# Cataract Treatments Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/cataract-treatments **Author:** Opr. Dr. Osman Şenbilgin | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-17 > **Summary:** A cataract is the clouding of the eye's normally transparent lens so that it no longer transmits enough light, most often because of age-related changes in the lens proteins. No drop or medication can reverse it; the only lasting treatment is surgery that replaces the lens with an intraocular lens, and operating early makes recovery faster and simpler. ## Quick Facts - **Operation Duration:** 15-20 minutes per eye on average (varies with cataract hardness and lens) - **Recovery Time:** Back to daily life in 3-4 days, full recovery in 3-4 weeks - **Anaesthesia Type:** Topical eye drops, light sedation if needed; the patient is not put to sleep --- ## What is Cataract? The lens loses its transparency and can no longer let enough light into the eye, making vision blurred. It becomes more common after the age of 55-60 but can appear earlier, and some types are congenital. ### Causes - Advancing age and change in the lens protein structure (the most basic cause) - Intense sunlight or UV exposure - Trauma - Toxic chemicals - Changes in body metabolism - Some medicines, such as cortisone drugs and steroids - Diabetes, hypertension and smoking may increase risk (from the FAQ) ### How a Person with Cataract Sees - Foggy, blurred vision, as if through a misty curtain - Intense glare from bright light - Paler or duller colours - Eye fatigue when reading or doing detailed work - Weaker vision at night or in dim light, making driving risky Other symptoms listed in the FAQ: sensitivity to light, double vision, difficulty reading, and later distance vision impairment. ### Types of Cataract - **Nuclear sclerotic:** mostly age-related, hardens the centre of the lens. - **Cortical:** opacities spread from the outer edges of the lens inwards. - **Posterior subcapsular:** small but rapidly progressing clouding at the back of the lens, often at a young age. --- ## Cataract Treatment Prices No price figures are given. Cost varies from person to person, mainly with the surgical technique and lens, and especially with the features of the chosen multifocal lens; the ophthalmologist helps choose a lens suited to the patient's profession and lifestyle. --- ## Methods and Lenses - **Phaco method:** the most commonly used method; mini incisions, anaesthetic eye drops, no stitches; requires an experienced microsurgeon, good preoperative examinations, strict sterilisation and quality materials. - **Trifocal lens:** premium intraocular lens with three foci for clear near, intermediate and distance vision without glasses. - **Trifocal toric lens:** premium trifocal lens widely used in cataract treatment for eyes with astigmatism. - **Multifocal lens:** treats distance and near vision problems together. - **Monofocal lens:** single-focus lens, preferred for clear distance vision. - **Monofocal toric lens:** single-focus lens that corrects astigmatism; near glasses may still be needed. After surgery, vision improves if there is no other eye disease. Monofocal lenses give clear distance vision; trifocal multifocal lenses are chosen when clear intermediate and near vision is also wanted. --- ## The Treatment Journey ### 1. Before Treatment - Surgery is the only cure; delaying it lets the cataract harden and raises the risk of complications. Surgery at an immature stage gives faster, simpler healing. ### 2. During Treatment - Performed by a specialist in an operating theatre under sterile conditions with an operating microscope. - Numbing eye drops, light sedation if needed; no pain, only small touches may be felt. - Pulse and blood pressure are monitored throughout. ### 3. After Treatment - The eye is bandaged and the bandage is removed the next morning at the surgeon's check. - Use the prescribed drops while awake; if several drops are prescribed, leave 5 minute intervals between them. Do not touch the eye with the hand while instilling. - Do not get water in the eye for 3 days; wash the face and shower with eyes closed for 2 weeks unless told otherwise. - No eye make-up for 2 weeks. - Do not rub the eye and avoid blows to the eye during sports. - Avoid swimming and steamy places such as baths for a month. - Redness or bruising is normal and resolves within a few days. ## Can Cataract Come Back? No. The clouded natural lens is removed and the new lens sits inside the capsule. Months or years later a membrane can form behind the lens (posterior capsule opacification); a YAG laser clears it in 1-2 minutes. ## Risks and Possible Side Effects Cataract and intraocular lens surgery are among the most commonly performed operations worldwide, with a very high success rate. - **Infection:** very rare; antibiotic drops before and after surgery keep the risk minimal. - **Temporary rise in eye pressure:** usually in the first few days, controlled with drops. - **Posterior capsule opacification:** cleared with a quick, painless YAG laser treatment lasting 1-2 minutes. - **Temporary dryness, grittiness or redness:** in the first weeks, settles with drops. - **Retinal detachment:** very rare; sudden flashes, new floaters or a shadow need prompt contact. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Who can get cataract?** A: It is mostly age-related and more common after the age of 55-60, but it can also occur in newborn babies, diabetics, people who have been hit in the eye and long-term cortisone users. **Q: What are the symptoms of cataract?** A: Decreased vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, difficulty reading, later distance vision impairment, and yellowing and dulling of colours. **Q: Can cataract be treated with medication?** A: No. It cannot be treated with medication or glasses; the cloudy lens is replaced with a transparent lens compatible with the eye's tissue, under anaesthetic eye drops without putting the patient to sleep. **Q: What causes cataract?** A: Oxidative changes that lead to protein deposits in the lens. Diabetes, UV radiation, hypertension and smoking may increase the risk. **Q: Is it better to have surgery early?** A: Yes. Besides permanently restoring vision quality, healing is faster and simpler with immature cataracts. **Q: What is recovery like?** A: In most cases recovery is quick: return to daily life takes 3-4 days and full recovery 3-4 weeks. Redness or bruising is normal and resolves within a few days. --- ## References - Cataracts in adults: management (NG77), NICE - Cataract surgery, NHS - Cataracts, NEI