Cataract
Cataract removal with premium monofocal, EDOF or trifocal lenses for clear vision at every distance.
Cataract surgery gently removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a premium intraocular lens. With monofocal, EDOF or trifocal options you can restore crisp vision — and often reduce your dependence on glasses for good.
Quick answer
Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens of the eye and replaces it with a clear artificial lens (intraocular lens). Lens options include monofocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF) and trifocal, with toric versions for astigmatism. It is one of the most commonly performed operations worldwide. An ophthalmologist confirms the need and lens choice after assessment.
Suitability is always confirmed by an ophthalmologist after a full eye examination.
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Who is it for?
- People whose cataract makes daily tasks such as reading, driving or recognising faces difficult.
- Patients with glare, faded colours or frequent prescription changes caused by cataract.
- People who want to discuss premium lens options to reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.
- Patients with astigmatism who may benefit from a toric lens.
- Anyone whose ophthalmologist has confirmed that cataract is the main cause of their reduced vision.
Who it isn't for
- Early cataract that does not yet affect daily life — updated glasses may be enough for now.
- Active eye infection or inflammation, until treated.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions that make travel or surgery unsafe, until stabilised.
- People with macular disease, advanced glaucoma or other eye conditions may still benefit, but are usually advised against multifocal or trifocal lenses.
- Anyone who cannot stay for the post-operative checks recommended by the surgeon.
How it works
- 1
Detailed eye assessment
Tests commonly include visual acuity, biometry to calculate lens power, corneal mapping, eye pressure and a retinal scan. The ophthalmologist confirms that cataract is the cause of your symptoms.
- 2
Lens choice
You discuss monofocal (usually clear distance vision with reading glasses), EDOF (distance and intermediate) or trifocal (distance, intermediate and near) options, and toric lenses for astigmatism.
- 3
Surgery
After numbing drops and often light sedation, the cloudy lens is broken up with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) through a small incision and removed. The new lens is inserted. It commonly takes around 15–30 minutes.
- 4
Next-day check and second eye
The eye is checked the following day. If both eyes need surgery, the second is commonly done a day or a few days later.
- 5
Aftercare
You receive a drop schedule, an eye shield for sleeping and written aftercare. Follow-up continues at home.
How long you stay
For one eye, most patients stay in Antalya for about three to four days; for both eyes, commonly five to seven days, to allow surgery on each eye and post-operative checks. Follow-up at home is commonly arranged with an optometrist or ophthalmologist over the following weeks.
Recovery
Vision often improves within a few days, though it can be blurry at first and continues to settle over several weeks. Use the prescribed drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and heavy lifting for the period your surgeon advises. Glasses may be updated once the eye has settled, commonly after about four to six weeks. With multifocal or trifocal lenses, near vision can take longer to feel natural.
Risks and how they are managed
- Posterior capsule opacification — clouding behind the new lens months or years later — is common and usually treated with a quick YAG laser procedure.
- With trifocal or multifocal lenses: halos, glare and reduced contrast at night are common trade-offs; monofocal lenses have fewer of these effects but usually need reading glasses.
- Residual prescription can remain; glasses or, occasionally, further treatment may be needed.
- Raised eye pressure, inflammation and macular swelling (cystoid macular oedema) are uncommon and usually treatable with drops.
- Retinal detachment is uncommon but serious; report sudden flashes, floaters or a shadow straight away.
- Serious infection (endophthalmitis) is rare but sight-threatening; follow drop and hygiene instructions carefully.
- Rarely, the lens is displaced or needs exchanging.
Technology and instruments
- Optical biometry to measure the eye and calculate lens power.
- Phacoemulsification (ultrasound) system, sometimes with femtosecond-laser assistance.
- Intraocular lens types: monofocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), trifocal and toric.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check the retina before surgery.
Technology types only — the exact devices used are named in your written treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
When is the right time for cataract surgery?
When the cataract affects everyday activities such as reading, driving or seeing in bright light. There is no need to wait for it to become "ripe"; your ophthalmologist advises on timing.
Which lens is best for me?
It depends on your eyes and your priorities. Monofocal lenses give good quality distance vision with fewer night effects but usually need reading glasses; EDOF and trifocal lenses reduce reliance on glasses but can cause halos. Your ophthalmologist recommends options after assessment.
Does cataract surgery hurt?
Numbing drops and often light sedation keep it comfortable. The eye may feel gritty for a few days afterwards.
How soon will I see clearly?
Many people notice clearer, brighter vision within days, with further improvement over the following weeks.
Can a cataract come back?
No — the cloudy lens is removed. The capsule behind the new lens can become cloudy later, which is usually treated with a quick laser procedure.
Are both eyes done at once?
Usually the eyes are treated separately, a day or a few days apart, so the first eye can be checked before the second.
Can I correct astigmatism at the same time?
Often, yes. A toric lens can correct regular corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery, if measurements show it is suitable.
When can I fly home?
Most people fly after the post-operative check, once the surgeon is satisfied with the eye. Bring your drops in your hand luggage.
Included in your package
- Free eye examination & suitability check
- Often lower cost than UK & EU prices
- Free VIP airport transfers & a hotel near the clinic
- LASIK, SMILE, Smart Lens & cataract by eye surgeons
- A dedicated patient coordinator at every step
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