Cataract Surgery: See the World Through a Clear Window Again!

Cataracts, which occur when our eye’s natural lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy with age or due to certain health problems, cause a loss of vision as if looking through frosted glass. Symptoms such as faded colors, difficulty with night vision, glare from lights, and difficulty reading can significantly reduce quality of life. Fortunately, cataracts can be treated today with a highly successful and safe surgical method. Cataract surgery is the process of removing the clouded natural eye lens and replacing it with an artificial, transparent intraocular lens (IOL). Especially with “smart lens” (trifocal/multifocal) technologies, this operation not only eliminates cataracts but can also correct vision problems at far, intermediate, and near distances, eliminating the need for glasses. Estebox Istanbul, with Turkey’s advanced technology in eye surgery and experienced specialists, offers you personalized solutions to get rid of cataracts and look at the world again with clear and vibrant colors.

What is a Cataract? The Cloudiness That Insidiously Affects Your Vision Quality!

Inside our eye, there is a natural lens that functions like a camera lens. This lens is normally transparent and allows light to focus clearly on the retina. A cataract is a condition where this natural lens loses its transparency over time, becoming opaque and cloudy, and its light transmittance decreases. This situation causes vision to become progressively blurry, colors to appear faded, and overall vision quality to decline.

What Are the Main Causes of Cataracts?

• Aging: This is the most common cause. Lens proteins deteriorate as age progresses.
• Trauma: Blows to the eye can trigger cataract formation.
• Certain Diseases: Diabetes, in particular, can accelerate cataract development.
• Long-term Corticosteroid Use: Some medications can increase the risk of cataracts.
• Congenital Cataracts: Can rarely be seen in babies.
• Other Eye Diseases: Some intraocular inflammations like uveitis.
• Excessive Exposure to Sunlight (UV): Prolonged unprotected sun exposure is a risk factor.

Symptoms of Cataracts: When Should You Consult an Ophthalmologist?

Cataracts usually progress slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as they progress, the following symptoms may occur:

• Increasingly blurred, hazy, or smoky vision.
• Colors appearing more faded and less vibrant.
• Difficulty with night vision, especially glare and halos from car headlights when driving.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Frequent need for changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
• Double vision (when looking with one eye).
• Difficulty reading or doing close work.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for a detailed eye examination.

The Only Effective Solution for Cataracts: Modern Cataract Surgery (PHACO)

Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or glasses. When cataracts progress and begin to affect a person’s daily life activities, the only effective treatment method is surgery. Today, cataract surgery is performed with a seamless, extremely safe, and comfortable method called Phacoemulsification (PHACO).

How Does the PHACO Technique Work?

1. Topical anesthesia is applied to the eye (usually with drops only, no needles).
2. A very small incision (2-3 mm) is made at the edge of the cornea.
3. Through this incision, the clouded natural eye lens is broken up and emulsified using the tip of a special PHACO device that emits ultrasonic sound waves, and then it is suctioned out.
4. A foldable intraocular lens (IOL), with a pre-calculated prescription suitable for the person’s eye and needs, is inserted into the cleaned lens capsule.
5. The incision made usually self-seals, so no stitches are required.

The operation is usually completed in a very short time, typically 10-15 minutes for each eye.

Intraocular Lens Options: A Life Without Glasses with “Smart Lenses”!

The type of intraocular lens (IOL) placed during cataract surgery directly affects your post-operative vision quality and your need for glasses. Many different IOL options are available today:

1. Monofocal IOLs: The most commonly used type of lens. They provide clear vision at only one distance (usually far). Patients may need glasses for near (reading, computer) or for both far and near (if they have astigmatism) after surgery.
2. Multifocal IOLs: Aim to provide clear vision at both far and near distances. They can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses. However, they may cause side effects such as glare or halos around lights at night in some people.
3. Trifocal IOLs / “Smart Lenses”: One of the latest technology lenses. They aim to provide continuous and clear vision at far, intermediate (computer distance, car dashboard), and near distances (reading, phone). They largely eliminate dependence on glasses, offering a high quality of life. The term “smart lens” is often used for such advanced multifocal or trifocal lenses.
4. Toric IOLs: Specially designed lenses for patients with astigmatism. They correct both cataracts and astigmatism during cataract surgery, providing clearer vision. Monofocal or multifocal/trifocal toric lenses are available.
5. EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOLs: Aim to provide a continuous field of vision at far and intermediate distances while also improving near vision. Night light problems may be less common compared to multifocal lenses.

Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable intraocular lens type for you by evaluating your lifestyle, profession, reading habits, expectations, and eye structure in detail.

