Eye Treatments
Eye Treatments
Eye treatments encompass the treatment of various eye diseases and vision disorders that may arise due to genetic factors or acquired conditions. As one of the most important organs, eye health is crucial for overall well-being.
The main methods used in eye treatments are:
LASIK Eye Surgery: A surgical procedure where the cornea is reshaped with a laser to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Smart Lens Applications: Corrects both distance and near vision problems with intraocular lenses.
Lazy Eye Treatment (Amblyopia): Treatments aimed at strengthening the eye muscles and improving brain-eye coordination.
Strabismus Treatment: Surgery or optical treatments used to correct misalignment of the eyes, known as strabismus.
Glaucoma Treatment: Aims to control glaucoma by lowering the intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.
Excimer Laser: A laser treatment that corrects corneal irregularities and improves vision quality.
Intraocular Pressure Treatment: Medications or surgical interventions are used to lower eye pressure.
Keratoconus Treatment: Treatments aimed at halting the progression of corneal thinning and irregularity.
Cataract Surgery: Involves removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Laser Cataract Surgery: Uses laser technology to safely remove the cataract.
Vitrectomy Surgery: A surgical procedure to remove the vitreous fluid and membranes from the back of the eye.
Dry Eye Treatment: Treatment with lubricating drops and other methods for insufficient tear production.
Eyelid Surgery: Surgical interventions to address aesthetic or functional issues with the eyelids.
Strabismus Treatment: Surgical or optical correction to help the eyes focus on the same point.
Each treatment method is planned and applied based on the specific condition of the patient. Since eye health directly impacts overall quality of life, regular eye exams and timely treatments are essential.
CLE and ICL Lens Implantation
CLE and ICL Lens Implantation
CLE (Clear Lens Extraction) and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) lens implantation are advanced techniques used to correct vision defects. These procedures offer effective solutions for patients who want to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. CLE and ICL correct refractive errors such as high myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and are especially preferred for patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK.
How is ICL Implantation Performed?
In ICL implantation, a lens is placed through a 2.8 mm incision in the eye. During the procedure, after the eye is anesthetized, the lens is inserted and secured in place. The incisions close on their own without requiring stitches.
Indications and Contraindications
Suitable Patients: Individuals with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, who are over 21 years old and have not experienced significant changes in their refractive errors over the past year.
Unsuitable Patients: Individuals with serious eye conditions such as cataracts or uveitis, and pregnant women.
Recovery Process and Considerations
The recovery process is generally quick and does not require hospitalization. It is important for patients to follow the doctor’s instructions after surgery. Additionally, contact lens users may need to stop wearing lenses for a certain period before the surgery.
These techniques are effective and safe options for the treatment of vision disorders.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma, also known as "karasu" in Turkish, is a serious eye disease caused by an increase in intraocular pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Glaucoma Treatment Methods
The fluid in the eye, which nourishes the tissues, is normally produced and drained from the eye. However, in some cases, this fluid cannot be expelled, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure, which causes glaucoma. There are three main methods for treating glaucoma:
- Medications: Various eye drops or oral medications are used to lower the intraocular pressure.
- Laser Treatment: A method called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to open blocked fluid channels with low-dose laser beams. This procedure is quick and usually painless.
- Surgical Operation: Surgical intervention is applied when glaucoma cannot be controlled with other methods.
Recovery Process After Glaucoma Treatment
After treatment, patients may experience temporary effects such as burning, stinging, or redness. These symptoms typically disappear within 24 hours, and patients can return to their normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is at risk for glaucoma? People with a family history of glaucoma, older individuals, those with high myopia, and hypertensive patients are at risk.
- Can glaucoma cause blindness if left untreated? Yes, untreated glaucoma can result in permanent blindness.
- Is glaucoma treatment difficult? No, glaucoma treatment is generally not difficult.
- Will there be pain during the treatment? No, there is no pain during glaucoma treatment.
- Can glaucoma recur after treatment? While rare, there is a risk of recurrence.
- Is the treatment risky? No, there is no serious risk associated with glaucoma treatment.
