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Types of operations aimed at improving vision - advantages and disadvantages

Nowadays, the problem of visual impairment (rapid development of various eye diseases) is very acute among people of different ages.All this is due to the neglect of health and excessive stress on the organ of vision.Computers, tablets, phones, TVs and e-books - all these things can not only simplify life, but, on the contrary, can also harm.

Fortunately, science does not stand still, and diseases that were previously difficult to treat can now be eliminated practically without consequences or complications.

Laser vision correction

Laser vision correction is not only an option to give up glasses and contact lenses, but also the only effective and safe way to preserve vision in old age.

The advantages of this procedure are:

  • Security.The probability of developing serious complications is relatively low.
  • Effective for all violations.The operation is performed not only to improve vision and get rid of optics.In some cases, laser correction cannot be avoided (this applies to diseases leading to blindness).
  • Painless.Before the start of the procedure, an anesthetic drug is dripped into the patient's visual organ, so the patient may feel at most slight discomfort during certain stages of the surgical procedure.
  • Not duration.The procedure itself takes several minutes, most of the time is spent on preparation.
  • Short recovery period.In this case, you do not need to report to 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 surgery will be, even before it is performed.The result lasts for a long time (the exception may be the patient's progressive myopia).

The choice of the specialist and the location of the operation always remain with the patient.The price of the procedure and medical services may vary at the private clinic.Their formation is influenced by many factors.That's why it's worth spending time searching for information and clarifying all interesting questions in advance.

Types of operations

There are many correction methods.Each has its advantages and disadvantages.List of types of laser correction:

  • laser (subepithelial) keratomileusis;
  • photorefractive keratectomy;
  • femtosecond LKZ.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was first performed in Germany a few decades ago.With this procedure, the cornea is exposed to an excimer laser.Indications for the procedure include astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness.

A significant disadvantage of the photorefractive keratectomy method is the long and unpleasant recovery period.In addition, vision does not return immediately after the procedure, but gradually;complications are possible.Therefore, they resort to it only when other more modern and effective methods are contraindicated.

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).Unlike the previous method, the surface corneal layer is not removed during the operation, it is only pushed to the side.The recovery period is shorter than in the case of PRK.

Laser keratomileusis (LASIK).Currently, this is the safest and most effective way to improve vision.The recovery period is short, vision improves in the first hours after the operation.

Femtosecond LKZ (Femto-LASIK) is a modification of the LASIK method that helps to achieve the ideal result.The risks are reduced, the vision returns, and the rehabilitation period does not last long.This method also has fewer contraindications than traditional laser correction.The procedure can also be performed on patients with dry eye syndrome.

There are other modifications to the basic methods.The doctor selects the most relevant method in the given situation.

Indications and contraindications

Laser vision correction, like any other procedure, has its indications and contraindications.Indications can be divided into two types: medical and professional.

The medical indication for laser vision correction is the presence of the following abnormalities in one eye (the other can see well):

  • farsightedness;
  • astigmatism;
  • myopia.

Professional indications (areas where it is not advisable to wear contact lenses or glasses):

  • firefighters;
  • police officers;
  • military;
  • workers in the industrial sector (places with a lot of dust, smoke and other unfavorable factors).

Contraindications are relative and absolute.The absolutes are:

  • autoimmune pathologies;
  • immunodeficiency;
  • diseases that affect the processes and speed of recovery 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);
  • eye diseases of an inflammatory nature;
  • scars in the cornea (shell);
  • changes in the retina and fundus.

Surgery is strictly prohibited for persons under the age of 18.This is due to physiological characteristics (not fully formed eyeball).

Preparation for laser correction

If surgery to restore vision has already been scheduled, the ophthalmologist recommends that a series of tests be performed and certain rules be followed.You may also need to consult with other specialists: therapist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, etc.

Tests to be performed before the procedure:

  • general blood test;
  • general urinalysis;
  • HIV test;
  • syphilis test;
  • hepatitis test;
  • coagulogram.

A list of recommendations that are very important to follow during surgery:

  • stop wearing contact lenses (this should be done a week or two before surgery);
  • avoid alcoholic drinks and medicines containing alcohol a few days before the procedure;
  • tidy up before the procedure;
  • Breakfast on the designated date should be light;
  • Do not apply make-up to your face or apply perfume to your body before surgery;
  • you need to buy and carry sunglasses (they will be needed after the procedure and during the recovery period);
  • For laser vision correction surgery, it is advisable to bring a loved one with you, who will take note of the doctor's recommendations for the postoperative period, help you get home, and take care of the patient for the first time.

The fulfillment of these conditions is very important, as the success of the procedure and the final result depend on it.

