Modern operations to restore vision are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost any eye problem.They have been used successfully for decades, so these methods are constantly evolving, expanding and becoming more effective.Improved visual function is achieved by hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other components of the eye's optical system.Properly selected technology not only allows to fully restore vision, but also reduces the risk of complications.From the article you will learn what ophthalmic operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
Species
Thanks to the development of hardware methods of medicine, today's vision restoration operations are reliable and minimally invasive procedures.Their duration does not exceed a few hours, and in the future there is no need for complex recovery measures.The choice of surgical treatment depends on the patient's pathology, age and general condition of the visual system.
Laser correction
The most common type of surgery to correct vision.Today these are complex, high-tech methods that are highly effective and have low risk of complications.Allows you to deal with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, vision is maintained for a long time, and if you follow all the instructions of the ophthalmologist, you can completely avoid repeated interventions.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Basic type of surgery to restore vision.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with microkerat, then its shape is changed with a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is the inability to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient's ocular anatomy;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.Allows you to achieve better results because it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.Used in most modern clinics around the world;
- Femto LASIK.A similar type of surgery, the only difference is that the cornea is cut not with a microkerat, but with a special femto laser.There is also an improved version, in which the surgical process 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 surgery is only indicated for patients with corneal thinning (acquired or congenital);
- PRK (FRK).Photokeratectomy has been performed since 1985. Today, it is used when there are contraindications to conventional correction methods, such as thin corneas or severe ophthalmic diseases.The healing process is always painful and recovery time is longer than 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 and drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;Retreatment is necessary if visual acuity is significantly reduced.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure to completely or partially remove the vitreous fluid from the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it will pass after 2-3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which further manipulations are performed.As a rule, this involves laser cauterization of affected areas of the retina, compression of detached parts or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following issues:
- recovery of visual function after hemorrhage in the eye tissues;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe retinal diseases that cause coarse scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, air bubbles, silicone oil or balanced salt solutions are used as vitreous substitutes.The latter is used more often because no further surgery is required - the saline solution is then replaced by intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects may occur in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even further loss of vision.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of damage as well as the type of prosthesis used to replace the lens.If there are irreversible changes in the optic nerve, vision correction is almost impossible to achieve.
Scleroderma formation
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 at-risk patients.It is recommended for adolescents suffering from this problem, since at this age the shape of the eyes is actively changing.
During surgery, the required amount of material is inserted behind the posterior wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Usually polymers or biological components are used.The outer covering of the eye then adheres, and after several months, the blood vessels needed to maintain visual function grow into the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves inserting an artificial or biological substance into the back of the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical - blocking the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-researched practice that has remained largely unchanged over the years.It is performed in most clinics.There are practically no side effects identified, except for the possibility of an allergic reaction to the drug.Repeat surgery is often required.
Replace the lens
An essential operation is indicated for the treatment of cataracts or any other degenerative process in the lens, such as cataracts.Treatment is always mandatory, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, gender and severity of pathological changes in the eye.Lens replacement is prescribed in the following cases:
- high levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness;
- significantly reduced refraction;
- eye regeneration process, age-related vision loss;
- vision cannot be restored with laser;
- cataracts;
- the possibility of developing glaucoma against a background of systemic or ophthalmic disease.
This procedure is always performed under local anesthesia.During the surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision with a laser, then a special instrument will liquefy the patient's lens and remove it from the eye.The prepared piece will then be installed.The intervention lasted no more than 25 minutes;There is no need for stitches and subsequent recovery in hospital.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications after manipulation are usually not observed, but subsequent laser vision correction is often prescribed.In rare cases, the lens needs to be replaced.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmic surgeries, with many potential risks and requiring highly qualified surgeons.Essential to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological function of the cornea.Indicated for the treatment of congenital or acquired defects resulting from injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation is obtained only from donors, but the development of artificial replacements is underway in many countries.Keratoplasty is recommended to address the following problems:
- treatment of corneal diseases (ulcers, dystonia);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- birth defects.
Activities take no more than 30 minutes.During the surgery, the surgeon uses a laser or a special scalpel to remove part of the patient's cornea and implant donor tissue in its place.The stitches can last up to a year, after which a special lens is chosen to reduce the risk of infection.Recovery time is from 4 weeks, during which antibiotic drops are required, but regular check-ups are required throughout the next year.
In recent years, it has been possible to significantly reduce the risk of rejection of donor tissue thanks to the use of special compounds during processing and storage.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method to restore retinal tissue.The effectiveness of the method is more than 70% and within 24 hours after the procedure, you can return to your normal lifestyle.Observation by an ophthalmologist is required for one year after the procedure.
Today, surgery is performed using lasers, 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 instilled to dilate the pupil, then a special protective lens is put on, through which exposure occurs at low frequencies.Due to high temperatures, cells are damaged and small blood vessels stick together.
Coagulation procedures are necessary for any damage and pathology of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and diseases of the vascular system of this organ.After surgery, inflammation and opacities may develop.For several years after correction, you should not do heavy labor or play active sports.
Cross-linking
An effective method for treating various corneal diseases.It is performed to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue, necessary for keratoconus of varying degrees or degenerative, dystrophic processes.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia.First, a small portion of the cornea is removed using a special device and vitamin B2 is injected into the exposed area.Subsequent irradiation can make the tissue 200% firmer.You must wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery and be seen by your doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts 10 years, after which a second surgery is required.
Complications are observed in rare cases.Patients may experience decreased vision, inflammation or corneal clouding.
Treatment of glaucoma
Ophthalmic surgery for varying degrees of glaucoma is necessary when drug treatment does not produce the desired results.Operations are performed using lasers or surgery.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is completely painless for the patient and has practically no complications.During the procedure, a hole is created with a beam through which fluid is removed from the tissues of the eye to normalize pressure.Used to treat all types of glaucoma.
Manual surgery is less effective because of the risk of complications after the procedure.Typically, this is a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The purpose of this procedure is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the cornea.
The effectiveness after both types of operations decreases over time.On average, repeat surgery is required after 5-7 years.This period can be extended with the help of competent drug treatment.
Conclude
Today, most modern ophthalmology clinics perform several surgical procedures to correct vision.These are high-tech, precise methods that can be used to remove almost any eye defect.The choice of method depends on several factors – age, disease, individual structural features of the patient's visual system.After surgery, the effect occurs almost immediately and if all the doctor's instructions are followed, vision can be maintained for a long time.