Cataract Treatment Turkey

What Is Cataract?

A cataract is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from passing clearly to the retina. This clouding causes vision to become blurred, hazy, or less sharp over time, making everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces more difficult. Cataracts usually develop gradually and are most commonly related to aging, though they can occur earlier due to other factors.

As a cataract progresses, glasses or contact lenses no longer provide sufficient correction. Because the clouded lens cannot clear on its own, cataract surgery is the only effective treatment. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens to restore vision.

How Is Cataract Treatment Performed in Turkey?

In Turkey, cataract treatment is performed through a well-structured surgical process led by experienced ophthalmologists. Before surgery, patients undergo comprehensive eye examinations to assess cataract severity, eye health, and visual needs. These tests help determine the most suitable surgical approach and intraocular lens (IOL) type for each patient.

The surgery itself is typically done using modern techniques such as phacoemulsification, where ultrasound energy breaks up the cloudy lens so it can be removed safely. Turkish eye clinics emphasize precision, safety, and personalized planning, with most procedures completed as day surgery and followed by scheduled post-operative check-ups.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is recommended when vision problems begin to interfere with daily life and cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or lenses.

• People with blurred, cloudy, or dim vision due to cataracts

• Patients experiencing glare or halos, especially at night

• Individuals whose cataracts affect reading, driving, or work activities

• Those with cataracts interfering with treatment of other eye conditions

• Patients in generally good eye health aside from cataracts

• Individuals medically fit for a short surgical procedure

Symptoms and Causes of Cataract

Cataract symptoms often develop slowly and may not be noticeable at first, becoming more pronounced over time.

• Blurred or cloudy vision

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Colors appearing faded or yellowed

• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription

• Double vision in one eye

Common causes include aging, diabetes, long-term sun exposure, smoking, eye injuries, prolonged steroid use, and genetic factors.

Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) Used in Turkey

Intraocular lenses replace the eye’s natural lens after cataract removal and are selected based on visual needs and lifestyle. In Turkey, clinics offer a range of modern IOL options, from standard lenses that correct distance vision to advanced lenses designed to reduce dependence on glasses.

Options may include monofocal lenses, multifocal lenses, extended depth-of-focus lenses, and toric lenses for astigmatism correction. The choice depends on factors such as eye structure, daily activities, and expectations, and is determined during pre-operative planning.

Step-by-Step Cataract Surgery Process

Cataract surgery follows a standardized, patient-focused process designed for safety and efficiency.

The procedure begins with numbing eye drops and preparation in a sterile environment. A small incision is made in the eye, and ultrasound energy is used to break up and remove the cloudy lens. The artificial intraocular lens is then inserted and positioned carefully. The incision is usually self-sealing and does not require stitches. After a short recovery period, patients are discharged with aftercare instructions.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery in Turkey

Laser-assisted cataract surgery uses femtosecond laser technology to perform certain steps of the procedure with high precision. The laser can assist in creating incisions, softening the cataract, and improving lens placement accuracy.

This approach may offer greater consistency and precision for selected patients, especially those choosing premium intraocular lenses. Not all patients require laser-assisted surgery, and suitability is determined during pre-operative evaluation based on eye anatomy and surgical goals.

Is Cataract Surgery Painful or Risky?

Cataract surgery is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used, so patients typically feel only mild pressure or awareness during the procedure. The surgery is brief and well tolerated by most people, including elderly patients.

Like any surgery, there are risks, but cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed procedures worldwide. Careful screening, experienced surgeons, and adherence to post-operative instructions help minimize complications.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cataract Surgery?

Recovery from cataract surgery is usually quick. Many patients notice improved vision within a few days, though vision may continue to stabilize over several weeks. Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or redness is common in the early period and typically resolves with prescribed eye drops.

Most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after surgery, with temporary restrictions on heavy lifting, swimming, and eye rubbing. Follow-up visits ensure healing is progressing as expected.

Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?

Cataracts themselves do not return once the cloudy natural lens has been removed. However, some patients may develop a condition known as posterior capsule opacification, which can cause vision to become cloudy again months or years after surgery.

This issue is not a true cataract and is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure that restores clear vision. Regular eye check-ups help detect and manage this condition promptly.