No Touch Laser Surgery
No Touch Laser Surgery
No Touch Laser is a type of laser surgery that is performed without any direct contact with the eye, distinguishing it from traditional laser treatments. This method is preferred by many patients because it does not require cutting the corneal layer. No Touch Laser corrects vision problems without using any knives or vacuum tools.
How Is No Touch Laser Surgery Performed?
During this treatment, the cornea is planned like a lens, and a shape modification is made on the outer part of the cornea (about half a millimeter). This corrects vision defects such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. Instead of cutting, the cornea is shaved at a microscopic level using a laser.
Recovery Process
In the first few hours after the procedure, patients may experience burning, watering, and stinging in their eyes. These symptoms usually subside with the eye drops prescribed by the doctor and should completely disappear by the second day.
Post-Treatment Care
- Medication Use: The prescribed eye drops and medications should be used regularly.
- Hygiene: Hygiene rules should be followed to prevent infection.
- Avoid Water Contact: Avoid contact with water for the first 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Side Effects: There are no known side effects of No Touch Laser treatment.
- Pain: There is no pain during the treatment.
- Permanent Solution: No Touch Laser treatment provides a permanent solution for eye problems.
- Will the Vision Problem Return? After treatment, the eye prescription typically does not return.
Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants
Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants
Intraocular lens implants are an effective treatment method for those who want to get rid of glasses and contact lenses. During this procedure, the eye's natural lens is removed, and specially designed prosthetic lenses are implanted in its place. When performed in conjunction with cataract surgery, this method improves vision quality and enhances the patient's standard of living.
How Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants Are Performed
Before the treatment, the doctor evaluates the patient's expectations and prepares an operation plan. During the surgery, which is performed under local or general anesthesia, small incisions are made in the cornea, and the intraocular lens is inserted. This procedure also corrects vision problems such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism.
Recovery Process
After the surgery, patients should wear protective glasses. If corneal edema does not occur, they can return to social life the next day. For the first 24 hours, the eyes should avoid contact with water, so showering should be avoided. Additionally, steroidal and antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Issues After Intraocular Lens Implantation: Rarely, issues like residual prescription, corneal edema, high intraocular pressure, cataracts, or eye infections may occur.
- Treatment of Vision Problems: Yes, conditions like astigmatism, hypermetropia, and myopia can be corrected with this method.
- Pain: The operation is painless; however, there may be mild discomfort afterward, which is usually temporary.
- Risk: There are no serious risks associated with intraocular lens treatment.
Cataract Surgery and Recovery Process
Cataract Surgery and Recovery Process
Cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye loses its transparency, leading to vision impairment. Cataract treatment cannot be done with medication or glasses; the only solution is surgical intervention.
How Cataract Surgery Is Performed
The most commonly used method is the phacoemulsification technique. In this method, the cloudy lens is broken down using ultrasonic vibrations and removed, and an intraocular lens is placed in its place. During the surgery, small incisions of 2-3 mm are made in the eye, and no stitches are required.
Recovery Process
The recovery after surgery generally takes about one month. In the first few days, sensitivity, pain, and redness may occur in the eye. These symptoms are alleviated with the medications and eye drops prescribed by the doctor.
Post-Surgery Precautions
- Medication Use: Medications prescribed by the doctor for swelling and pain should be used regularly.
- Hygiene: Eye hygiene should be maintained, and precautions should be taken to avoid inflammation.
- Avoid Water Contact: The eyes should not come into contact with water for the first week.
- Protection from Trauma: It is important to protect the eyes from trauma.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits as prescribed by the doctor should not be missed.
- Reading: Reading books and watching television are prohibited for the first 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cataracts can only be treated with surgical intervention.
- Cataracts do not recur after surgery.
- Some pain may be felt for a few days after surgery.
- Cataract surgery offers a permanent solution and generally does not require hospitalization.
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Lasik, Laser, and PRK Laser Surgery
Lasik, Laser, and PRK Laser Surgery
Excimer laser treatment is a laser method used to treat vision problems such as hyperopia, astigmatism, and myopia. An ultraviolet laser with a wavelength of 193 nm, excimer laser has been used for approximately 25 years to eliminate the need for glasses and lenses.
