Oculear Official site
Share this

Types of operations to improve vision - pros and cons

Today, the problem of visual impairment (rapid development of various ophthalmological diseases) in people of different age categories is very acute.This is all due to neglect of health and excessive pressure on the organ of vision.Computers, tablets, phones, TVs and e-books - all these things can not only make life easier, but also, on the contrary, harm.

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

Laser vision correction

Laser vision correction is an opportunity not only to get rid of glasses and contact lenses, but also the only effective and safe way to preserve vision in old age.

Advantages of this procedure:

  • Safety.Relatively low probability of experiencing serious complications.
  • Effective for any violation.Operations are performed not only to improve vision and remove optics.In some cases, laser correction cannot be avoided (this applies to diseases that lead to blindness).
  • not sickBefore the procedure begins, an anesthetic drug is implanted into the patient's organ of vision, so the maximum that the patient can feel is mild discomfort at a certain stage of the surgical intervention.
  • Not a time frame.The procedure itself lasts a few minutes, most of the time is spent preparing it.
  • Short recovery period.In this case, there is no need to register at the hospital.This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and after that the patient can go home.
  • Stability and predictability.Doctors almost always know the effectiveness of the operation 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 remains with the patient.The price of procedures and doctor's services in private clinics may vary.Their formation is influenced by many factors.Therefore, it is worth taking the time to find information and clarify all the questions of interest in advance.

Types of operations

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

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

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was first performed decades ago in Germany.With this procedure, the cornea is exposed to the 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.Also, vision does not return immediately after the procedure, but gradually;complications are possible.Therefore, it is only used when other more modern and effective methods are contraindicated.

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).Unlike the previous method, during the operation the superficial corneal layer is not removed, it is only moved to the side.The recovery period lasts less than with PRK.

Laser keratomileusis (LASIK).Currently, this is the safest and most effective method of vision correction.The recovery period is short, vision improves in the first few hours after surgery.

Femtosecond LKZ (Femto-LASIK) is one of the modifications of the LASIK method, which helps to achieve ideal results.The risk is reduced, vision returns, and the recovery period does not last long.This method also has fewer contraindications than conventional laser correction.This procedure can be performed on patients even with dry eye syndrome.

There are also other modifications to the basic method.The choice of the most relevant method in a particular situation is made by the doctor.

Indications and contraindications

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

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

  • farsightedness;
  • astigmatism;
  • myopic

Professional indications (expertise not suitable for wearing lenses or glasses):

  • firefighters;
  • policemen;
  • army;
  • people who work in the industrial sector (where there is a lot of dust, smoke and other unfavorable factors).

Contraindications are relative and absolute.Absolutes include:

  • autoimmune pathology;
  • immune deficiency;
  • diseases that affect the process and speed of healing after surgery;
  • the patient has only one eye;
  • myopia (progressive);
  • herpes virus infection;
  • retinal detachment;
  • corneal thinning.

List of relative contraindications:

  • diabetes mellitus;
  • psychosis;
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • the patient has a heart problem (the presence of a pacemaker);
  • inflammatory ophthalmological diseases;
  • scars on the cornea (shell);
  • changes in the retina and fundus.

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

Preparation for laser correction

When surgery to restore vision has been scheduled, ophthalmologists recommend passing a number of tests and following certain rules.You may also need to consult other specialists: therapists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, etc.

Tests that must be taken before the procedure:

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

A list of very important recommendations to follow for admission to surgery:

  • stop wearing contact lenses (this must be done one to two weeks before surgery);
  • a few days before the procedure, avoid alcoholic drinks and medicines containing alcohol;
  • organize yourself before the procedure;
  • breakfast on the day of the set date should be light;
  • You should not use makeup on your face or perfume on your body before surgery;
  • you need to buy and take sunglasses with you (they will be needed after the procedure and during the recovery period);
  • For laser vision improvement surgery, it is advisable to bring a loved one with you, who will remember all the doctor's recommendations regarding the postoperative period, will help you return home, and will take care of the patient for the first time.

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

How is the procedure carried out?

Almost all types of laser correction are carried out in 3 main stages.If we talk about the most effective, popular and sought-after LASIK procedures, they are as follows:

  1. First stage.A 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 the laser beam (it must match the individual parameters of the patient).
  3. Third stage.The flap is returned to its original position and healed.
Levels of laser vision correction

Many people have heard that the patient's eyes are closed during surgery.There are times when the patient wakes up during the procedure, and injuries may occur.In this case, the eye is not sealed during laser correction, because anesthetic drops are implanted before the procedure and the operation itself lasts only a few minutes, so such a step is not necessary.

