Life Expectancy Rises, Cataract Incidence Increases

As life expectancy increases, the frequency of age-related eye diseases is also rising. Cataract, which results from the loss of transparency of the eye lens, is among the most important causes of treatable vision loss worldwide. In Turkey, cataract is one of the most common causes of vision decline, particularly in advanced age groups, and can be successfully treated through early diagnosis and timely cataract surgery.

Prof. Dr. Akif Özdamar, Head of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Unit at Turkey Ophthalmology Society (TOD), noted that regular eye examinations are of great importance for timely diagnosis of cataract, and emphasized that surgical treatment applied at the right time can significantly improve patients' vision function and quality of life.

Cataract becomes more common with age
Cataract occurs as a result of the natural lens of the eye losing its transparency and becoming cloudy. The frequency of the disease increases with age, and it stands out as one of the main causes of vision decline in advanced age groups. When diagnosis is made at the right time and surgical treatment is performed in suitable patients, vision can be substantially restored.

Although cataract most often develops as an age-related condition, different factors such as trauma, diabetes, long-term corticosteroid use, and excessive sun exposure can also play a role in the development of the disease.

The most common symptoms of cataract include gradual blurring of vision, fading of colors, sensitivity to light, and particularly reduced night vision. Because the disease progresses slowly, individuals may not notice vision loss for a long time.

Prof. Dr. Akif Özdamar stated that as life expectancy increases, cataract will continue to be one of the most common diseases encountered by ophthalmologists in the coming years, and said the following:

"Today, individuals' life expectancy is increasing. Patients want to have good vision and maintain their quality of life and stay active in life. Although cataract typically develops with age, it can also result from factors such as trauma, diabetes, long-term corticosteroid use, or excessive sun exposure. The disease progresses with symptoms such as gradual blurring of vision, fading of colors, sensitivity to light, and reduced night vision."

Surgery is the only treatment for cataract
Today, surgery is the effective treatment method for cataract. Thanks to technological advances, high success rates have been achieved in cataract surgeries, while determining the treatment approach appropriate to the patient's eye structure and needs is important.

The phacoemulsification method, commonly used in cataract surgery, allows access to the interior of the eye through small incisions made in the transparent layer of the eye and enables the lens that has lost its transparency to be fragmented and absorbed using ultrasonic energy. The procedure performed through small incisions typically does not require stitches. This helps shorten the surgical duration and accelerate the patient's recovery process.

During surgery, an artificial intraocular lens that mimics the refractive power of the natural lens is implanted to replace the lens that has lost its transparency. In suitable patients, this aims to substantially eliminate vision loss caused by cataract after surgery.

However, patients with advanced-stage cataract or those with other eye problems accompanying cataract may require different surgical methods. In such cases, as larger incisions may be needed, the surgical and recovery period may be prolonged.

Individuals over 50 should not neglect regular eye examinations
Pointing out that cataract is often a slowly progressive disease and patients may not notice vision decline in early stages, Prof. Dr. Özdamar emphasized the importance of regular eye examinations.

Özdamar stated that particularly individuals over 50 undergoing at least one eye examination per year can help detect age-related eye diseases, especially cataract, in early stages, and stressed that changes in vision should not be overlooked.

About Turkey Ophthalmology Society
Turkey Ophthalmology Society (TOD), the official national professional association of Turkish ophthalmologists, comprises ophthalmologists and physicians receiving specialist training in this field. With over 5,000 members, the association aims to contribute to national eye health, support the professional and scientific development of its members, protect professional rights, and combat unethical and non-scientific practices that threaten public eye health.