Cataract Surgery in Turkey | Techniques, results and prices

What is a cataract?

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina. This clouding leads to blurred or hazy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty distinguishing colors. Cataracts are a common age-related condition, but they can also develop due to other factors, such as certain medical conditions or eye injuries.

Unlike refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, cataracts cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Over time, if left untreated, cataracts can significantly affect daily life and, in severe cases, may lead to blindness.

Understanding what a cataract is can help patients recognize the early signs and seek timely treatment. In Turkey, experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens, restoring clear vision efficiently and safely.

Causes and risk factors of cataracts

Cataracts typically develop slowly and are usually associated with the natural aging process. However, several factors can increase the risk of developing this condition earlier or cause it to progress faster.

Main causes

Several elements can contribute to clouding of the lens and the development of cataracts. The most common are:

• Aging: The most common cause due to natural changes in the lens over time.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history can play a role.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and prolonged corticosteroid use can also contribute to cataracts.
• Eye trauma or previous eye surgery can also contribute to cataracts.
• Lifestyle and environment: smoking, poor nutrition, and prolonged exposure to UV rays.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can develop cataracts, but they are most commonly found in people over the age of 60. Patients with chronic illnesses or who are exposed to environmental risk factors should have regular eye exams to detect cataracts early.

If you experience blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light, an eye exam can confirm whether cataracts are the cause. With Turquie Santé, you can request a free online consultation and receive a personalized treatment plan from leading eye specialists in Istanbul.

Cataract surgery - Intraocular implants

When cataracts begin to affect daily life, surgical intervention is the only effective treatment. Cataract surgery with an intraocular implant must be performed early to prevent the disease from progressing to blindness.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in a sterile operating room. The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea, uses an ultrasound instrument to break the cataract into tiny fragments, and removes them with a probe. The natural lens is then replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

The choice of lens implant is tailored to each patient's vision needs and eye anatomy:

Your ophthalmologist at Turquie Santé can help determine which type of intraocular implant is best suited to your lifestyle and vision needs. Request a free consultation to get a personalized plan.

Phacoemulsification cataract surgery

Phacoemulsification is the most widely used technique in cataract surgery. It involves a small incision in the cornea, through which ultrasound waves break up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments that are gently removed. The artificial intraocular lens is then implanted to restore clear vision.

This method, which is constantly evolving in Turkey, offers several advantages:

• Precision: Ultrasound allows the surgeon to remove the lens carefully, minimizing the risk of complications.
• Minimal incisions: Small cuts reduce healing time and the risk of infection.
• Quick recovery: Most patients notice improved vision within a few days.
• Customizable implants: Compatible with all types of intraocular lenses (monofocal, multifocal, accommodative, toric).

In addition, certain stages of the surgery, such as capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, and corneal incision, are assisted by the femtosecond laser.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

Eye surgery has been revolutionized by the introduction of the femtosecond laser. The femtosecond laser emits ultra-short pulses of light that allow the lens to be fragmented with extreme precision and automation, a critical step in cataract surgery. 

Although this technology offers undeniable advantages in terms of precision, it also has its limitations: high cost, longer operation time, and increased complexity of the procedure, both for the surgeon and the care facility.
 

Recovery and aftercare

Proper postoperative care is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcome. Most patients notice improvement within a few days, while a full recovery may take several weeks to complete.

Turquie Santé offers comprehensive post-operative support, including follow-up appointments with top ophthalmologists in Istanbul, ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal visual results.