How is the procedure done?

Almost all types of laser correction are performed in three main stages.If we talk about the most effective, popular and sought-after LASIK procedure, it is the following:

  1. First stage.The laser or microkeratome creates a flap on the surface of the cornea and moves it to the side.
  2. Second stage.The shape of the cornea is changed by a laser beam (it must meet the individual parameters of the patient).
  3. Third stage.The wing returns to its original position and heals.
Stages of laser vision correction

Many people have heard that patients' eyes are taped shut during surgery.There are cases when the patient wakes up during the procedure and injury is possible.In this situation, the eye is not closed during laser correction, because anesthetic drops are instilled before the procedure, and the operation itself takes only a few minutes, so such measures are unnecessary.

Postoperative period

The postoperative period is different for everyone.But after laser correction with the help of LASIK, the patient feels improvement in the first days and does not feel any discomfort.

After the operation, all possible complications should be clarified again, questions of concern should be asked, and the main recommendations should be heard again.

An approximate list of operations 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 the ophthalmologist at the prescribed times;
  • after surgery, it is necessary to wear sunglasses outdoors (protects against dust, infection and small particles entering the eyes);
  • Do not touch the treated area with your hands;
  • the prescribed medicines must be used strictly at the specified time and in the amount;
  • It is better not to wash your hair in the first days after the operation;
  • It can only be washed with purified or boiled water;
  • you should stop using skin care and decorative cosmetics for a while;
  • it is important to moderate physical activity for a while (the doctor will inform you about the end of the restrictions at the time after the examination);
  • you cannot visit saunas, swimming pools and other public places where you can get an infection;
  • it is necessary to reduce eye strain (reject reading, watching TV, prolonged use of phones and tablets);
  • It is strictly forbidden to drive a car in the postoperative period;
  • If it becomes painful or you feel severe discomfort, you should consult a professional.

There are also some dietary recommendations.Since laser correction is still a surgical procedure and therefore means some stress for the body, you need to eat right.

As in any other period, the food should be healthy and contain the necessary vitamins.In order to improve eyesight, 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 (kidney and liver);
  • egg (yolk).

It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol during the postoperative period, and it is advisable to quit smoking.If your health deteriorates sharply in the first weeks after surgery and you need additional medication, tell your doctor about the last laser correction.

Risks and consequences of the operation

Despite the fact that laser correction, in principle, does not pose a serious threat, there are situations when complications still arise and have not entirely pleasant consequences.The ophthalmologist must state this in the order, and the patient who consents to the operation must be prepared for possible risks.

List of possible complications during surgery:

  • the cornea may become 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, improperly selected instruments or correction method, technical reasons, etc.

Complications after surgery:

  • swelling, inflammation, itching, pain and burning;
  • allergic reaction to drugs;
  • no improvement or deterioration;
  • blindness (caused by individual intolerance).

Several problems that appear not immediately, but after a while after the operation:

  • recurrence of eye 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.Whether you decide to do this procedure or not is up to everyone.In some cases, it improves the quality of life (allows you to walk without glasses and contacts), sometimes it saves you from complete blindness.

Surgical operations

Despite the great popularity of laser correction, there are situations when other microsurgical operations simply cannot be dispensed with.They save patients with glaucoma, cataracts and various pathologies of the retina from blindness.And they have many advantages and disadvantages.

To combat cataracts, operations are performed to remove the lens and replace it with a lens.Microsurgery also deals with diseases of the retina.To do this, doctors achieve complete adhesion to the tissues (subject) or remove scars and tissues showing signs of pathological changes from the vitreous.Glaucoma can be overcome with surgery to restore fluid balance in the organ.

The following procedures (surgical interventions) are also widely used:

  • keratoplasty (this procedure restores the function and shape of the cornea);
  • Scleroplasty (an operation that helps stop progressive myopia);
  • implantation of lenses (phakic): farsightedness and shortsightedness are corrected;
  • vitrectomy (during the procedure, the pathological processes of the retina are removed)
  • Lensectomy (during surgery, the lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens).
Vitrectomy - surgery to restore vision

Surgical ophthalmic intervention can be hollow or superficial.Laser correction is superficial, while cataract surgery is of the hollow type.

Surgical intervention helps if laser correction is prohibited or if you cannot cope with a serious eye disease (cataract, glaucoma, etc.).Therefore, if the doctor insists on the surgical method of overcoming the disease, then you should trust him.

Treatment of eye 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 is whether to choose a clinic: private or public.In this case, it is difficult to guess.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 conditions for successful work (modern equipment).Some doctors work in private and public clinics at the same time, so you don't have to focus too much on the price of services.Positive reviews and recommendations are much more important.