Cataract Surgery Cost in Turkey 2024

Cataract surgery cost is one of the key data that is taken into consideration while scheduling the surgery. It is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant to restore clear vision. However, the cost of cataract surgery can vary widely depending on the eye conditions as well as several factors, such as the type of surgery, the location of the surgery center, and the type of insurance coverage.

This blog will help the reader understand the cataract, its causes, and the aspects related to cataract surgery, such as its cost, expected results, and success rate.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are the buildup and shifting of the eye’s proteins in a manner that obstructs the eye’s lens, which regulates the sunlight entering and passing through to the cornea. This causes the vision to feel hazy and misty and reduces the ability to observe color, creating a black-and-white impression or even blurry at times.

Factors That Influence The Cost Of Cataract Surgery

When considering private cataract surgery as the solution, it is equally important to understand the factors that influence the cataract surgery cost. Let us understand them in detail.

The Insurance: Different types of insurance plans are available that can cover the surgery cost associated with cataract surgery, including admission and consultation fees, as well as the cost of the surgery itself. These payment plans often offer flexible payment options to patients. The extent of coverage provided by insurance plans can vary, based on the individual provider and the healthcare professional’s assessment of the necessity of the procedure. Some insurance plans may cover a higher percentage of the cost, while others may cover a smaller portion.

The Lens: The lenses used for implants vary based on the requirement, thereby also creating a difference in their pricing. These lenses are referred to as intraocular lenses (IOL). An instance here is that monofocal lenses are used to fix single-directional vision, making them more economical than the multifocal lens. There are also premium Toric lenses available that correct astigmatism and presbyopia.

The surgical technique: The latest laser eye surgery procedure utilizes laser as its medium of operation and is significantly expensive. In comparison, traditional surgery techniques, like phacoemulsification, are more affordable.

The surgeon’s charges: These charges depend on the surgeon’s experience and reputation in their field and are often determined by them. These charges vary for every surgeon.

The surgery’s setting: Outpatient surgery is typically expensive, with numerous formalities and a variety of charges, but in comparison, independent ambulatory surgical centers, referred to as ASCs, are characterized as generally less costly with minimal waiting lists. ASCs are typically owned by independent surgeons or hospitals and, in some instances, through a joint partnership.

Prior and post-operative care: The pre-surgery, and post-surgery care, are both dependent on the severity of the case and the precautions that the patient would have to exercise to wholly prepare for a side-effect-free surgery, recover from the cataract, sustain, and return to their routine life.

What To Expect With Cataract Surgery?

When your healthcare expert recommends a Cataract surgery, these are the processes that you may be expected to follow before the surgery.

The surgeon, after or as part of the initial consultation, may conduct an eye test and use the results to determine the appropriate focusing power required, along with the IOL to support it.

The surgeon may advise avoiding other medications and prescribe eye drops at regular intervals to reduce the chances of infection before, during, or after the surgery.

The surgeon would repeat the patient’s assessment before beginning the surgery. The surgery would either take place in a hospital or an ASC.

Cataract operation and surgery in the UK would typically involve the below-mentioned steps:

The eye would be numbed using eye drops or through an injection. In addition, depending on the patient, medicines may be prescribed to reduce stress.

The surgery proceeds, with the patient being conscious but unaware of the processes. The visibility and experience would be limited to light and movement.

The primary process involves the surgeon using a specialized microscope to observe the patient’s eye while making self-healing incises near the cornea using a blade or laser.

The surgeon would then use minute and highly delicate instruments to break the cataract, extract and remove it. This would be followed up by an alternative lens implant.

The self-healing incisions typically would not require stitches, and therefore, the surgeon would complete the process by placing a shield to cover the operated eye and surrounding areas.

The patient post-surgery would be required to rest in the recovery area for a specified duration, following which they can head home.

The Average Cost Of Cataract Removal

The average cost of cataract surgery is approximately £3,000-4,000 per eye but can reduce depending on insurance, the specific country, and the hospital or increase due to additional costs related to the treatment, type of lens, and similar factors mentioned above. It may also vary depending on your finance options and other alternatives, such as surgery on the NHS scheme depending on eligibility and other factors.

What Are The Main Causes Of Cataracts?

There are numerous causes of cataracts, but some of the most frequent and common ones are

The natural process of aging: This is the most common cause of cataracts. The standard aging process impacts the eye’s lens, with chances of it developing into a cataract.

A family history: A family history of cataracts can result in chances of a child facing congenital cataracts as an inherited syndrome.

Diabetes as a catalyst: Diabetes is typically a catalyst in developing a cataract, as the increased blood sugar levels can negatively affect the retina, contributing to the development of a cataract.

Eye trauma: Eye injuries of various types or for prolonged stages can lead to corneal damage and the development of cataracts.

The use of steroidal medications: The long-term use of steroids may benefit health, but their side effects can also cause health complications like diabetes and obesity, with the potential to cause cataracts.

Radiation treatment for cancer and other diseases: The exposure to ionized radiation from sources like X-rays and Gamma-rays can potentially lead to the development of a cataract. It differs from the standard cataract and is called Posterior Subcapsular Cataract (PSC).

Long-term exposure to the sun: The prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays and sunlight can accelerate the eye’s deterioration. This can create major scope for retinal or macular degeneration, leading to the possibility of a cataract.

Smoking: This is a recent cause discovered by researchers and doctors. The prolonged exposure to smoke can damage eye vessels and delay recovery, increasing the chances of a cataract.

What Is The Success Rate Of Cataract Surgery?

The calculated success rate of cataract surgery is 97%, with a minimal record of post-surgery complications and challenges.

Is It Necessary To Seek Medical Intervention?

The cataract appears harmless but can result in the potential risk of vision loss. If you are suffering from a cataract and facing related visual difficulty, contact a healthcare specialist near you.

Get the best care now. Connect with your doctor to know the best way forward for your treatment