Cataract removal or refractive lens exchange, planned after a full eye examination.
In cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens, which has become cloudy, is removed through a tiny incision and replaced with a clear artificial lens. When the same operation is done to reduce dependence on glasses in someone without a significant cataract, it is called refractive lens exchange.
Several types of replacement lens exist. Standard lenses give clear vision at one distance, toric lenses also correct astigmatism, and multifocal or extended-depth lenses, often called “smart lenses”, aim to give a wider range of vision. Each involves trade-offs, such as glare at night with some multifocal designs, and not every eye is suitable for every lens.
These are general points only. Whether a procedure is suitable for you is decided by the treating ophthalmologist after a full eye examination and detailed measurements in the clinic.
You share your current glasses or contact lens prescription, any previous eye reports and your general medical history. The team confirms whether a full assessment is worthwhile.
In Istanbul, the ophthalmologist examines both eyes and takes detailed measurements. Drops that widen the pupils may blur your vision for a few hours, so you should not drive afterwards.
The eye is numbed, the cloudy or natural lens is broken up and removed through a tiny incision, and the new lens is folded and placed inside. The second eye is usually done a few days later.
The eye is checked after the procedure, usually the next day, before you fly. Later checks are arranged with an eye doctor near home, with your reports in hand.
Vision is often blurry at first and the eye may feel gritty. A shield protects the eye at night, and the eye is checked the next day.
Use the prescribed drops exactly as instructed. Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, heavy lifting and dusty places for the time the clinic advises.
Vision stabilises. If glasses are still needed for some tasks, a new prescription is usually checked at this stage.
Some people develop clouding behind the new lens (posterior capsule opacification), which is treated with a quick laser procedure.
Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.
It is an informal name for multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus lenses, which aim to give useful vision at more than one distance. They are not suitable for everyone, and the ophthalmologist explains the trade-offs.
Usually not. Most surgeons operate on one eye and treat the second a few days later, once the first is healing well.
The cataract itself cannot return, but the membrane holding the new lens can become cloudy months or years later. This is treated with a short laser procedure.
It depends on the procedure: most people plan for the assessment, the procedure day and at least one follow-up check before flying. Your coordinator confirms the schedule once the clinic has examined you.
It depends on the procedure the ophthalmologist recommends after the examination, the technology or lens used and whether one or both eyes are treated. You receive a written quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.
Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.
This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.