Cataract Surgery

The patient arrives at the surgical site 1-2 hours before the surgery. Depending on the general health condition, necessary tests are performed or requested if they haven’t been done previously. The eye is prepared with certain drops, and then the patient is taken to the operating room. In today’s cataract surgery, except for special circumstances, general or local anesthesia is no longer required. The patient is prepared for surgery by only applying numbing eye drops. After 4-5 rounds of these drops, the surgeon can begin the surgery. Step 1: Surgery First, the patient’s eye is numbed with 4-5 rounds of anesthetic eye drops. No additional anesthesia method is needed. These numbing procedures performed with drops are called “topical anesthesia.” The area where the transparent part of the eye, called the cornea, meets the white part, called the sclera, is where the initial incision is made during cataract surgery. A special 3 mm incision is made to access the inside of the eye. Step 2: A gel-like substance with protective properties for preserving eye tissues is filled into the eye through the incision. This substance allows the surgeon to work comfortably and safely inside the eye. Step 3: The lens of the eye (known as the cataract tissue when it becomes cloudy) is located behind the colored part of the eye called the iris. Using a tool called cystotome, a circular opening is created on the front surface of the cataract capsule. Step 4: The nucleus (central part) and cortex (outer part) of the cataract are separated using fluid. With a special injector, the fluid is directed behind the capsule, separating it from the other parts. This process allows the cataract to become free within its own capsule. Step 5: Now, it is time to remove the cataract. This stage involves the use of a device called a phacoemulsifier (commonly known as phaco). This device utilizes the power of ultrasonic waves. With a diameter of 2.7 mm, it breaks down the cataract into smaller pieces, aspirates them, and fills the empty space with a natural-like fluid. Step 6: In cases of hard cataracts, an additional instrument is used to break down the nucleus into smaller fragments, making it easier to remove. Step 7: Once the larger portion of the cataract, which is the nucleus, is removed, the cortex is cleaned. This tissue is a type of inner capsule that is attached to the inner surface of the capsule. The natural capsule of the cataract is transformed into an empty and clean bag. Step 8: The inside of the eye is now clear of the cataract. To ensure comfortable and safe work, the gel substance is filled once again. This substance can fill the space left by the removed cataract capsule. Step 9: It is now time to place the artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in the position of the natural lens (cataract) that has been removed. This IOL, made of a special material, is soft and foldable. It is prepared in a 3 mm size, folded using special systems, inserted through the incision into the eye, and then positioned within the natural capsule of the lens. This lens, made of a well-known material that has been proven not to cause any reactions in the eye for over 50 years, is used. Step 10: The surgery is now complete. There is no need for any stitches, and the patient can get up from the operating table. Approximately 1 hour later, they can open their eyes and return home.