Eye Surgeries

Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a disease characterized by the clouding of the eye's lens and significant vision loss. Its occurrence is generally related to age, primarily affecting those over 65, but it can also develop due to injuries, certain medications, or other diseases (e.g., diabetes). Cataracts cause a degree of cloudiness in the eye's lens, preventing a sharp image from forming on the retina. As the disease progresses, vision becomes as if the patient is looking through a water curtain, and it can eventually lead to blindness.

Restoration of vision cannot be achieved with medication. It is exclusively possible by surgically removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Lens implantation is now an extremely safe and efficient routine procedure.

We generally implant a biocompatible artificial lens made of plastic or silicone in place of the natural lens. The exact type of implant lens (e.g., monofocal, multifocal, toric, aspheric) depends on various factors and is planned on an individual basis during the ophthalmologist's examination.

How does the surgery proceed?

The surgery almost always takes place under local anesthesia, in the form of anesthetic eye drops, ensuring a completely painless procedure. Additionally, the tissues around the eye may also be numbed with a local anesthetic injection. Sedation is only used in special cases.

During cataract surgery, the ophthalmologist makes an incision barely larger than 2 mm on the cornea. The lens is broken down into small pieces and removed through this incision using ultrasound-assisted microsurgery. Then the artificial lens is implanted. The surgical wound usually closes by itself without sutures, and there is no bleeding.

At the end of the operation, a protective dressing is applied to the operated eye, and eye drops are prescribed to be used for several weeks. The wound healing lasts 4-8 weeks, and it takes time for the final visual acuity to develop as well.

In addition to removing the cataract, a secondary goal may be to improve vision. In such cases, a lens is implanted that corrects vision defects, whether it's nearsightedness or farsightedness. With the surgery, vision can be completely restored, and the glasses can be put aside.

Pterygium Removal

A pterygium is a conjunctival growth that creeps towards the center of the cornea. The thickened, blood-rich conjunctiva may threaten vision as it stretches over the cornea. Its treatment is surgical. During the operation, we remove the pterygium and clean the cornea. If it affects a small area, removal is easier and healing is faster, so it's advisable to seek an ophthalmologist as soon as you notice such a problem.

Glaucoma (Green Cataract) Surgery

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. The most common cause is increased intraocular pressure. Without treatment, it can lead to narrowing of the visual field and even blindness. In certain cases, medication or laser treatment is sufficient, but surgery is sometimes necessary. During the anti-glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy), we create an artificial channel through which excess aqueous humor can leave, thereby reducing eye pressure.

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