Modern vision restoration surgeries are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost any ophthalmic problem.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are constantly being developed, expanded and become more effective.The improvement of visual functions is achieved by hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Correctly selected technology allows not only a complete restoration of vision, but also a reduction in the risk of complications.From the article you will learn what ophthalmic operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
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Thanks to the development of hardware methods of medicine, vision restoration operations today are reliable and minimally invasive procedures.Their duration does not exceed a few hours, and in the future there is no need for complex rehabilitation measures.The choice of surgical treatment method is chosen 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 highly effective and with a minimal risk of complications.It allows you to cope with myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is maintained 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.Main type of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with a microkerat, then its shape is changed using a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is the inability to take into account the individual characteristics of the anatomy of the patient's eye;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.It allows you to achieve a better result, as it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.It is used in most modern clinics in the world;
- Femto LASIK.A similar type of operation, 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 where the course of the operation depends on the individual characteristics of the patient - Super Femto LASIK;
- Epi-LASIK.The mechanism of the procedure is identical to the traditional LASIK method, but this operation is prescribed only to patients with a thin cornea (acquired or congenital);
- PRK (FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been performed since 1985. Today, it is used when there are contraindications for conventional correction methods, for example, with a thin cornea or serious ophthalmic diseases.The healing process is always painful, and the recovery period lasts longer than with other methods.
Vision correction operations last no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours, as well as to apply drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;re-treatment is necessary if there is a significant decrease in vision.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure for complete or partial removal of the vitreous body of the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it subsides in 2-3 hours.First, small incisions are made in the eye cavity, through which subsequent manipulations are performed.As a rule, this involves laser cauterization of the affected areas of the retina, sealing the detachments or restoring the integrity of the tissues.The procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- restoration of visual functions after hemorrhage in the tissues of the eye;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe eye retinopathy that causes rough scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, gas bubble, silicone oil or balanced salt solution are used as vitreous substitutes.The latter type is used more often, since no additional surgery is needed - the physiological solution is subsequently replaced with intraocular fluid.
After the operation, side effects in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even further reduced vision are possible.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the lesion as well as the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous.If there are irreversible changes in the optic nerve, then vision correction is almost impossible.
Scleroplasty
A common ophthalmic procedure aimed at strengthening the outer layer of the eye (sclera).It is prescribed not to correct visual functions, but to stabilize the degree of myopia in a patient at risk.It is recommended for teenagers suffering from this problem, because at this age the shape of the eye is actively changing.
During the operation, the necessary number of flaps of material to strengthen the sclera are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball.Usually polymers or biological components are used.Adhesion to the outer shell of the eye then occurs, and after a few months the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow into the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.This involves the introduction of an artificial or biological substance behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical - preventing the growth of the eyeball.
It is a well-studied operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is performed in most clinics.There are practically no established side effects, except for a possible allergy to the drug.Reoperation is usually required.
Changing lenses
Necessary surgery, which is prescribed for clouding or other degenerative processes in the lens, for example, cataracts.Treatment is always mandatory, 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 in refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of laser vision restoration;
- 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, after which a special tool liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.The prepared graft is then installed.The intervention lasts no more than 25 minutes;no subsequent suturing and hospital recovery is required.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Usually, no complications are observed after manipulation, but subsequent laser vision correction is often prescribed.In rare cases, the lens needs to be changed again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmic operations, which is associated with many risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.Necessary to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.It is prescribed to treat congenital or acquired defects as a result of injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation is obtained only from donors, but in many countries the development of an 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 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 is 4 weeks, during which antibiotic instillations are necessary, but regular examinations are necessary throughout the following year.
In recent years, it has been possible to significantly reduce the risk of rejection of donor tissue due to the use of special compounds during its processing and preservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina
A surgical method for restoring retinal tissues.The effectiveness of the method is more than 70%, and within 24 hours after its application you can return to your normal way of life.Observations by an ophthalmologist are required for one year after the procedure.
Today, the operation is performed with the help of a laser, which eliminates the need for blood loss.It is performed under local anesthesia, the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are applied to dilate the pupil, after which a special protective lens is placed, through which the irradiation takes place at low frequencies.Because of the high temperatures, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick together.
The coagulation procedure is necessary for any damage and pathologies of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and diseases of the vascular system of this organ.After surgery, inflammation and opacification may develop.For several years after the correction, you should not engage in heavy physical work or active sports.
Networking
An effective method of treating various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the tissue of the cornea, which is necessary for keratoconus of varying degrees or degenerative processes, dystrophy.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia.First, a small part of the cornea is cut with a special device and vitamin B2 is infused into the open area.Subsequent irradiation makes it possible to tighten the fabric by more than 200%.You should wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts for 10 years, after which a second operation is required.
In rare cases, complications are observed.The patient may experience reduced vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Treatment of glaucoma
Ophthalmological surgery in various degrees of glaucoma is necessary when drug therapy does not bring the desired result.The operation is performed with the help of 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 the fluid is removed from the tissues of the eye 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.This is usually a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The goal of the method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The effect after both types of surgery decreases with time.On average, repeat surgery is required after 5-7 years.This period can be extended with the help of competent drug treatment.
Conclusions
Today, most modern ophthalmology clinics perform a number of surgical procedures to correct vision.These are precise, high-tech methods that can correct almost any eye defect.The choice of method depends on a number of factors - age, disease, individual structural features of the patient's visual system.After the operation, the effect occurs almost immediately, and if all the doctor's prescriptions are followed, visual acuity can be preserved for a long time.