Modern surgeries to restore vision are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost any ophthalmic problem.They have been successfully used for several decades, so the methods are constantly being developed, expanded and become more effective.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.Properly selected technology allows not only complete restoration of vision, but also reduction of the risk of complications.From the article you will find out what ophthalmic operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
Species
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 have a minimal risk of complications.It allows you to deal with 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 completely avoid repeated interventions.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.The basic type of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with a microkeratometer, and then its shape is changed with a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is the impossibility of taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's eye anatomy;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.It makes it possible to achieve a better result, because 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, in which 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 only prescribed for 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, in thin corneas 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 longer than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours, as well as drip 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 to completely or partially remove the vitreous body of the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it passes in 2-3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which subsequent manipulations are carried out.As a rule, this includes laser cauterization of the affected areas of the retina, compaction of the detachment or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- restoration of visual functions after bleeding in eye tissues;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe retinopathy of the eye that causes gross 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, because no further surgery is required - the physiological solution is subsequently replaced by intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure, and even additional vision loss 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 to achieve.
Scleroplasty
A common ophthalmological 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 high-risk patients.It is recommended for teenagers who suffer from this problem, because at this age the shape of the eye 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 that, it adheres to the outer shell of the eye, and after a few months, the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow into the lobe.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves the introduction of an artificial or biological substance behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical - it prevents the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-studied operation that has remained largely unchanged over the years.It is performed in most clinics.There are practically no identified side effects, except possible drug allergy.Repeat surgery is usually required.
Lens replacement
Necessary surgery prescribed for cloudiness or any other degenerative processes in the lens, for example, cataracts.Treatment is always compulsory, 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 degree of myopia and farsightedness;
- significant reduction of refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of laser vision restoration;
- cataract;
- the probability of developing glaucoma in the background of a systemic or ophthalmic disease.
The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia.During the operation, the surgeon makes a small laser cut, after which a special tool liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.After that, the prepared coil is installed.The intervention lasts no longer than 25 minutes;subsequent suturing and recovery in a hospital setting are not required.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications after manipulation are usually not noticed, but subsequent laser vision correction is often prescribed.In rare cases, the lens needs to be replaced again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmic operations, which is associated with numerous risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.Required to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.It is prescribed for the treatment of congenital or acquired defects caused by injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation is taken 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 (ulcers, tone disorders);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- birth defects.
The operation lasts 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 replace it with donor tissue.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 during the following year are mandatory.
In recent years, it has been possible to significantly reduce the risk of donor tissue rejection due to the use of special compounds during its processing and conservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method for the restoration of retinal tissue.The efficiency of the method is more than 70%, and within 24 hours after application you can return to your usual way of life.Examinations by an ophthalmologist are mandatory one year after the procedure.
Today, the operation is performed with a laser, which eliminates the need for blood loss.It is performed under local anesthesia, the procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, and then a special protective lens is placed through which exposure occurs at low frequencies.Due to 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.
Cross linking
An effective method for the treatment of various corneal diseases.It is performed to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the cornea tissue, 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 off with a special device, and vitamin B2 is instilled into the open area.Subsequent radiation enables tissue tightening by more than 200%.For the first week after surgery, you must wear protective contact lenses and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts for 10 years, then a second operation is required.
Complications are observed in rare cases.The patient may experience reduced vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Treatment of glaucoma
Ophthalmic surgery for various degrees of glaucoma is necessary when drug therapy does not give the desired result.The operation is performed by laser or surgically.
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 made with the beam through which fluid is removed from the eye tissue in order 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 purpose of the method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The effect after both types of surgery decreases over time.On average, re-operation 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 numerous surgical procedures for vision correction.These are precise, high-tech methods that can be used to eliminate almost any eye damage.The choice of method depends on a number of factors - age, disease, individual structural characteristics of the patient's visual system.After the operation, the effect occurs almost immediately, and if all the doctor's instructions are followed, visual acuity can be maintained for a long time.