Modern operations aimed at restoring vision are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost all eye problems.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are constantly developing, expanding, and becoming more and more effective.Improvement of visual functions is achieved by hardware correction of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Properly selected technology allows not only to fully restore vision, but also to reduce the risk of complications.From the article, you can find out what ophthalmic operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
Species
Thanks to the development of hardware methods in medicine, operations aimed at restoring vision are now reliable and minimally invasive procedures.Their duration does not exceed several hours, and there is no need for complex rehabilitation measures in the future.The surgical treatment method is selected depending on the disease, age and general condition of the patient's visual system.
Laser correction
The most popular type of surgery to correct visual acuity.Today, these are sophisticated high-tech methods that are extremely effective and have a minimal risk of complications.It allows the treatment of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is preserved for a long time, and if you follow all the instructions of the ophthalmologist, you can completely avoid repeated intervention.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.The basic type of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is removed with a microkerat, and then its shape is changed with a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is that they cannot take into account the individual characteristics of the patient's semen anatomy;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.It enables a better result as it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.It is used in most modern clinics around the world;
- Femto LASIK.A similar type of surgery, the only difference is that the cornea is not cut with a microkerat, but with a special femto laser.There is also an improved version in which the course of the operation depends on the individual characteristics of the patient - Super Femto LASIK;
- Epi-LASIK.The mechanism of the procedure is the same as the traditional LASIK method, but this operation is prescribed only for thinned (acquired or congenital) corneas;
- PRK (FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been performed since 1985.Today, it is used when traditional correction methods are contraindicated, for example in the case of a thin cornea or serious eye diseases.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period takes longer than with other methods.
Vision correction operations take no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, a protective bandage must be worn for several hours, and drops must be applied for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;re-treatment is required if vision deteriorates significantly.
Vitrectomy
This procedure is used to completely or partially remove the vitreous body of the eyeball.It is done under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it disappears in 2-3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which subsequent manipulations are carried out.This usually involves laser cauterization of the affected areas of the retina, compaction of detachments, or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- restoration of visual functions after bleeding of eye tissues;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe retinopathy of the eye that causes gross scarring or neovascularization (enlargement of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, gas bubbles, silicone oil or balanced salt solution are used to replace the vitreous.The latter type is used more often, since no further surgery is required - the saline solution is then replaced with intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even further vision loss.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the lesion and the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous.If there are irreversible changes in the optic nerve, vision correction is almost impossible.
Scleroplasty
A common ophthalmic procedure aimed at strengthening the outer layer of the eye (sclera).It is not prescribed to correct visual functions, but to stabilize the degree of myopia in patients at risk.It is recommended for teenagers with the problem, as the shape of the eye is actively changing at this age.
During the operation, we insert the necessary number of wings behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Polymers or biological components are usually used.After that, it attaches to the outer shell of the eye, and after a few months, blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow into the ear.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.This involves inserting an artificial or biological substance behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is the same - it prevents the growth of the eyeball.
It's a well-studied operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is done in most clinics.Practically no side effects have been identified, except for a possible allergy to the drug.Repeat surgery is usually required.
Lens replacement
It is a necessary operation prescribed for clouding of the lens or any other degenerative process, such as cataracts.The treatment is always compulsory, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, gender and the severity of the pathological changes in the eye.Lens replacement is prescribed in the following cases:
- high degree of myopia and farsightedness;
- significant reduction of refraction;
- regeneration processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- the impossibility of restoring laser vision;
- Gray cataract;
- the probability of developing glaucoma against the background of a systemic or ophthalmic disease.
The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia.During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision with a laser, then uses a special device to liquefy the patient's lens and remove it from the eye.After that, the prepared graft is installed.The intervention lasts no more than 25 minutes;subsequent suturing and hospital recovery are not required.
The surgery is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications after manipulation are usually not observed, but later laser vision correction is often prescribed.In rare cases, the lens needs to be replaced again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
It is one of the most modern and complex ophthalmic surgeries, which involves many risks and requires a highly trained surgeon.It is necessary to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.It is prescribed to treat congenital or acquired disorders resulting from injury or disease.Healthy tissues for transplantation are only taken from donors, but in many countries the development of artificial replacement is underway.Keratoplasty is recommended to solve the following problems:
- treatment of corneal diseases (wounds, tone disorders);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- birth defects.
The operation takes no more than 30 minutes.During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser or a special scalpel to remove part of the patient's cornea and implant the donor tissue in its place.Stitches can last up to a year, after which a special lens is chosen to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period lasts from 4 weeks, during which antibiotic drips are necessary, but regular examinations are required in the following year.
In recent years, it has been possible to significantly reduce the risk of donor tissue rejection thanks to the special compounds used during processing and preservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method to restore retinal tissue.The efficiency of the method is more than 70%, and you can return to your usual lifestyle within 24 hours of its introduction.An ophthalmologist's observation is required for one year after the procedure.
Today, the operation is performed with a laser, so there is no need for blood loss.It is performed under local anesthesia, the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes.
Before coming into contact with the laser, drops are applied to dilate the pupil, and then a special protective lens is put on, through which the exposure takes place at a low frequency.The high temperature causes damaged cells and small blood vessels to stick together.
The coagulation procedure is necessary for any damage and pathology of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and vascular diseases of this organ.After surgery, inflammation and turbidity may develop.Do not engage in heavy physical work or active sports for several years after the correction.
Crosslinking
An effective method for the treatment of various corneal diseases.It is used to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the tissue of the cornea, which is necessary for different degrees of keratoconus or degenerative processes, dystrophy.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia.First, a small part of the cornea is cut with a special tool, and vitamin B2 is dripped into the open area.The subsequent irradiation allows the fabric to be stretched by more than 200%.You will need to wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery and undergo a medical examination for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts for 10 years, after which a second operation is required.
In rare cases, complications can be observed.The patient may experience reduced vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Glaucoma treatment
In the case of various degrees of glaucoma, ophthalmic surgery is required if drug treatment does not bring the desired result.The operation is performed with a laser or surgically.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is completely painless for the patient and there are practically no complications.During the procedure, a hole is made with a beam, through which fluid is removed from the tissues of the eye in order to normalize the pressure.It is used to treat all types of glaucoma.
Manual surgery is less effective because there is a risk of complications after the procedure.Typically, this is a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The goal of the method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
After both types of operations, the effect decreases over time.On average, repeated surgery is required after 5-7 years.This period can be extended with the help of appropriate medication.
Conclusions
Today, most modern eye clinics perform many surgical procedures to correct vision.These are precise, high-tech methods that can be used to eliminate almost all eye defects.The choice of method depends on many factors - age, disease, unique structural characteristics of the patient's visual system.After the operation, the effect appears almost immediately, and if all the doctor's instructions are followed, visual acuity will remain for a long time.