Cataract Surgery

CATARACT SURGERY

Cataract is one of the most common eye diseases, and its most important symptom is the loss of visual function, although not completely, to the extent that it damages the quality of vision. Definition in medical literature; It is a vision disorder that occurs when the transparent eye lens located behind the pupil loses its transparency.

WHO HAS CATARACT DISEASE?

Cataract is a disease generally associated with old age. However, although this determination is correct, it is true that the disorder is seen even in newborn children. However, this disease is also likely to occur in people with diabetes, those who use cortisone-containing medications for a long time, and those who have suffered any blow to the eye. When the disorder reaches its peak, it has a negative impact on the person’s daily life. If it reaches this level, it must be treated.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT DISEASE?

In the early stages of the disease, vision problems may not occur. The symptoms of the disease become more evident in later stages. The most important symptom of cataract disease is undoubtedly loss of vision. Seeing double, seeing objects blurred or blurry are signs that cataracts have reached an important stage.

In advanced stages, it negatively affects the daily life of the person. Negativities such as not being able to perceive colors and weakening of night vision constitute an obstacle to driving. The person’s inability to read books for a long time and myopia in the eye are the negative aspects of the disease that reflect on life.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMONLY USED TECHNIQUE IN CATARACT SURGERY TODAY?

The most commonly used technique in Cataract Surgery is the phaco (phacoemulsification) method.

Cataract Surgery Consists Of The Following Stages;

  1. A small incision is made into the eye from the edges of the transparent layer of the eye called the Cornea.
  2. Opening a round window on the front side of the membrane surrounding the cataractous lens. This procedure is called capsulotomy.
  3. The center of the cataractous lens is broken down inside the eye with ultrasonic waves and the lens capsule is completely emptied
  4. Placing an Intraocular Lens (IIM) and closing the incisions made to enter the eye

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CATARACT

WHAT IS CATARACT SURGERY WITH FEMTOSECOND LASER AND HOW IS IT DONE?
Femtosecond lasers have recently entered cataract surgery. It is used during the incision and cataract lens disintegration phases of cataract surgery.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PERFORM ALL PHASE OF CATARACT SURGERY WITH FEMTOSECOND LASER?
It is possible to perform the first two stages of cataract surgery mentioned above with femtosecond laser. The third phase can be done partially.
IS FEMTOSECOND LASER CATARACT SURGERY PERFORMED “HANDLESS”?
No. Today’s femtosecond laser technology is not considered robotic surgery. Manual dexterity is as important as the physician’s good use of technology.
ARE KNIFE NOT USED IN FEMTOSECOND LASER CATARACT SURGERY?
With femtosecond laser energy, relaxing incisions on the cornea that can correct astigmatism can be made without a blade. There is less need for steel or diamond microblades used for entry into the eye. However, it cannot be claimed that these have completely disappeared because:
  • Corneal incisions made with Femto sometimes require the use of cutting blades,
  • The process of breaking the cataractous lens nucleus, which starts with Femto, continues with phaco.
ARE THERE ANY UNDESIRABLE SURGICAL PROBLEMS (COMLICATIONS) IN FEMTOSECOND LASER CATARACT SURGERY?
Although it reduces the complication rate during the membrane peeling phase, it cannot be said to be a completely complication-free surgery. It can be said that corneal incisions are safer in terms of sealing. It provides an advantage in terms of the position of the lens to be placed, as it reduces the complication rate during the peeling phase of the front membrane of the lens. However, it is a technology that has just started in the world and needs to be developed. Scientific reports report notable complications.
CAN CATARACT SURGERY BE DONE IN A SHORTER TIME WITH FEMTOSECOND LASER?
No. Since the patient’s laser procedure will be performed in a separate room and the subsequent surgery will be performed in a separate room, the total surgery time will be longer. However, it provides the advantage of reducing the time it takes for the cataract lens to be broken down and absorbed by the ultrasonic method and the energy level required for this.
CAN FEMTOSECOND LASER SURGERY BE APPLIED TO EVERY CATARACT PATIENT?
No. Femtosecond laser does not work in cases where there is partial whitening of the cornea, very white cataracts, lens position changes, and cases where the pupil is not dilated sufficiently.
IS CATARACT SURGERY WITH FEMTOSECONDS A CHEAP SURGERY?
No. It is more expensive than standard phaco surgery