How Is Cataract Surgery Performed?

It is an operation in which an artificial lens is placed instead of tissue in the eye lens that has lost its transparency. It is the condition of the clouding of the natural lens located inside that performs the focusing process. Normally, this lens has a transparent structure and allows light to fall on the eye. However, factors such as aging, injury, some diseases, and medications can cause the lens to become cloudy and vision to decrease. Cloudy lenses prevent light from clearly reaching the retina layer of the eye, and this lowers the quality of vision. Cataract surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia, and the patient does not need to be hospitalized. In this operation, the doctor cuts a small part of the eye and extracts the cloudy lens in pieces using ultrasound waves. Then, an artificial lens is placed instead of the extracted lens. Artificial lenses are made of plastic or silicone and are permanently placed inside the eye.

Factors Causing Cataract Disease

• Age: As age advances, the lenses inside the eyes naturally harden and become cloudy. This can cause visual impairments and ultimately the development of the disease.

• Diabetes: The risk is higher in individuals with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause the lenses in the eye to become cloudy.

• Smoking: Smoking can contribute to its formation. Toxic substances in cigarettes can cause the lenses to become cloudy.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can reduce the levels of antioxidants that affect the health of the lenses, which can accelerate its development. In this case, cataract surgery may be required.

• Sunlight exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to sunlight, especially to UVB rays, can accelerate its development.

• Eye injuries or surgeries: Injuries or having undergone a previous operation can increase the likelihood of its formation.

• Certain medications: Especially long-term medication use can increase the probability of its formation.

• Genetic factors: People with a family history of this ailment have a higher risk of developing it.

• Obesity: A high body mass index (BMI) can lead to its formation.

These and other risk factors can lead to its development by causing changes in the structure and function of the lenses. However, some lifestyle changes and preventive strategies (using sunglasses, following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, etc.) can reduce this risk. Although it is mostly inevitable, cataract surgery can slow down or delay its formation.

After Cataract Surgery

Patients can return to their homes on the very same day. The procedure is fast and painless. However, there may be a feeling of discomfort after the procedure, and this can last for a few days. This is the process of the eye healing itself and accepting the new lens. Immediately after the operation, some patients have blurry vision, but this is temporary. Afterward, vision improves within a few hours, but complete recovery may take a few weeks.

After the treatment, the doctor prescribes some painkillers and drops for the patient. These drops reduce the risk of infection and control inflammation. These drops are used for a few weeks. After the procedure, patients are warned that they should avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and intense exercise. Furthermore, it is recommended to use an eye patch or protective glasses to protect the eye immediately afterward.

Complications after surgery are rare but possible. These complications can include situations such as infection, bleeding, inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, retinal tear or retinal detachment, and astigmatism. Therefore, if there are symptoms such as pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, redness, or discharge afterward, it is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately.

A few weeks after the procedure, the doctor arranges a follow-up appointment to check the patient. During this visit, the doctor checks the patient and verifies whether the new lens is placed correctly. At this stage, the doctor gives the patient a new glasses prescription because there may be a change in the glasses prescription after cataract surgery.