Eye Diseases
Private MEVA Hospital
Regular eye exams are of great importance for maintaining eye health, from infancy to adulthood. According to current guidelines, it is recommended to have eye exams at the 2nd, 6th, and 12th months for babies. Even if no issues are detected, it plays a critical role in early diagnosis of potential diseases to repeat eye exams annually.
What Does the Department of Ophthalmology Cover?
The Department of Ophthalmology is a medical unit that includes the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical applications related to eye diseases. The department evaluates and treats the following conditions:
Refractive surgery (surgeries to get rid of glasses)
Cataract surgery
Glaucoma (eye pressure)
Corneal diseases
Retina and vitreoretinal diseases
Strabismus
Neuro-ophthalmology
Oculoplastic surgery (eyelid and surrounding area)
Contact lens applications
During the diagnostic process, advanced technology devices such as autorefractokeratometer, biomicroscope, tonometers (air-puff and applanation), direct and indirect ophthalmoscope are used. All patient data is securely stored in digital systems.
Surgical Techniques Used in Eye Surgery
Eye surgeries are performed by experienced doctors using up-to-date surgical techniques and modern technologies.
Cataract surgeries are commonly performed under drop anesthesia, using stitch-free FAKO (phacoemulsification) method.
For advanced diabetic retinopathy, pars plana vitrectomy, age-related macular degeneration, and complex vitreoretinal surgeries are successfully performed.
Corneal transplants are conducted with suitable donor corneas obtained from eye banks.
Glaucoma, strabismus, and retinal detachment surgeries are performed using methods tailored to the patient’s needs.
Excimer laser (LASIK, etc.) treatments for myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism are performed with drop anesthesia.
What Are Eye Diseases?
Refractive (Focusing) Errors
These are vision problems that arise due to the eye’s inability to focus light properly. They are divided into four main categories:
Myopia: Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Hypermetropia: Reduced near and, over time, distant vision
Astigmatism: Blurry or shadowed vision
Presbyopia: Difficulty seeing close objects after the age of 40
These conditions can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery in appropriate cases. Presbyopia can also be treated with smart lens applications.
Refractive Surgery and Excimer Laser
Refractive surgery refers to surgical procedures performed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or lenses. These procedures are performed on the cornea or the eye’s intraocular lens.
Techniques such as PRK, LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE have been highly successful in suitable patients. Thanks to excimer laser technology, the corneal tissue is shaped at a micron level, adjusting the eye’s refractive power precisely. These methods are considered safe, controlled, and widely used today.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is an excimer laser method in which a thin flap (flep) is created in the cornea. After the procedure, pain is minimal, and patients can usually return to their daily lives the next day. Myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism can be successfully corrected in individuals with suitable eye structures.
Retinal Diseases and Vitrectomy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious retinal disease caused by diabetes that can lead to blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision and increases in frequency with age.
Vitrectomy surgery may be performed in cases such as retinal tears, detachment, and macular holes.
Eyelid Diseases
Conditions like blepharitis, stye, chalazion, ptosis, eyelid tumors, eyelid drooping, and eyelid problems related to facial paralysis can be treated with medication or surgery.
Childhood Eye Diseases
Early eye examinations in children ensure timely treatment of conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, refractive errors, congenital cataracts, and tear duct obstructions. It is recommended that every child undergo an eye exam before preschool age.
Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
Glaucoma is a silent disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. It often shows no symptoms. It is crucial for individuals at risk to have regular eye check-ups.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition that can occur in premature and low birth weight babies. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Therefore, high-risk infants should have retinal exams at regular intervals after birth.
Cataracts and Smart Lens Applications
Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye loses its transparency. Nowadays, cataract surgeries are performed using stitch-free FAKO method. With the use of smart or astigmatic lenses during surgery, patients can significantly reduce their need for both near and far glasses.
Clear and Comfortable Vision with FAKO Surgery
Phacoemulsification (FAKO) is the most commonly preferred modern surgical method for cataract treatment today. In this method, the natural lens, which loses its transparency due to cataracts, is fragmented and cleaned from the eye with ultrasonic energy, and an artificial intraocular lens is placed in its place.
FAKO surgery offers a comfortable treatment process, thanks to its stitch-free nature, quick application, and fast recovery, and helps patients regain quality vision.
What Is Cataract?
Cataract is a condition that occurs when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and opaque over time. When cataracts develop, a person may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, perception of colors as faded, light sensitivity, and reduced night vision. If left untreated, it can progress to vision loss.
Cataracts typically develop with age and are more common after the age of 50. However, some factors can cause cataracts to appear earlier.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Cataracts
Family history of cataracts
Diabetes (high blood sugar)
Smoking and alcohol use
High cholesterol and hypertension
Obesity
Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight
What Is FAKO Surgery?
FAKO surgery is a minimally invasive method used in the surgical treatment of cataracts. Performed under local (drop) anesthesia, the cataractous lens is broken into small pieces using ultrasonic waves and removed from the eye. Then, an artificial intraocular lens is placed inside the eye based on the patient’s eye structure.
This method is considered the gold standard in cataract surgery due to its low complication risk, short surgery time, and fast recovery advantages.
Advantages of FAKO Surgery
Stitch-free surgical technique
Short surgery duration
Quick recovery after the surgery
Clearer and better vision
Quick return to daily life
Who Is Suitable for FAKO Surgery?
FAKO surgery is performed on patients diagnosed with cataracts. There is no age limit, and it can be performed on any patient, but it is particularly preferred in age-related cataract cases.
FAKO surgery may be suitable in the following situations:
Cataracts are negatively affecting daily life
There is a significant decrease in visual acuity
There is a risk of progressive vision loss
Glaucoma or retinal diseases are under control
The patient’s general health is suitable for surgery
The suitability decision is made by the doctor after a detailed eye examination.
Where Is FAKO Surgery Performed?
FAKO cataract surgeries are safely performed in hospitals, eye health and surgery centers, and well-equipped ophthalmology clinics. The procedure is carried out by experienced ophthalmology specialists using advanced technology devices.
