The information below is for general guidance. Which treatment is right for you can only be determined by a detailed examination.
01
Cataract & Premium Lens Surgery
Inside the eye, behind the pupil, there is a natural lens. Its role is to focus incoming light sharply onto the retina. Cataract is the gradual clouding of this natural lens as it loses its transparency; because light cannot pass cleanly through the clouded lens, vision becomes progressively hazy.
A healthy lens focuses light sharply on the retina. Cataract is the clouding of this lens.
Risk factors
The most common cause is age. In addition, diabetes, long-term cortisone (steroid) use, eye trauma, heavy sun (UV) exposure, smoking and family predisposition can accelerate cataract development.
Common symptoms
Blurred, foggy or faded vision
Colors appearing duller, a yellowish tint
Difficulty seeing at night, discomfort from headlights and bright light
Glare, dazzle and seeing halos around lights
Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
When is surgery needed?
There is no medication that can reverse cataract; the only treatment is surgery. The decision is made together, after examination, based on how much the cataract affects your visual acuity and daily life (driving, reading, working).
How is the surgery performed?
The eye is numbed with drops (local anesthesia).
A small incision of a few millimeters is made in the cornea.
The clouded lens is broken up and removed by phacoemulsification (ultrasound energy).
A clear intraocular lens (IOL) suited to the patient is placed in its position.
The incision usually closes on its own; in most cases no sutures are needed.
Premium (smart) lens options
The intraocular lens used varies according to your needs:
Monofocal: Provides sharp vision at a single distance (usually far); glasses may be needed for other distances.
Toric: Lenses designed to also correct astigmatism.
Multifocal / trifocal: Aims to reduce dependence on glasses by supporting far, intermediate and near vision; some people may notice halos/glare at night.
EDOF (extended depth of focus): Aims to provide continuity in the transition between distances.
Recovery
Vision usually clears gradually. In the first days it is recommended to use the prescribed drops regularly, avoid rubbing the eye, and avoid heavy or dirty work for a while. Healing speed and results vary from person to person.
Does cataract come back after surgery?
The removed lens does not form again. In some people, the membrane behind the lens (the posterior capsule) may cloud over months to years; this can be resolved with a short laser procedure.
Are both eyes operated on the same day?
Usually the eyes are operated in separate sessions. The decision is made together with the physician according to the condition of the eyes.
Will I need to wear glasses after surgery?
It depends on the lens type chosen and the characteristics of your eye. In some cases light reading glasses may be needed; this is discussed during the examination.
The lens type and surgical decision are made individually, after biometry and a detailed examination. Not every lens is suitable for every eye.
02
Excimer Laser (Refractive Surgery)
The need for glasses or contact lenses arises when light does not focus exactly on the retina. The excimer laser reshapes the surface of the cornea (the eye's clear front layer) with great precision, aiming to focus light on the right spot: the retina.
By reshaping the cornea, the laser aims to move the focus onto the retina.
Correctable errors
Myopia, difficulty seeing far (focus in front of the retina)
Hyperopia, difficulty seeing near (focus behind the retina)
Astigmatism, blur/ghosting at all distances due to irregular corneal curvature
Who is a suitable candidate?
Generally, a prescription that has been stable for some time, sufficient corneal thickness and a healthy ocular surface are expected. In situations such as corneal diseases like keratoconus, significant dry eye, or pregnancy/breastfeeding, the method is reassessed. Suitability is determined only by a preliminary evaluation.
Pre-operative assessment
Before the procedure, a detailed examination is performed including corneal topography (mapping), corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry), tear-film assessment, and a pupil and general eye examination. This evaluation determines both candidacy and the appropriate method.
Methods
There are two main approaches in refractive surgery: surface ablation (such as PRK / LASEK) and flap-based methods (such as LASIK). Which is appropriate is determined by factors such as the thickness and shape of the cornea, dry eye and your lifestyle.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under drop anesthesia. Depending on the method, there may be temporary stinging/burning or light sensitivity afterwards that can last a few hours.
Are the results permanent?
The correction on the cornea is permanent. However, the near-vision difficulty that appears with advancing age (presbyopia) is a separate matter and is not related to this procedure.
Can everyone have excimer laser?
No. It is not recommended for people whose corneal structure, prescription or eye health are unsuitable; this is why a preliminary evaluation is essential.
Candidacy and method selection are determined by the results of the preliminary evaluation. The prescription is expected to have been stable for a certain period.
03
Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
Glaucoma is a group of diseases in which the optic nerve (the nerve of sight) is progressively damaged, often in association with elevated intraocular pressure. If not detected early, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
In glaucoma, vision loss usually starts at the periphery (the sides); because central vision is preserved for a long time, it may go unnoticed.
Why is it a "silent" disease?
Glaucoma often causes no symptoms in the early stage. Because vision loss begins in the peripheral (side) field and progresses slowly, it may go unnoticed for a long time. For this reason, regular eye examinations and early diagnosis are critically important; vision loss that has occurred cannot be regained, but early treatment can slow its progression.
Risk factors
Older age, a family history of glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, a thin cornea, high myopia and diabetes are among the factors that increase risk.
Types
Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type; progresses slowly and silently.
Angle-closure (acute) glaucoma: May present with sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision and nausea; this is an emergency and requires immediate attention.
Diagnosis & monitoring
Intraocular pressure measurement
Visual field test
Assessment of the optic nerve head and OCT imaging
Assessment of the anterior chamber angle (gonioscopy) and corneal thickness
Treatment
The goal is to bring intraocular pressure under control and slow the progression of optic-nerve damage. To this end, eye drops, laser procedures and, when needed, surgical methods may be used. Consistency is very important in drop treatment; stopping the drops without consulting your physician can lead to progression of the disease.
Does glaucoma go away completely?
Glaucoma is usually a condition that requires lifelong monitoring; it is controlled with treatment, but damage that has occurred does not reverse. This is why early diagnosis is so valuable.
Can I stop my drops on my own?
No. Even if you have no complaints, the drops control the pressure; do not stop them without consulting your physician.
Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Untreated glaucoma can progress and lead to vision loss. With early diagnosis and regular treatment, most patients can preserve their vision.
The assessment of intraocular pressure is also an area in which Dr. Oduncu conducts research. For related scientific work, see the Research page.
At-home eye awareness tests
Try simple checks at home such as the Amsler grid and the astigmatism dial; for awareness, not diagnosis.