Today, the problem of visual impairment (rapid development of various ophthalmological diseases) in people of different age groups is very acute.All this is neglect of health and excessive stress on the visual organ.Computers, tablets, phones, TVs and e-books - all this not only simplifies life, but on the contrary, it can harm.
Fortunately, science does not stand still, and diseases that were previously difficult to treat can now be eliminated with practically no consequences or complications.
Laser vision correction
Laser vision correction is not only an opportunity to abandon glasses and contact lenses, but also the only effective and safe way to preserve vision in old age.
Advantages of this procedure:
- Safety.Relatively low probability of developing serious complications.
- Effective for any violations.The operation is not only to improve vision and get rid of optics.In some cases, laser correction cannot be avoided (this applies to diseases that cause blindness).
- Painless.Before the procedure begins, an anesthetic drug is injected into the patient's visual organ, so the maximum that the patient can feel at certain stages of the surgical intervention is mild discomfort.
- Non-term.The procedure itself takes a few minutes, most of which is spent preparing for it.
- Short recovery time.In this case, there is no need to register at the hospital.The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, after which the patient can go home.
- Stability and predictability.The doctor almost always knows how effective the operation will be before it is performed.The result lasts for a long time (the exception may be the progressive myopia of the patient).
The choice of specialist and the location of the operation always remains with the patient.In private clinics, the price of the procedure and doctor's services may be different.Many factors influence their formation.Therefore, it is worth taking the time to search for information and clarify all the questions that interest you in advance.
Types of operations
There are several correction methods.Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.List of types of laser correction:
- laser (subepithelial) keratomileusis;
- photorefractive keratectomy;
- LKZ per femtosecond.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was first performed in Germany several decades ago.With this procedure, the cornea is exposed to an excimer laser.Indications for the procedure include astigmatism, myopia, and farsightedness.
A significant disadvantage of the photorefractive keratectomy method is a long and unpleasant recovery period.Also, vision returns gradually, not immediately after the procedure;complications are possible.Therefore, other more modern and effective methods are used only when there are contraindications.
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).Unlike the previous method, during the operation, the superficial corneal layer is not removed, but only moved to the side.Recovery time is shorter than PRK.
Laser keratomileusis (LASIK).Currently, this is the safest and most effective method of vision correction.Recovery time is short, vision improves in the first hours after surgery.
Femtosecond LKZ (Femto-LASIK) is one of the modifications of the LASIK method that helps to achieve ideal results.The risks are reduced, the vision returns and the rehabilitation period does not take long.This method also has fewer contraindications than conventional laser correction.The procedure can be performed even in patients with dry eye syndrome.
There are other changes to the basic methods.The choice of the most appropriate method in a given situation is made by the doctor.
Indications and contraindications
Laser vision correction, like any other procedure, has its indications and contraindications.Indications are divided into two types: medical and professional.
The medical indication for laser vision correction is the presence of the following disorders in one eye (the other sees well):
- foresight;
- astigmatism;
- myopia.
Professional indicators (specialties for which wearing lenses or glasses is not suitable):
- fire extinguishers;
- police officers;
- military;
- people working in the industrial sector (places with a lot of dust, smoke and other unfavorable factors).
Contraindications are relative and absolute.Must-haves include:
- autoimmune pathologies;
- immune deficiency;
- diseases affecting healing processes and speed after surgery;
- the patient has only one eye;
- myopia (progressive);
- herpes virus infection;
- retinal detachment;
- thinning of the cornea.
List of relative contraindications:
- diabetes mellitus;
- psychoses;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- the patient has heart problems (the presence of a pacemaker);
- ophthalmological diseases of an inflammatory nature;
- scars on the cornea (shell);
- changes in the retina and fundus.
Operation is strictly prohibited for people under 18 years of age.This is due to physiological characteristics (incomplete formation of the eyeball).
Preparation for laser correction
When surgery is already scheduled to restore vision, the ophthalmologist recommends passing a series of tests and following certain rules.It may be necessary to refer to other specialists: therapist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, etc.
Tests to be performed before the procedure:
- general blood test;
- general urinalysis;
- HIV test;
- test for syphilis;
- hepatitis test;
- coagulogram.
A list of very important recommendations for surgery admission:
- stop wearing contact lenses (this should be done one to two weeks before the operation);
- avoid alcohol and drugs containing alcohol a few days before the procedure;
- get yourself in order before the procedure;
- breakfast on the appointed date should be light;
- Before the operation, you should not put makeup on your face or perfume on your body;
- you need to buy and take sunglasses with you (they will be needed after the procedure and during the recovery period);
- For laser vision surgery, it is advisable to take a loved one with you who will remember all the doctor's post-operative recommendations, help you get home and take care of the patient for the first time.
Fulfillment of these conditions is very important, because the success of the procedure and the final result depend on it.
How is the procedure performed?
Almost all types of laser correction are performed in 3 main stages.If we talk about the most effective, popular and sought-after LASIK procedure, it is as follows:
- The first stage.A laser or microkeratome creates a flap on the surface of the cornea and moves it to the side.
- The second stage.The shape of the cornea is changed with a laser beam (must match the individual parameters of the patient).
