Eye Surgery Guide: Types, Candidacy, and Recovery

Published Date: May 12, 2025 | Author: Dr. Sinan Goker

Eye Surgery Processes and Modern Treatment Methods

Our eyes are our windows to the world, and our quality of vision directly impacts our quality of life. Thanks to modern medicine, various eye conditions or vision defects requiring eye surgery can be treated effectively. In this comprehensive guide, you can find the most frequently asked questions and essential details about eye surgery, backed by the expertise of Dr. Sinan Goker. This article will guide those considering surgery through their decision-making process.

1. What is Eye Surgery and Why is it Necessary?

Eye surgery encompasses surgical interventions performed to treat diseases, injuries, or vision problems known as refractive errors. Eye surgery is of vital importance in treating serious conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma (eye pressure), strabismus (crossed eyes), and retinal detachment. Additionally, it is a frequently preferred method to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, aiming to reduce or completely eliminate dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The primary goal is to protect and improve vision while maximizing overall eye health and life comfort.

2. What are the Most Common Types of Eye Surgery?

Advances in medical technology provide various eye surgery techniques for different eye problems. The most common types include:

• Cataract Surgery: The process of removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (including trifocal or multifocal lenses, often called "smart lenses" today). This surgery eliminates one of the most common causes of age-related vision loss.

• Laser Eye Surgeries (Refractive Surgery): Techniques such as LASIK, Femto-LASIK, PRK/No-Touch, and SMILE, where the cornea is reshaped using Excimer or Femtosecond lasers to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

• Glaucoma Surgeries: Options like trabeculectomy, seton implantation, or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) aimed at lowering intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage.

• Retina Surgeries (Vitreoretinal Surgery): Complex procedures used for treating retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and diabetic retinopathy.

• Strabismus Surgeries: Aimed at ensuring eye parallelism and improving binocular vision by adjusting eye muscles.

• Eyelid Surgeries (Oculoplasty): Includes procedures for drooping eyelids (ptosis), inward or outward turning of the lids (entropion/ectropion), tumors, or aesthetic blepharoplasty.

3. Who is a Suitable Candidate for Eye Surgery?

Suitability for eye surgery varies based on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, age, and a detailed evaluation of the eye structure. For instance, candidates for laser eye surgery are generally over 18, have stable prescriptions for at least one year, and possess a suitable corneal structure. For cataract surgery, the main criterion is that the cataract has reduced vision enough to affect daily life. The most critical step before any surgery is a comprehensive examination by an experienced ophthalmologist.

4. Will I Still Need Glasses or Lenses After Surgery?

This depends on the type of surgery performed and the characteristics of the intraocular lens used.

• Refractive Surgery (Laser or Smart Lens): The primary goal is to eliminate dependency on glasses. Most patients achieve clear vision at far, intermediate, and near distances.

• Cataract Surgery with Monofocal Lenses: If a single-focus lens is used, the patient usually sees clearly at a distance but will still require reading glasses for near tasks.

• Astigmatism: If high astigmatism is not corrected during surgery (e.g., using a toric lens), the need for glasses may persist.

5. Why is Choosing the Right Doctor and Clinic Important?

The success and safety of a delicate intervention like eye surgery depend on:

• Surgeon’s Experience: Research the surgeon's expertise in your specific procedure and their patient outcomes.

• Technological Infrastructure: Modern diagnostic and treatment devices ensure a safer and more precise procedure.

• Hygiene and Sterilization Standards: Maximum care in sterilization is critical to avoid serious eye infections.

• Post-Operative Follow-up: Regular check-ups after the surgery are essential for a smooth recovery process.

Dr. Sinan Goker Ophthalmology Specialist Providing the most up-to-date treatment methods with years of experience in eye health and surgery.