Modern surgery to restore vision is a high-tech and safe procedure that can eliminate almost any eye problem.They have been successfully used for decades, so the method is constantly evolving, developing and becoming more effective.Improving visual function is achieved by using hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the eye's optical system.Correctly selected technology allows not only to fully restore vision, but also to reduce the risk of complications.From this article, you will find out what ophthalmological operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
Species
Thanks to the development of medical hardware methods, operations to restore vision 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 recovery 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 this is a high-tech method that is very effective and has a minimal risk of complications.Allows you to overcome myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is maintained for a long time, and if you follow all the ophthalmologist's instructions, you can avoid repeated interventions.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Basic types of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with a microkerat, and 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 patient's eye 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 in the world;
- Femto LASIK.A similar type of operation, the only difference is that the cornea is cut not with a microkerat, but with a special femto laser.There is also a better version, where the course of 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 to patients with a thinned cornea (acquired or congenital);
- PRK (FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been performed since 1985. Today it is used when there are contraindications to conventional correction methods, for example, with thin corneas or serious ophthalmological diseases.The healing process is always painful, and the recovery period lasts longer than with other methods.
The vision correction operation lasts no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours, as well as to instill drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;Re-treatment is required if there is a significant decrease in vision.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure for complete or partial removal of the vitreous humor of the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;In the absence of complications, it resolves in 2-3 hours.First, a small cause is made in the eye socket, where subsequent manipulations are carried out.As a rule, this involves laser treatment of the affected area of the retina, compaction of the detachment, or restoration of tissue integrity.This procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- recovery of visual function after bleeding in eye tissue;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe retinopathy of the eye that causes rough scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, gas bubbles, silicone oil, or balanced salt solutions are used as vitreous substitutes.The latter type is used more often, as further surgery is not required - the saline solution is then replaced by intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure, or more reduced vision.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 to achieve.
Scleroplasty
Common ophthalmological procedures aim to strengthen the outer layer of the eye (sclera).It is prescribed not to correct visual function, but to stabilize the degree of myopia in patients at risk.It is recommended for teenagers who suffer from this problem, because at this age the shape of the eyes is actively changing.
During the operation, the required number of material flaps are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Usually polymers or biological components are used.After this, adhesion occurs to the outer shell of the eye, and after a few months, blood vessels necessary to maintain visual function develop into the flap.There is also a simple version of scleroplasty.It involves the introduction of artificial or biological material behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is the same - preventing the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-studied operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is carried out in most clinics.No side effects have been identified, except for a possible allergy to the drug.Repeat surgery is usually required.
Lens replacement
Necessary operations prescribed to turn on or any other degenerative process in the lens, for example, cataract.Treatment is always forced, 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 and distant degrees of myopia;
- significant decrease in refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eyes, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of laser vision restoration;
- cataracts;
- The possibility of developing glaucoma against the background of systemic or ophthalmological diseases.
This procedure is always performed under local anesthesia.During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision with a laser, after which a special tool melts the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.After this, the prepared graft is installed.The intervention lasts no more than 25 minutes;Suturing and subsequent recovery in a hospital setting is not required.
This 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 may need to be replaced.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmological operations, which is associated with many risks and requires a qualified surgeon.It is necessary to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological function of the cornea.Prescribed for the treatment of congenital defects or those acquired as a result of injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation is only taken from donors, but the development of artificial replacement is underway in many countries.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 place.Stitches can last up to a year, after which special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period is from 4 weeks, during which an antibiotic transfer is required, but regular examinations are required throughout the next year.
In recent years, it has been possible to reduce the risk of donor tissue rejection due to the use of special compounds during their processing and preservation.
Laser freezing of the retina
Surgical methods for the recovery of retinal tissue.The effectiveness of this method is more than 70%, and within 24 hours after its implementation, you can return to your normal lifestyle.Observation by an ophthalmologist is required for one year after the procedure.
Today, the operation is performed using a laser, which eliminates the need for blood loss.It is carried out under local anesthesia, this procedure does not take more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are implanted to dilate the pupil, and then a special protective lens is placed, where the exposure occurs at a low frequency.Due to the high temperature, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick together.
Freezing 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 complaints may develop.For several years after correction, you should not engage in heavy physical labor or active sports.
Crosslinking
An effective method for treating various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue, which are necessary for keratoconus of various 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 implanted into the open area.Subsequent irradiation made it possible to tighten the tissue by more than 200%.You must wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery, and be checked by a doctor for 6 months.The effects of the procedure last for 10 years, then a second operation is required.
Complications are observed in rare cases.Patients may experience decreased vision, inflammation or removal of the cornea.
Glaucoma treatment
Ophthalmic surgery for various degrees of glaucoma is required when drug therapy does not bring the desired results.The operation is performed using a laser or surgery.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is painless for the patient, and there are no complications.During the procedure, a hole is made with a beam through which fluid is removed from the eye tissue to normalize the pressure.Used to treat all types of glaucoma.
Manual surgery is less effective because there is a risk of complications after the procedure.Usually, this is a non-penetrating sclerectomy.The purpose of this method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The after effects of both types of operations diminish over time.On average, repeat surgery is required after 5-7 years.This period can be extended with the help of competent drug treatment.
Conclusion
Today, the most modern ophthalmology clinics perform several surgical procedures to correct vision.This is a precise and high-tech method that can be used to eliminate almost any eye defect.The choice of method depends on several factors - age, disease, individual structural features of the patient's visual system.After the operation, the effect occurs immediately, and if all the doctor's instructions are followed, visual acuity can be maintained for a long time.