Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery

Cataract is the condition in which the lens inside the eye loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. Although it can occur at any age, starting from birth, its most common cause is “aging” of the lens. While its incidence increases after the age of 60, it can also be seen in the newborn period due to an infection the mother had during pregnancy, diabetes, other conditions or for no apparent reason; it should also be remembered that it can occur in any age group, particularly in situations such as diabetes, cortisone use and trauma.

Symptoms of cataract:

• Decreased vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision
• Fading of colors
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Impaired night vision

The most important symptom of cataract is decreased vision, and the only treatment for cataract is surgery; it cannot be treated with medication. The main goal of surgery is to improve vision and quality of life. Therefore, the timing of cataract surgery is directly related to the patient’s vision and quality of life.

Cataract surgery methods

In the Phaco Method, the damaged lens is removed using ultrasonic energy and an artificial lens is implanted. At İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi, cataract surgery is performed with Femtosecond Laser, a world-class technology. With the femtosecond laser method, the procedure is very short, recovery is very fast and the risk of complications is almost negligible, which provides great comfort for our patients. In this technique, in which cataract surgery is performed with the most modern technology, the eye is numbed with drops only. Our patients generally go through this surgery, which takes about 10 minutes, in a relaxed and comfortable way. After surgery, our patients return home right away and resume their daily lives from the next day.

The artificial lenses used in cataract surgery are the most important factor determining the quality of vision after surgery. The patient’s age, occupation and expectations (such as whether they wish to wear glasses or not) are important factors in choosing the lens.

Advantages of femtosecond laser cataract surgery, which reduces the complication rate and is performed under computer control with micron-level precision:

• The corneal incisions through which the eye is entered can be made precisely without using a blade.
• A very regular and well-centered opening is created in the anterior capsule of the natural lens. As a result, the lens implanted in the eye stays better centered in both the short and long term.
• Because the cataract is fragmented with the femtosecond laser, less energy is used inside the eye, resulting in less inflammation and edema.
• Astigmatism can be reduced and corrected through laser treatment of the cornea.

Intraocular lenses in cataract surgery

With rare exceptions, an artificial lens is placed inside the eye of every patient during cataract surgery. You will decide together with your doctor before surgery which type of intraocular lens will be used in your operation. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable lens for you.

Main types of lenses used in cataract surgery:

1. Monofocal Lenses: Depending on your eye and lifestyle, they can be focused for distance or near vision. If the lens is focused for distance, you may need glasses for astigmatism and for near vision.
2. Toric (Astigmatic) Monofocal Lenses: This lens corrects your astigmatism. You may need glasses for near vision.
3. Multifocal and Trifocal (“Smart”) Lenses: Multifocal lenses correct your distance and near vision. With trifocal lenses, popularly known as “smart” lenses, distance, intermediate and near vision are corrected, providing almost glasses-free, uninterrupted vision.
4. Toric (Astigmatic) Multifocal and Trifocal Lenses: These lenses correct both astigmatism and distance, intermediate and near vision.

At Can Göz Kliniği, which never compromises on quality, all intraocular lenses used are among the best in the world in their class, and all are FDA approved.

Patients who receive monofocal and bifocal lenses may need to wear glasses after surgery. With trifocal lenses, popularly known as smart lenses, the patient never needs glasses. The lenses used at our hospital are from highly reliable international brands such as ALCON ACRYSOL, ZEISS and RAYNER. The choice of lens is made jointly by the doctor and the patient after detailed examinations.

What are the side effects of cataract surgery?

In the first hours after surgery, temporary mild burning, stinging and watering may occur. Pain is not expected. Good-quality vision begins within 1–2 days and reaches the desired level within 10–15 days.

What should you pay attention to after cataract surgery?

• Use the prescribed eye drops as directed and always after washing your hands.
• During the first week, take care not to rub your eyes or lift heavy objects.
• Soapy, dirty water running down while washing your hair should not get into the eye.
• If you have complaints such as pain or discharge, be sure to consult your doctor.

At the Eye Clinic of İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi, with ophthalmologists highly experienced in cataract surgery and femtosecond laser applications, state-of-the-art technological equipment, appropriate patient selection, appropriate clinical follow-up and the choice of suitable, high-quality lenses, a level of success above international success rates has been achieved in cataract surgery. For this reason, it is a clinic preferred by many patients from Türkiye and abroad