- The third stage.The cap is returned to its original position and healed.
Many people have heard that patients' eyes are closed during surgery.There are times when the patient wakes up during the procedure and injury is possible.In this case, the eyes are not sealed during laser correction, because anesthetic drops are injected before the procedure, and the operation itself lasts a few minutes, so there is no need for such measures.
Post-operative period
The post-surgery period is different for everyone.But after laser correction using LASIK, the patient feels improvement in the first days and does not feel much discomfort.
After the operation, it is necessary to clarify all possible complications, ask questions that cause concern and listen to the main recommendations again.
An approximate list of actions in the postoperative period (the duration of this period depends on many factors):
- You can only sleep on your back;
- it is mandatory to visit an ophthalmologist on specified dates;
- after the operation, it is necessary to wear sunglasses outside (protects from dust, infection and small particles entering the eyes);
- Do not touch the operated area with your hands;
- prescribed drugs must be used strictly at the prescribed time and amount;
- It is better not to wash your hair in the first days after the operation;
- You can wash only with purified or boiled water;
- you should stop using skin care and decorative cosmetics for a while;
- it is important to do physical activity at a moderate level for a while (the doctor should inform you about the end of the restrictions at the appointment after the examination);
- you can not visit saunas, swimming pools and other public places where you can get an infection;
- it is necessary to reduce eye fatigue (refuse to read, watch TV, use phones and tablets for a long time);
- It is strictly forbidden to drive a car during the postoperative period;
- If it becomes painful or severe discomfort is felt, you should consult a specialist.
There are also some dietary recommendations.Since laser correction is still a surgical intervention and therefore a certain stress for the body, it is necessary to eat properly.
As in any other period, food should be healthy and contain the necessary vitamins.To improve vision, it is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C.
Suitable for:
- fruits and berries: blueberries, apricots, peaches, kiwi, etc.;
- vegetables: broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin;
- fermented milk products (cottage cheese);
- fish: salmon, mackerel;
- meat: chicken, rabbit, turkey;
- offal (kidneys and liver);
- egg (yolk).
It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol during the postoperative period, and it is recommended to give up smoking.In the first weeks after the operation, if your health deteriorates sharply and additional drugs are required, you should inform your doctor about the last laser correction.
Risks and consequences of surgery
Despite the fact that laser correction, in principle, does not pose any serious danger, there are situations when complications still arise and lead to completely unpleasant results.The ophthalmologist should mention this during the admission and the patient who agrees to the operation should be prepared for the possible risks.
A list of possible complications that may arise during the operation:
- the cornea may be cloudy;
- visual acuity may decrease;
- the image may begin to double;
- astigmatism develops.
Such problems can arise for various reasons: lack of experience and professionalism of the doctor, incorrectly selected tools or correction method, technical reasons, etc.
Complications that may occur after surgery:
- swelling, inflammation, itching, pain and burning;
- allergic reaction to drugs;
- no improvement or deterioration;
- blindness (as a result of individual intolerance).
A number of problems that may arise not immediately, but some time after the operation:
- return of ophthalmological diseases (short duration of therapeutic effect);
- dry eye syndrome;
- pathological processes affecting the cornea (keratoconus, erosion, etc.).
The laser correction method has both advantages and disadvantages.It is up to everyone to carry out this procedure or not.In some cases, it helps to improve the quality of life (making it possible to walk without glasses and contacts), and sometimes it saves from complete blindness.
Surgical operations
Despite the high popularity of laser correction, there are situations when other microsurgical operations simply cannot be done without it.They save patients with glaucoma, cataracts and various retinal pathologies from blindness.And they also have a number of advantages and disadvantages.
To combat cataracts, surgeries are performed to remove the lens and replace it with a lens.Microsurgery can also cope with retinal diseases.To do this, doctors achieve its complete compatibility with tissues (subject) or remove scars and tissues with signs of pathological changes from the vitreous body.Glaucoma is removed through surgery to restore fluid balance in the body.
The following procedures (surgical interventions) are also widely used:
- keratoplasty (through this procedure, the function and shape of the cornea is restored);
- scleroplasty (surgery to stop progressive myopia);
- lens implantation (phakic): farsightedness and myopia are corrected;
- vitrectomy (during this procedure, pathological processes in the retina are removed)
- Lensectomy (during the operation, the lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens).
Surgical ophthalmological intervention can be cavitary or superficial.Laser correction is superficial, and cataract surgery is a cavity type.
When laser correction is prohibited or a serious ophthalmic disease (cataract, glaucoma, etc.)Therefore, if the doctor insists on the surgical method of combating the disease, then it is necessary to trust him.
Treatment of ophthalmic diseases is rarely cheap, and this is not due to the desire of doctors to make as much money as possible.This is due to the high cost of materials and equipment used for treatment.The eternal question also remains the decision to choose a clinic: private or public.It is difficult to predict in this case.A doctor in a public clinic may have more experience and perform all procedures efficiently and confidently, while a doctor in a private clinic may have more facilities (modern equipment) to work successfully.Some doctors work in both private and public clinics at the same time, so there is no need to pay too much attention to the price of services.It is more important to have positive reviews and recommendations.