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Lens Replacement Surgery (Cataract)
Cataract is an eye disease in which the natural lens of the eye (which has a refractive power of 10 for distant vision and 13 for near vision) located behind the pupil gradually loses its transparency, causing blurred and dull vision. This disease, which is more common in patients over the age of 45, directly affects quality of life.
Lens replacement surgery involves removing the natural lens that has lost its function and replacing it with an artificial lens that closely resembles the real one. This surgery aims to improve the vision of patients with vision problems. The surgery takes 15 minutes per eye and does not require general anaesthesia; the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day.
The same procedure is also performed on patients who do not have cataracts but experience age-related vision limitations at far, near and intermediate distances and are not suitable for laser treatment (patients over 40 years of age). After a comprehensive eye examination and tests, the lens selection, which will be decided by the specialist, is personalised and aims for patient satisfaction.
What Is Lens Replacement Surgery (Cataract)?
Lens replacement surgery, also known as cataract surgery, is a procedure where the eye’s natural, clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens loses its clarity, leading to blurred or dim vision. The surgery restores visual clarity and improves overall quality of life.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide, with a high success rate and minimal risks. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes per eye, requires no general anesthesia, and allows patients to return home the same day.
Who Needs Lens Replacement Surgery (Cataract)?
Lens replacement surgery is typically recommended for:
- Patients diagnosed with cataracts that significantly impair vision.
- Adults over 40–45 years of age who are not candidates for laser eye surgery but struggle with distance, near, or intermediate vision.
- Individuals experiencing progressive age-related vision loss.
- Patients who want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses after cataract surgery through premium lens options.
The choice of lens is customized based on the patient’s lifestyle, vision needs, and clinical examination.
What Is a Premium (Smart) Lens?
Premium or “smart lenses” are advanced intraocular lenses that allow patients to see clearly at multiple distances. Unlike standard lenses that only correct one focal point, smart lenses can reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses after surgery.
They are especially beneficial for patients who want to achieve functional vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) Used in Cataract Surgery
- Monofocal Lens:
These lenses provide clear vision at a single focal point—either near or far. Patients may still need glasses for tasks at other distances. - Bifocal Lens:
Bifocal lenses offer two focal points, typically near and far. They reduce dependency on glasses but may not correct intermediate vision fully. - Trifocal Lens:
The most advanced option, trifocal lenses provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. Patients with trifocal lenses rarely need glasses after surgery.
Cataract Lens Replacement Treatment Process
The treatment process typically includes:
- Pre-operative examination: Comprehensive eye tests, including measurements of corneal curvature and axial length, are performed to determine the correct lens type.
- Lens selection: Based on the patient’s lifestyle, preferences, and clinical results, the ophthalmologist recommends the most suitable IOL.
- Surgery: Outpatient procedure, usually lasting 15–20 minutes per eye.
Post-surgery recovery: The patient returns home the same day, with eye drops prescribed for infection prevention and healing support.
How Is Lens Replacement Surgery (Cataract) Performed?
The procedure is performed using advanced microsurgical techniques:
- Step 1: Local anesthesia (eye drops) is applied—no general anesthesia is needed.
- Step 2: A small incision (2–3 mm) is made in the cornea.
- Step 3: The clouded natural lens is broken down using ultrasound energy (phacoemulsification) and removed.
- Step 4: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted through the incision and positioned inside the natural lens capsule.
- Step 5: The incision is self-sealing and usually requires no stitches.
Patients are discharged the same day, with rapid recovery compared to other surgical procedures.
Recovery After Lens Replacement Surgery (Cataract)
The recovery process is typically smooth:
- First days: Mild discomfort, tearing, or blurred vision may occur.
- First week: Patients must avoid rubbing the eye, water exposure, and dusty environments.
- Vision improvement: Many patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours, but full stabilization occurs after 8–12 weeks.
- Long-term outcomes: With trifocal lenses, patients usually achieve full independence from glasses. In cataract cases, recurrence is not possible since the natural lens is replaced.
Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are prescribed for several weeks to prevent infection and inflammation.
Following surgery, patients generally achieve clear vision, although full recovery is confirmed within 8 to 12 weeks. With trifocal lenses, patients do not feel the need to wear glasses again after surgery. In surgeries performed due to cataracts, the recurrence of cataracts is prevented. The healing process is completed with the regular use of antibiotic drops, avoiding contact with water for the first five days after surgery, and maximum protection from external factors such as dust and sand.