Excimer laser treatment is preferred to achieve clear vision without the use of glasses or lenses. Before this procedure, the patient's suitability for excimer laser treatment is carefully evaluated by the doctor. Those with adequate eye health are candidates for this treatment.
How Excimer Laser Treatment Is Performed
Excimer laser treatment is applied through three different methods:
- Lasik Laser Method: A thin layer is cut from the outermost surface of the cornea, creating a flap. The excimer laser is then applied to the opened area to correct the vision defect.
- Lasek Laser Method: The epithelial layer is removed, and laser treatment is applied underneath this layer.
- PRK Method: The flap is not lifted; instead, the epithelial layer of the cornea is scraped off, and the laser is applied directly to the surface.
Recovery Process After Excimer Laser Treatment
After excimer laser treatment, patients may experience temporary symptoms such as burning, stinging, and redness in the eyes. These effects can generally be managed with lotions and eye drops and tend to improve within a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clear vision be achieved after the excimer surgery? Yes, after this surgery, the patient can achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or lenses.
Is the excimer surgery painful? No, there is no pain during the surgery.
Who is suitable for this procedure? People with vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia, as well as those who have previously undergone cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and other similar procedures, can be treated with excimer laser.
What prescription levels can the excimer treatment be applied to? The Femto Lasik method can be used for myopia up to -10, and for astigmatism and hyperopia, it can be used up to +6.
Is there an age limit? This treatment is suitable for individuals aged 18 and above.
Color Blindness
Color Blindness
Color blindness is a visual impairment characterized by the inability to perceive certain colors or perceiving them incorrectly. This condition can appear as partial (dyschromatopsia) or, in rare cases, total color blindness (achromatopsia), where all colors are not perceived.
Types of Color Blindness
- Protanopia/Protanomaly: The inability to perceive red or the weak perception of red.
- Deuteranopia/Deuteranomaly: The inability to perceive green or the weak perception of green.
- Tritanopia/Tritanomaly: The inability to perceive blue or the weak perception of blue.
Symptoms of Color Blindness
Color blindness involves a person incorrectly perceiving colors or being unable to see certain colors altogether.
Diagnosis of Color Blindness
- Ishihara Charts: A test using colored graphics with numbers to identify color blindness.
- Farnsworth Test: A more comprehensive test where colors are arranged by their tones.
Causes of Color Blindness
- Hereditary factors
- Lens opacity
- Alcohol dependency
- Head injuries
- Eye diseases
Treatment of Color Blindness
There is no definitive treatment for color blindness, but in some cases, treatments and technologies can help improve color perception. Specifically, specialized lenses and glasses equipped with advanced technology can assist individuals with color blindness in perceiving colors more accurately. In the context of health tourism, centers offering such advanced treatment options provide significant solutions for individuals with color blindness. It is advisable to consult with expert doctors to determine the most suitable methods and technologies for treating color blindness.
Retina Treatment
Retina Treatment
The retina is a layer at the back of the eye where the photoreceptor cells are located. Problems in the retina can lead to vision loss. Retina conditions such as macular degeneration, tears, bleeding, and swelling can be treated through retina surgery. These surgeries should be performed promptly, as retinal damage can lead to permanent blindness.
How is Retina Treatment Performed?
Before retina treatment, the doctor and patient will discuss the procedure through an interpreter. The doctor listens to the patient's expectations and prepares an operation plan. Microsurgical instruments are used to restore the normal function of the retina. With these tools, three points on the outer part of the eye are identified, and from these points, the vitreous cavity at the back of the eye is accessed. The vitreous gel is cleaned, and issues such as tears, bleeding, swelling, and bulging are addressed. During the operation, a technique called vitrectomy is used to return the retina to its natural position. Laser photocoagulation is also commonly used in these procedures to stop the formation of new blood vessels on the retina or to repair tears using laser treatment.
Post-Retina Surgery Recovery Process
After the operation, the eye is covered with a bandage, which the patient usually wears for 24 hours. On the first day, symptoms such as burning, pain, and discomfort may occur, but these symptoms typically subside over time. During the healing process, prescribed medications and eye drops should be used regularly. Additionally, attention should be paid to eye hygiene, water exposure should be avoided, and physical activities should be restricted for a certain period.
