, the regular use of eye drops, attention to eye hygiene, and adherence to follow-up appointments enhance the success of the treatment.
Is immediate surgery necessary when diagnosed with cataract?
A cataract diagnosis is made through a detailed examination by a specialist ophthalmologist. This disease, which manifests with symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision, and difficulty driving at night, can be monitored if it does not seriously affect quality of life in its early stages. As cataracts progress, vision quality gradually decreases and problems start to arise in daily life. Waiting in this situation can lead to further reduction in vision ability and make surgery technically more challenging. Cataract treatment with the phacoemulsification method provides more comfortable and successful results when applied in the early stages. Because the intraocular lens is softer, the procedure time is shortened, healing is faster, and the risk of complications is reduced. Therefore, after a cataract diagnosis, the timing of surgery should be planned according to the doctor's recommendations.