The Cataract Surgery Process: Fast, Safe, and Comfortable Steps

Cataract surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning it does not require a long hospital stay:

1. Comprehensive Eye Examination and Lens Planning: A detailed examination of your eyes is performed before the operation. The power and type of your intraocular lens are determined by precise measurements made with special biometry devices.
2. Preparation on the Day of Operation: When you arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery, numbing and pupil-dilating drops are instilled into your eye.
3. Surgical Procedure: In the operating room, your cataract is removed using the PHACO technique, and your new intraocular lens is implanted. You will be awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain.
4. First Post-Operative Check and Discharge: After the operation is completed, your eye is usually covered with a bandage. After a short rest period, you can return home on the same day with your doctor’s approval. Your first check-up is done the next day.

After Cataract Surgery: Waking Up to a New and Clear World

The recovery process is generally fast and comfortable:

• First Days “Protection and Drops”: Mild stinging, watering, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision in the eye are normal for the first few days after the operation. It is very important to regularly use the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by your doctor. You should avoid rubbing your eye and protect it from impact.
• Increase in Visual Acuity: Vision usually begins to improve from the first day after the operation and gradually becomes clearer within a few days to a few weeks.
• Return to Daily Life: Most patients can return to daily activities such as reading, watching television, and using a computer a few days after the operation.
• Need for Glasses: Depending on the type of lens implanted, some patients may need thin glasses for distance or near. Patients who have had smart lenses (trifocal) implanted are usually largely freed from the need for glasses.
• Regular Check-ups: Attending regular check-ups at intervals determined by your doctor after the operation is important for monitoring your healing process and protecting your eye health.

Why Turkey for Cataract Surgery? See the World Clearly Again with Estebox Istanbul!

Turkey has a worldwide reputation, high success rates, and the latest technologies in the treatment of eye diseases, especially cataract surgery. Istanbul hosts experienced ophthalmologists who successfully apply the PHACO technique and the most advanced intraocular lens technologies like “smart lenses,” serving thousands of international patients, along with modern, fully equipped eye hospitals. Undergoing cataract surgery in Turkey means receiving safe and effective treatment with the most advanced technology and combining this experience with cultural richness.

As Estebox Istanbul, we offer you reliable consultancy and support in your journey to regain the quality of vision you lost due to cataracts and to step into a freer and more comfortable life. We work with ophthalmologists specializing in their field with deep experience in cataract and refractive surgery, and JCI-accredited, internationally standardized eye hospitals and clinics. From detailed pre-operative information, selection of the appropriate lens, and suitability assessment, to your travel, accommodation, and hospital arrangements in Turkey, and your post-operative follow-up process, we are with you every step of the way. Our aim is to transform your cataract surgery experience in Turkey into a comfortable, safe, and positive memory that improves your quality of life.

Cataract Surgery Prices in Istanbul: An Accessible Investment in Clear Vision

The cost of cataract surgery varies depending on many factors such as the type and brand of intraocular lens to be used (monofocal, multifocal, trifocal/smart lens, toric lens, etc.), the technology of the PHACO device used, the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the standards of the hospital or clinic where the treatment will be performed, detailed pre-operative examinations, and post-operative follow-up services offered. The use of premium lenses like “smart lenses” can particularly affect the cost.

However, cataract surgery prices in Turkey, even when premium lens options are included, are generally more competitive and accessible compared to similar quality operations in Europe, the UK, and the United States. This means you can achieve your dream of clear vision with the most advanced technology, without compromising on quality and safety, with a more affordable budget. Estebox Istanbul organizes a detailed pre-assessment and expert doctor consultation to offer you a treatment method tailored to your specific situation, eye structure, and vision expectations, and transparent pricing accordingly. Please do not hesitate to contact us to get clear information about the cost of your cataract surgery and to benefit from our free consultation service.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

Q: How long does cataract surgery take?

A: Modern cataract surgery performed with the PHACO technique is usually completed in a very short time, typically 10-15 minutes for each eye.

Q: Will I feel pain during the surgery?

A: No, cataract surgery is usually performed with anesthetic drops instilled into the eye (topical anesthesia), and no pain is felt during the procedure.

Q: Do I need to stay in the hospital after cataract surgery?

A: No, cataract surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. You can return home on the same day, a few hours after the operation, with your doctor’s approval.

Q: If I have cataracts in both eyes, are they operated on at the same time?

A: Generally, both eyes are not operated on at the same time. After one eye is operated on, surgery for the other eye can be planned a few days or a few weeks later, depending on your recovery status and your doctor’s recommendation.

Q: Can cataracts recur after cataract surgery?

A: No, since the clouded natural eye lens is completely removed during cataract surgery, cataracts do not recur. However, months or years after the surgery, a clouding (posterior capsule opacification or “secondary cataract”) may develop in the back part of the natural lens capsule where the intraocular lens is placed. This condition can be easily treated in a few minutes with a simple, painless YAG laser capsulotomy procedure, and vision becomes clear again.