Modern vision-restoring surgeries are high-tech, 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.Improves visual function through hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina, and other elements of the eye's optical system.Properly selected techniques not only fully restore vision but also reduce the risk of complications.From this article you will learn what eye surgeries exist, indications for their use and possible risks.
Species
Thanks to advances in hardware medicine methods, surgeries to restore vision today are reliable and minimally invasive.Their duration does not exceed a few hours and does not require complex rehabilitation measures in the future.The choice of surgical treatment depends on the patient's disease, age, and general condition of the visual system.
laser correction
The most popular types of vision correction surgery.Today, these are sophisticated, high-tech methods that are highly effective and have minimal risk of complications.Allows you to deal with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.After surgery, vision can be maintained for a long time, and if you follow all the instructions of your ophthalmologist, repeated interventions can be completely avoided.There are several types of laser correction:
- Laser surgery.Basic type of surgery to restore vision.First, a microkeratome is used to separate the surface layer of the cornea, and then a laser beam is used to change its shape.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 laser surgery.An improved version of traditional LASIK technology.Allowing 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;
- Femtosecond laser surgery.A similar type of surgery, the only difference is that the cornea is cut not with a microkeratome, but with a special femtosecond laser.There is also a modified version in which the procedure depends on the individual characteristics of the patient – Super Femto LASIK;
- Epi-LASIK.The principles of the procedure are the same as traditional LASIK, but the procedure is only suitable for patients with thinning of the cornea (acquired or congenital);
- PRK(FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been performed since 1985.Today, this procedure is used when traditional correction methods are contraindicated, such as when the cornea is thin or when there is severe eye disease.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period lasts longer than other methods.
Vision correction surgery lasts no more than 15 minutes.After surgery, you will need to wear a protective bandage for a few hours and apply drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is small; if vision deteriorates significantly, retreatment will be required.
vitrectomy
This is surgery to completely or partially remove the vitreous body of the eye.It is performed under general or local anesthesia; if there are no complications, it will disappear within 2-3 hours.First, a small puncture is made in the eye socket, and then the subsequent procedures are carried out.Typically, this involves laser cauterization of the affected retinal area, compaction of the detachment, or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following issues:
- Recovery of visual function after eye tissue hemorrhage;
- Prevent age-related retinal detachment;
- Treats severe retinopathy of the eye that results in rough scarring or neovascularization (blood vessel growth).
Artificial polymers, air bubbles, silicone oil, or balanced salt solutions are used as vitreous substitutes.The latter type is more commonly used as no further surgery is required - intraocular fluid is subsequently used instead of saline solution.
After surgery, side effects such as corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure, and even further vision loss may occur.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the disease and the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous.If there are irreversible changes to the optic nerve, vision correction will be nearly impossible.
scleroplasty
A common eye surgery performed to strengthen the outer layer of the eye (sclera).It is not prescribed to correct visual function but to stabilize myopia in at-risk patients.It is recommended for teenagers suffering from this problem, since at this age the shape of the eyes undergoes positive changes.
During the procedure, a desired number of flaps of material are inserted behind the posterior wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Typically polymers or biocomponents are used.After this, adhesions develop in the eye's shell, and over a few months, blood vessels necessary to maintain visual function grow into the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves the introduction of artificial or biological substances behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is the same - to stop the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-researched operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.Most clinics will perform this test.Few side effects have been noted, except for possible allergies to the drug.Repeat surgery is often required.
Change lens
Necessary surgery prescribed for lens opacification or any other degenerative process such as cataracts.Treatment is always mandatory, but implants are selected individually based on age, gender and severity of pathological changes in the eye.Lenses need to be replaced if:
- High levels of myopia and hyperopia;
- Significant decrease in diopter;
- The regenerative process of the eye, age-related vision loss;
- Laser vision restoration is not possible;
- cataract;
- Possibility of developing glaucoma in the context of systemic or ophthalmic disease.
The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia.During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser to make a small incision and then uses special tools to liquefy the patient's lens and remove it from the eye.After this, the prepared graft is installed.The intervention lasts no more than 25 minutes; subsequent suturing and recovery in the hospital is not required.
The surgery is performed in most private and public clinics.Postoperative complications are generally not observed, but subsequent laser vision correction is often performed.In rare cases, the lenses need to be replaced again.
Keratoplasty (keratoreplacement)
One of the most modern and complex eye surgeries, it carries many risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.Required to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological function of the cornea.Used to treat congenital or acquired defects caused by injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation is obtained only from donors, but artificial replacement tissue is being developed in many countries.Keratoplasty is recommended to address the following problems:
- Treatment of corneal diseases (ulcers, dystonia);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- Birth defects.
The operation time does not exceed 30 minutes.During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser or a special scalpel to remove part of the patient's cornea and implants donor tissue in its place.The sutures can last up to a year, after which special lenses are chosen to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period starts from 4 weeks, during which antibiotic injections are required, but regular examinations are required throughout the year.
In recent years, the risk of donor tissue rejection has been significantly reduced thanks to the use of special compounds during processing and preservation.
Laser coagulation of retina
Surgical methods for retinal tissue repair.This method is more than 70% effective, and you can return to your normal lifestyle within 24 hours after implementation.A year of observation by an ophthalmologist is required after surgery.
Today, surgery is performed using lasers without blood loss.It is performed under local anesthesia and the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, and special protective lenses are worn through which the exposure is performed at low frequencies.Due to the high temperatures, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick together.
The coagulation process is necessary for any damage and pathology of the retina, as well as for tumors in the eye and diseases of the vasculature of this organ.After surgery, inflammation and clouding may occur.It is not advisable to engage in heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise within a few years after correction.
Cross-linking
It is an effective method to treat a variety of corneal diseases.Its purpose is to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue, which are necessary in varying degrees of keratoconus or degenerative processes, dystrophies.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.First, a small section of the cornea is cut away with a special device and vitamin B2 is injected into the cut area.Subsequent irradiation can tighten the tissue by more than 200%.You must wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The results of the surgery last for 10 years, after which a second surgery is required.
Complications are observed in rare cases.Patients may experience decreased vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
glaucoma treatment
Eye surgery is required for varying degrees of glaucoma when medical treatments fail to achieve the desired results.The procedure is performed with laser or surgery.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is completely painless for the patient and has few complications.During the procedure, a beam is used to create a hole through which fluid is removed from the eye tissue to normalize pressure.Used to treat all types of glaucoma.
Manual surgery is less effective because of the risk of complications after surgery.Typically, this is a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The purpose of this method is to lower intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The effects of both types of surgery diminish over time.On average, repeat surgery is required after 5-7 years.This period can be extended with the help of effective medical treatment.
in conclusion
Today, most modern eye clinics perform a variety of surgeries to correct vision.These are precise, high-tech methods that can be used to eliminate almost any eye defect.The choice of method depends on many factors - age, disease, individual structural characteristics of the patient's visual system.After surgery, the effects appear almost immediately, and vision can be maintained for a long time if you follow all your doctor's instructions.