Cataract Surgery: What It Is, How It's Done, Recovery Process, and 2026 Prices

Cataract is a common eye condition that causes a decrease in vision due to the clouding of the eye's lens. In this article, we will discuss in detail what cataracts are, their symptoms, causes, treatment methods, how cataract surgery is performed, the recovery process, and what you need to know about 2026 prices.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding and loss of transparency of the natural lens inside our eye. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear and transparent, focusing light onto the retina to allow us to see clearly. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes opaque, blocking light from passing through and reducing the quality of vision.

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The most common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurred or hazy vision: This is the most frequent symptom.
• Fading or yellowing of colors: Colors lose their vibrancy.
• Decreased night vision: Difficulty seeing, especially in dark environments.
• Sensitivity to light and glare: Bright lights become uncomfortable.
• Double vision: Double vision may occur in one eye.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription: The eyeglass prescription may change frequently as the cataract progresses.
• Difficulty reading: Difficulty seeing fine details.
• Seeing halos around lights

What Causes Cataracts?

The most common cause of cataracts is aging. As we age, the proteins that make up the eye's lens undergo changes in their structure, clump together, and cause the lens to cloud. However, there are other factors besides aging that can cause or increase the risk of cataracts. These include:

• Genetic predisposition: A family history of cataracts increases the risk.
• Diabetes (Sugar disease): Diabetes can accelerate the development of cataracts.
• Long-term use of cortisone: Long-term use of certain medications can increase the risk of cataracts.
• Eye injuries or trauma: Eye trauma can cause cataracts.
• Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of cataracts.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use is also among the risk factors.
• Prolonged exposure to UV rays: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can contribute to the development of cataracts.
• Exposure to radiation: People undergoing radiation therapy have a higher risk of cataracts.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C, E)

At What Age Do Cataracts Most Often Occur?

Cataracts most often occur in people aged 60 and older. However, congenital cataracts can also occur in infants and children. In addition, cataracts can develop at a younger age due to genetic factors, diabetes, eye trauma, long-term medication use, etc. In recent years, cataract formation has been encountered at much earlier ages due to the influence of environmental conditions.

What are the Causes of Cataracts in Infants and Children?

Cataracts in infants and children are usually congenital. The main reasons are:

• Genetic factors: A family history of cataracts increases the risk.
• Infections during pregnancy: Infections such as rubella that the mother experiences during pregnancy can cause cataracts in the baby.
• Metabolic diseases: Some metabolic diseases also increase the risk of cataracts in children.
• Eye injuries: Trauma to the eye can cause cataracts.
• Premature birth: Premature babies have a higher risk of cataracts.

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to support the visual development of infants and children and prevent vision loss.

How Does Someone with Cataracts See?

A person with cataracts feels as if they are looking through fogged or frosted glass. Vision is blurred and hazy. Colors appear faded and dull, and vision becomes more difficult, especially at night. Excessive sensitivity to bright lights may develop, and halos may be seen around lights. This makes daily activities such as reading, writing, and driving difficult and significantly reduces the quality of life.

Cataract Treatment

What Happens If Cataracts Are Left Untreated? What are the Risks?

Untreated cataracts can progress over time, leading to increased vision loss and even blindness. In addition, as cataracts progress, the risk of other eye diseases such as glaucoma also increases. Advanced cataracts can also make surgery riskier and more difficult.

Is It Possible to Treat Cataracts with Herbal Support or Exercise?

No, it is not possible to treat cataracts with medication, herbal supplements, or exercise. Cataracts are caused by the deterioration of the structure of proteins in the eye's lens, and this condition cannot be reversed with herbal treatments or exercises. Today, the only definitive and effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.

How Can Cataract Progression Be Stopped?

Although it is not possible to completely stop the progression of cataracts, adopting some healthy lifestyle habits can slow it down:

• Wearing sunglasses: Quality sunglasses should be used to protect the eyes from UV rays.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking is an important factor that accelerates the development of cataracts.
• Healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E), lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are important nutrients for eye health, should be adopted. (Example: dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fish)
• Diabetes control: Patients with diabetes should keep their blood sugar levels under control.
• Regular eye exams: Having regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40, allows for early diagnosis of cataracts and early initiation of treatment.

Cataract Treatment Methods

There is no treatment method to stop the progression of cataracts. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures with the most successful results today.

Cataract Surgery with Latest Technology Phaco Method

The most widely used and most advanced surgical technique in cataract treatment today is Phacoemulsification (FAKO). FAKO is the process of breaking up the cataractous lens inside the eye using ultrasonic energy, removing it through a small incision, and placing an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in its place.

Advantages of the Phaco Method:

• Small incision: It is made through a small incision that does not require stitches or requires very few stitches.
• Fast recovery: The recovery period is short thanks to the small incision.
• Lower risk of complications: The risk of infection and other complications is lower.
• Better vision results: Patients usually experience a significant increase in visual acuity immediately after surgery.
• Local anesthesia: It is usually performed under local anesthesia and does not require general anesthesia.

