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Cataract Treatment
Cataract refers to the loss of transparency of the lens within our eye, leading to cloudiness. This condition can occur with age or may also be congenital. It can be seen in infants and children as well.
Causes of cataract
This condition usually develops with age, but eye traumas (such as impacts, surgeries, prolonged illnesses) can also contribute to its formation. Additionally, diabetes and long-term use of steroid-containing medications can also lead to the development of this disorder.
Symptoms of cataract
In this case, double vision, cloudiness, loss of night vision, light sensitivity, gradual decrease in vision, difficulty in reading, colors fading, and frequent changes in glasses prescription can be observed, and a specialist should be consulted immediately.
How does cataract form?
Adult cataracts typically occur in advanced ages. As we age, just like every organ in the body, the eye and particularly the lens can undergo changes. In some patients, these changes may alter the water content of the lens and cause deformation in the arrangement of lens fibers. In some cases, cellular waste accumulates in the front and back of the lens, while in others, it can lead to both situations. In any case, the outcome is the loss of transparency of the natural intraocular lens.
How many types of cataracts are there?
Age-related cataracts: The most common type of cataract is the age-related cataract, which occurs as the lens within the eye ages over the years. The intraocular lens begins to age from the age of 40. Conditions like diabetes, UV exposure, smoking, and nutritional deficiencies can accelerate this aging.
Secondary cataracts: In younger individuals, external factors such as radiation therapy or side effects of corticosteroids used in the treatment of certain diseases, or internal factors like diabetes, can lead to cataract development. These formations are classified as secondary cataracts.
Congenital cataracts: This type of cataract can be observed in infants shortly after birth. It can be hereditary, or it may occur due to exposure to radiation while the baby is still an embryo, medications taken by the mother, or maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Is cataract treatment possible?
Cataract refers to the clouding and opacification of our normal natural lens within the eye. The only treatment is surgical.
Cataract surgery
In normal cataract surgery, precise micro-level cuts are made with blades that can perform corneal incisions. The front capsule of the lens where cataract develops is opened roundly with fine instruments. The cataract is fragmented using the phacoemulsification method, meaning high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves, and then an intraocular lens is placed into the capsule that has been cleared of cataract.
Femto cataract (LENSX is the name of the femtosecond device produced by ALCON in this field) surgery does not use blades for corneal incisions; instead, corneal incisions are made with a femtosecond laser. The front capsule of the cataract is cut and removed in a circular manner using the femtosecond laser instead of instruments. At the same time, the lens affected by cataract is divided into fragments using the femtosecond laser, and the phaco technique is also utilized for the removal of the cataract from the eye.
When should cataract surgery be performed?
Normally, our congenital intraocular lens is transparent, allowing light to pass into the eye and thus enabling vision. The clouding of the normally transparent intraocular lens is called cataract. As the lens becomes cloudy, the passage of light to the back becomes difficult, leading to decreased vision. The patient's decrease in vision and associated decline in quality of life determines the timing of cataract surgery.
Can cataract surgery be done with laser?
Femto cataract (LENSX is the name of the femtosecond device produced by ALCON in this field) surgery does not use blades for corneal incisions; instead, corneal incisions are made with a femtosecond laser. The front capsule of the cataract is cut in a circular manner and removed using the femtosecond laser. At the same time, the lens affected by cataract is divided into fragments using the femtosecond laser, and the phaco technique is also utilized for the removal of the cataract from the eye.
In femtosecond laser cataract surgery;
- Corneal incisions
- Cutting the front capsule in a circular manner
- Dividing the cataract into fragments
- Making corneal incisions for astigmatism.
What types of lenses are used in cataract surgery?
In this surgery, intraocular lenses that will perform the same function as our lens, which has lost its clarity, are implanted. In our centers, all types of lenses suitable to the patient's needs and conditions can be used.
The most commonly preferred lenses include: bifocal (monofocal), multifocal (bifocal), and trifocal (trifocal) lenses by Zeiss, and IQ, IQ toric, and Panoptix, along with Restor - toric lenses by Alcon, which are frequently used by our patients.
Pre-operative considerations for cataract surgery
Before cataract surgery, a detailed eye examination is performed. Detailed examination of the anterior and posterior parts of the eye is conducted. The prescription of the lens that is planned to be placed in the eye is measured using special instruments. These procedures typically take 1-2 hours.
Vision after cataract surgery
Vision gradually begins to return immediately after cataract surgery. However, during the first hours, there may be burning, stinging, and tearing sensations. Within 1-2 days, vision quality begins to improve. The desired level of vision is usually reached within 10-15 days. However, it should be noted that recovery can vary from person to person.
Will there be pain after cataract surgery?
There is no pain after cataract surgery, but there may be burning, stinging, and tearing sensations. If there is severe pain, it indicates that something is not right. In this case, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately.
Does cataract recur?
Cataract does not recur. The tissue affected by cataract, which is the lens, is removed and replaced with a new lens. Since cataract will not develop in the newly placed lens, the condition will not recur.
Is cataract genetic?
Cataract is a condition that develops with age. However, cataract development can occur rapidly following eye trauma. In systemic diseases (such as diabetes), cataracts can develop at an early age. Cataracts can also develop due to systemic medications (such as corticosteroids).
Congenital cataracts can also be observed in infants. They may develop due to illnesses the mother experienced during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and surgery of cataracts in infants (within the first 12 weeks) are quite important. Therefore, it is essential for infants to receive an eye examination as soon as they are born.