Modern operations to restore vision are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost any ophthalmic problem.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are constantly being developed, expanded and become more effective.Improvement of visual functions is achieved using hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Properly selected technology allows you not only to fully restore vision, but also to reduce the risk of complications.From the article you will learn what ophthalmological operations exist, indications for use and possible risks.
The types
Thanks to the development of hardware methods of medicine, operations to restore sight 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 visual system of the patient.
Laser correction
The most popular type of surgery to correct visual acuity.Today these are sophisticated high-tech methods that are very effective and have minimal risk of complications.It allows you to deal with myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is preserved for a long time, and if you follow all the ophthalmologist's instructions, you can completely avoid repeated intervention.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 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.It allows you to achieve a better result, as 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 cut not 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 prescribed only to 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, with a thin cornea or serious ophthalmological diseases.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period lasts longer than with other methods.
Vision correction operations take no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours, as well as to insert drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;Retreatment is necessary if there is a significant decrease in vision.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure for the complete or partial removal of the vitreous humor of the eye socket.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it resolves in 2-3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which the subsequent manipulations are carried out.As a rule, this includes laser cauterization of the affected areas of the retina, compression of detachments or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is described for the following problems:
- restoration of visual functions after hemorrhage in the tissues of the eye;
- 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, a gas bubble, silicone oil or a balanced salt solution are used as substitutes for glass.The last type is used more often, since 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 even further reduction of vision.Healing 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 a patient at risk.It is recommended for teenagers who suffer from this problem, since at this age the shape of the eye actively changes.
During the operation, the necessary number of sheets of material are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Polymers or biological components are typically used.After that, attachment occurs to the outer shell of the eye, and after a few months, the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow in the collision.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves inserting an artificial or biological substance behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical - preventing the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-studied operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is performed in most clinics.There are practically no side effects identified, except for a possible allergy to the drug.Repeat surgery is usually required.
Lens replacement
A necessary operation that is prescribed for clouding or any other degenerative process in the lens, for example, 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 described in the following cases:
- high degree of myopia and farsightedness;
- significant reduction of refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- inability to restore laser vision;
- cataract;
- the likelihood of developing glaucoma against the background of a systemic or ophthalmological 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 graft is placed.The intervention lasts no more than 25 minutes;suturing and subsequent recovery in a hospital setting is not required.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications after manipulation are usually not observed, but subsequent laser vision correction is often described.In rare cases, the lens must be replaced again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmic operations, which is associated with many risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.It is required to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.Prescribed for the treatment of congenital or acquired defects resulting from injury or disease.Healthy tissues for transplantation are obtained only 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 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 implant donor tissue in its place.Sutures can last up to a year, after which a special lens is chosen to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period is from 4 weeks, during which antibiotic instillations are necessary, but regular examinations are required throughout the next year.
In recent years, it has become possible to significantly reduce the risk of donor tissue rejection due to the use of special compounds during its processing and storage.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method for the restoration of retinal tissue.The effectiveness of the method is more than 70%, and within 24 hours after its implementation you can return to your normal lifestyle.Observations by an ophthalmologist are necessary for one year after the procedure.
Today, the operation is performed using 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 inserted to expand the pupil and then a special protective lens is placed, through which the 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 pathology of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and diseases of the vascular system of this organ.After surgery, inflammation and turbidity may develop.For several years after correction, you should not engage in heavy physical work or active sports.
Crosslinking
An effective method for the treatment of various corneal diseases.It is performed to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the tissue of the cornea, which is 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 injected into the open area.Subsequent radiation makes it possible to tighten the tissue by more than 200%.You should wear a protective contact lens for the first week after surgery and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts 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 bring the desired result.The operation is performed using a laser or surgery.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is completely painless for the patient, and there are practically no complications.During the procedure, a hole is made with a beam through which fluid is removed from the eye tissues 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.Typically, this is a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The goal of the method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The effect after both types of operations decreases over time.On average, repeated surgery 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 a variety of surgical procedures to correct vision.These are precise, high-tech methods that can be used to eliminate almost any defect in the eye.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 preserved for a long time.