Post-operative period

The period after surgery is different for everyone.But after laser correction using LASIK, patients feel improvement in the first days and do not feel much discomfort.

After surgery, it is necessary to once again explain all possible complications, ask worrying questions, and once again listen to the main recommendations.

Estimated list of actions 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 an ophthalmologist on the appointed date;
  • after the operation, it is necessary to wear sunglasses outside (they protect against dust, infection and small particles entering the eyes);
  • Do not touch the operated area with your hands;
  • the prescribed medicine must be used strictly at the time and in the prescribed quantity;
  • It is best not to wash your hair in the first days after surgery;
  • You can wash only with purified or boiled water;
  • for some time you should stop using skin care and decorative cosmetics;
  • it is important to moderate physical activity for a while (the doctor should inform you about the end of the restriction at the appointment after the examination);
  • you can not visit saunas, swimming pools and other public places where you can get an infection;
  • it is necessary to reduce eye strain (refuse to read, watch TV, prolonged use of phones and tablets);
  • It is strictly forbidden to drive a car during the post-operative period;
  • If it becomes painful or severe discomfort is felt, you must see a specialist.

There are also some nutritional recommendations.Since laser correction is still a surgical intervention, and therefore a certain stress for the body, you need to eat properly.

As in any other period, food should be healthy and contain the necessary vitamins.To improve vision, 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 (kidneys and liver);
  • egg (yolk).

During the postoperative period, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol and it is advised to stop smoking.If your health deteriorates dramatically in the first week after surgery and additional medication is needed, you should tell your doctor about the recent laser correction.

Risks and consequences of operations

Despite the fact that laser correction, in principle, does not pose a serious danger, there are situations when complications still arise and lead to not entirely pleasant consequences.The ophthalmologist must mention this at the appointment and the patient, agreeing to undergo surgery, must be prepared for possible risks.

List of possible complications that may arise during surgery:

  • the cornea may become cloudy;
  • visual acuity may decrease;
  • the image may start to double;
  • astigmatism develops.

Such problems can arise for various reasons: lack of experience and professionalism of the doctor, incorrectly selected instruments or methods of correction, technical reasons, etc.

Possible complications after surgery:

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

Some problems that may not arise immediately, but some time after surgery:

  • return of ophthalmic disease (short duration of therapeutic effect);
  • dry eye syndrome;
  • pathological processes affecting the cornea (keratoconus, erosion, etc.).

Laser correction methods have both advantages and disadvantages.Deciding to carry out this procedure or not is everyone's business.In some cases, it helps improve the quality of life (allows walking without glasses and contacts), and sometimes saves from complete blindness.

Surgical operation

Despite the high popularity of laser correction, there are situations when other microsurgical operations cannot be done without it.They save patients with glaucoma, cataracts and various retinal pathologies from blindness.And they also have some advantages and disadvantages.

To combat cataracts, an operation is performed to remove the lens and replace it with a lens.Microsurgery can also treat retinal diseases.To do this, the doctor achieves its complete adherence to the tissue (subject) or removes scars and tissue with signs of pathological changes from the vitreous body.Glaucoma is overcome by surgery to restore fluid balance in the organ.

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

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

Surgical ophthalmological intervention can be cavitary or superficial.Laser correction is a superficial type, while cataract surgery is a cavitary type.

Surgical intervention comes to the rescue when laser correction is prohibited or cannot overcome serious ophthalmological diseases (cataract, glaucoma, etc.).Therefore, if the doctor insists on surgical methods to combat the disease, then you have to believe him.

Treatment of ophthalmic diseases is rarely cheap, and this is not due to the desire of doctors to get as much money as possible.This is due to the high cost of materials and equipment used for treatment.The eternal question also remains the decision to choose a clinic: private or public.In this case it is difficult to guess.A doctor from a public clinic may have more experience, and he performs all procedures efficiently and confidently, while a doctor from a private clinic may have more conditions for successful work (modern equipment).Some doctors work simultaneously in private and public clinics, so you don't need to focus too much on the price of the service.It is more important to have positive reviews and recommendations.