Cataract Surgery

Preparation Before Cataract Surgery

Before cataract surgery, your doctor will perform a detailed eye examination and take measurements of your eye to determine the number of the intraocular lens (IOL) to be used. In addition, your general health status will be evaluated, and you will be asked to provide information about the medications you are taking. Especially if you are using blood thinners, your doctor may ask you to stop taking these medications for a certain period of time before the surgery. It is recommended that you do not wear makeup on the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothes, and have a companion with you.

How is Cataract Surgery Performed?

Cataract surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, by numbing the eye with eye drops. In addition, sedatives can be given intravenously to relax the patient. No pain or discomfort is felt during the surgery. Cataract surgery performed with the FAKO method consists of the following steps:

1. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision of approximately 2-3 mm in the transparent layer of the eye called the cornea.
2. Opening the Anterior Capsule: A circular window is opened on the front surface of the thin membrane surrounding the lens.
3. Phacoemulsification: The tip of the FAKO device, which emits ultrasonic vibrations, is inserted into the eye through the incision and breaks the cataractous lens into small pieces. At the same time, these pieces are absorbed by the device and removed from the eye.
4. Intraocular Lens (IOL) Placement: After the cataractous lens is removed, a foldable artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed into the eye through the small incision and settles inside the lens membrane (capsule).
5. Closing the Incision: The small incision usually does not require stitches and closes on its own. In some cases, the surgeon may make a single stitch.

The surgery takes an average of 10 minutes for one eye. The procedure is not performed on both eyes at the same time; operations are planned on different days for the two eyes.

Recovery Process and Care After Cataract Surgery

After the surgery, your eye will be covered with a bandage, and you can return home on the same day. When you come for a check-up the next day, your bandage will be removed by your ophthalmologist. Blurred vision is normal for the first few hours. It is important to use the eye drops prescribed by your doctor regularly and not to rub your eye. The healing process is usually rapid, and most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days.

Things to Consider After Surgery:

• Use eye drops regularly: Use the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops prescribed by your doctor as directed and at the specified times.
• Do not rub your eyes: Avoid rubbing your eyes to avoid increasing the risk of infection and to prevent the intraocular lens from dislodging.
• Avoid heavy lifting and bending: Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward, and straining for the first week after surgery.
• Protect your eyes from water: Be careful not to get water in your eye while bathing during the first week.
• Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and dust when you go outside.
• Do not neglect your check-ups: Go to check-up appointments at the intervals determined by your doctor.
• Do not enter the pool or sea for the first 1 month.
• Do not allow soap and shampoo to get into your eyes for the first 1 week.

Common Situations Encountered During the Recovery Process:

• Slight stinging and burning sensation: There may be a slight stinging and burning sensation for the first few days after surgery.
• Blurred vision: Vision may be blurry in the first few days but will clear up over time.
• Sensitivity to light: A temporary sensitivity to light may develop.

When Should You See a Doctor?

• Severe pain: If you feel severe pain in your eye.
• Excessive redness and swelling: If there is excessive redness, swelling, and discharge in the eye.
• Sudden vision loss: If you experience sudden vision loss.
• Intense flashes of light: If you have intense and continuous flashes of light in your eye.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately.

Cataract Surgery Prices 2026

Cataract surgery prices may vary depending on the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, the surgeon's experience, the hospital where the surgery is performed, and the technology used. As of **2026, it is forbidden to provide clear information about cataract surgery prices on websites or other platforms.

Factors Affecting Cataract Surgery Prices

• Type of Intraocular Lens (IOL): The type and features of the intraocular lens to be used are the most important factor affecting the price. There are different types of lenses such as monofocal (single focus), multifocal (multiple focus), or trifocal (three focus). Multifocal and trifocal lenses are more expensive because they provide clear vision without glasses at far, intermediate, and near distances.
• Surgeon's Experience: The fee of a specialist and experienced surgeon in the field may be higher than that of a less experienced surgeon.
• Hospital Where Surgery is Performed: There may be price differences between private hospitals and clinics. Factors such as the services offered by the hospital, the technology used, and the location affect the price.
• Technology Used: The use of advanced technologies such as the FAKO method can increase the cost of surgery.
• Patient's General Health Status and Additional Treatments: Additional treatments may be required before or after surgery, depending on the patient's general health status.

Insurance and Payment Options for Cataract Surgery

Many private health insurances cover cataract surgery. However, the scope of insurance and payment terms may vary depending on your policy and contracted healthcare institution. It is important to contact your insurance company before surgery to obtain information about the scope and payment details. Patients with SGK can have this surgery by paying a differential fee.

Information and Appointment:

To get detailed information about cataract surgery and 2026 prices, you can fill out the contact form on our website or contact us by calling 0212 261 2400.