Things to Pay Attention to After Retina Treatment:
- Medication Usage: The prescribed medications and eye drops should be used regularly.
- Hygiene: Proper eye hygiene should be maintained, as neglect can increase the risk of infection.
- Water Exposure: The eye should not come into contact with water during the first 24 hours.
- Dressing: Regular dressing changes and follow-up doctor visits should be scheduled.
- Protection from Trauma: The eye should be protected from potential trauma after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is retina surgery a difficult procedure? Retina surgery is a complex procedure requiring careful attention due to the delicate structure of the eye.
- Is retina surgery painful? There is no pain during the operation, but mild pain may be experienced after the surgery.
- When can I return to work after surgery? The recovery time varies from person to person, but usually, a few days of rest are recommended.
- Will there be scars on the eye? Scarring is not expected after the procedure.
- Is there a risk with the surgery? Retina surgery is generally safe, but as with any surgical intervention, there are minimal risks involved.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Treatment
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) Treatment
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment is a laser therapy method used for glaucoma (eye pressure) disease. This condition occurs when high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerves, and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness. SLT helps lower intraocular pressure by opening blocked eye channels, controlling the eye pressure. It is particularly preferred in cases where medication treatment is insufficient for open-angle glaucoma.
How is it Performed?
In SLT treatment, low-dose laser beams are directed to the blocked channels in the eye. The laser targets pigment and melanin cells, which helps open these channels. The treatment is short and painless.
Recovery Process
After the treatment, there may be some pain, burning, and redness in the eye for the first 24 hours, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly. It is important that the eyes avoid contact with water during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of SLT treatment? SLT helps reduce eye pressure and prevents the progression of glaucoma.
- Where is the treatment performed? It can be done in an outpatient clinic and does not require an operating room.
- Can SLT treatment be repeated? Yes, if adequate results are not achieved in the first session, the treatment can be repeated.
- Does SLT have any harmful effects on the eye? No, there are no known harmful effects of SLT treatment on the eye.
- What is the success rate? SLT can reduce eye pressure by 75-85%.
- Is it an alternative to medication? No, SLT is used alongside medication or surgery for different stages of glaucoma treatment.
Strabismus (Squint)
Strabismus (Squint)
Strabismus in adults occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This condition happens when the eye muscles are not controlled properly by the brain. Strabismus can result from health issues such as diabetes, thyroid disease, brain tumors, or stroke, as well as accidents or damage to the eye muscles during eye surgery. For adults who had strabismus in childhood, the condition may persist, but in some cases, it can develop later in life.
What Causes Strabismus in Adults?
For both eyes to align and focus on an object, the eye muscles must work together and be balanced. The brain controls these muscles, and if the control is not functioning properly, strabismus occurs. This can be caused by health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases (e.g., Graves' disease), myasthenia gravis, brain tumors, or stroke, as well as accidents or head injuries. Strabismus can also result from damage to the eye muscles during eye surgeries.
How Does Strabismus Affect Vision?
Under normal conditions, both eyes point to the same place, and the brain combines these images to form a single three-dimensional (3D) image. However, with strabismus, when one eye is misaligned, it sends two different images to the brain. In childhood strabismus, the brain learns to ignore the image from the misaligned eye, which leads to the loss of depth perception. In adult-onset strabismus, double vision is a common symptom because the brain has become accustomed to merging images from both eyes and cannot ignore the image from the misaligned eye.
What Are the Symptoms of Strabismus in Adults?
The most prominent symptom is the misalignment of the eyes. Other symptoms of strabismus in adults may include:
- Weakness or twitching around the eye or its surrounding muscles
- Double vision, blurry vision, difficulty reading, or loss of depth perception
- Tilting or turning the head constantly to see a clear image
These symptoms may be constant or may come and go.
Strabismus significantly affects eye coordination and visual quality. Treatment options include eyeglasses, prism lenses, eye exercises, botulinum toxin injections, and surgical correction. The treatment plan is based on the underlying causes and the severity of the symptoms.