Ranking first among preventable reasons of blindness, nowadays cataract treatment is performed easily and comfortably. Previously applied treatments necessitated the use of reading glasses as a result. However, latest technology makes it possible not to have to wear glasses after surgery for far-sightedness or near-sightedness alike.
Cataract is defined as loss of transparency in the lens found inside the eye, resulting in loss of eye sight. Cataract is seen in 50 per cent of the population between 65-74 years of age and 70 per cent of the population above 75 years of age. Furthermore, cataract is not a disease specific to the elderly. Cortisone use, diabetes and accidents cause the emergence of cataract at a younger age.  Even the babies are under risk for congenital cataract. Many factors are believed to play a role in the development of age-related cataract.An ophthalmologist at Acıbadem Eye Healthcare Centre, Associate Professor Banu Coşar describes the emergence of the disease as follows,"As the lens ages, its weight and thickness increase, resulting in the impingement and the hardening of the lens nucleus. Lens proteins called "crystallines" undergo a chemical transformation and the transparency of the lens decreases."

NO MEDICATION TREATMENT AVAILABLE

Diminishing eye sight is the most basic finding of cataract.However, depending on the type of cataract, it is possible to observe a variety of signs ranging from distribution-spilling of light to myopia, difficulty in telling colour tones apart and double vision. Associate Professor Coşar describes the diagnostic process as follows "First of all, we assess visual acuity. Later, the iris is diluted with eye drops. We identify the type of the cataract with the help of an examination device called biomicroscopy. We check the retina, the posterior side of the eye. If the cataract is too dense, the retina cannot be examined easily. In this case, we use the ultrasound to assess whether or not there is an additional problem at the posterior of the eye. We perform a cornea (the most frontal transparent layer in the eye) cell count. Following cataract surgery, we assess whether or not there is any risk for permanent cornea oedema." It is not possible to treat cataract with medication. Surgical intervention is the only treatment of choice in the treatment of cataract.

SUTURELESS SURGERY WITH THE FAKO TECHNIQUE

Nowadays, routine cataract surgery is performed with a technique termed fakoemulsification. Fakoemulsification technique involves the use of ultrasound energy in the fragmentation and absorption of the lens inflicted with cataract. Here is how Associate Professor Cosar describes this 15 minute procedure: "Previously, we used to anaesthetise the eye and the eye lids with injections. Nowadays, we no longer anaesthetise the eye lids, anaesthetic drops are usually sufficient. Some cases may require general anaesthesia: These are paediatric patients, eye traumas and those diseases which prevent the patients from lying still on their back. In this technique, there is no suture in the eye."

THE FOLLOWING ARE DR.COŞAR'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

• Use the prescribed eye drops on a regular basis.
• Avoiding rubbing your eyes.
• For two weeks following surgery, have someone help you while washing your hair. Take care to bend your head backwards.
• Severe pain is a sign of infection. Immediately contact your physician as soon as you experience severe pain.
• Contact your physician for complaints such as discharge and redness.