Modern vision restoration operations are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost all ophthalmological problems.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are developing, expanding and becoming more and more effective.Improvement of visual functions is achieved through hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Correctly selected technology allows not only to completely 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.
Species
Thanks to the development of hardware medical methods, vision restoration operations are today reliable and minimally invasive procedures.Their duration does not exceed several hours, and in the future complex rehabilitation measures will not be required.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 minimal risk of complications.Helps deal with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is maintained for a long time and if you follow all the instructions of the ophthalmologist, you can completely avoid repeated interventions.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Basic type of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated by a microkerate, 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 ocular anatomy;
- Great LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.Allows you to obtain a better result, because it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.Used in most modern clinics around the world;
- LASIK Femto.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 intervention is identical to the traditional LASIK method, but this operation is prescribed only to patients with thinned cornea (acquired or congenital);
- PRK (FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been practiced since 1985. Today it is used when there are contraindications to conventional correction methods, for example, in cases of 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 last no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours and instill 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 to completely or partially remove the vitreous humor from the eyeball.It is carried out under general or local anesthesia;in the absence of complications, it disappears in 2 to 3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which further manipulations are carried out.Typically, this involves laser cauterization of affected areas of the retina, compaction of detachments, or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- restoration of visual functions after hemorrhage in the eye tissues;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe ocular retinopathy causing 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, since no additional surgery is required - the saline solution is then replaced with intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even further decrease in vision.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the injury, as well as the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous body.If there are irreversible changes in the optic nerve, vision correction is almost impossible to achieve.
Scleroplasty
Common ophthalmologic procedure to strengthen 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 adolescents suffering from this problem, because at this age the shape of the eye is actively changing.
During the operation, the required number of flaps of material are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Typically, polymers or biological components are used.After that, adhesion occurs to the outer shell of the eye, and after a few months, blood vessels necessary for maintaining visual functions develop in the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.This involves the introduction of an artificial or biological substance behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical: preventing the growth of the eyeball.
It is a well-researched operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is carried out in most clinics.There are practically no side effects identified, except for a possible allergy to the drug.Further surgery is usually necessary.
Lens replacement
A necessary operation which is prescribed in cases of opacification or any other degenerative process of the lens, for example cataract.Treatment is always forced, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, gender and the severity of pathological changes in the eye.Lens replacement is prescribed in the following cases:
- high degrees of myopia and hyperopia;
- significant decrease in refraction;
- eye regeneration process, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of restoring vision with laser;
- cataract;
- the likelihood of developing glaucoma against the background of a systemic or ophthalmological disease.
The procedure is always carried out under local anesthesia.During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision with a laser, after which a special tool liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.After that, the prepared graft is installed.The procedure lasts no more than 25 minutes;subsequent suturing and in-hospital recovery is not necessary.
The 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 again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmological operations, associated with many risks and requiring a highly qualified surgeon.Necessary to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.Prescribed for the treatment of congenital or acquired abnormalities resulting from injury or disease.Healthy tissue for transplantation comes 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;
- congenital malformations.
The operation takes no more than 30 minutes.During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser or special scalpel to remove part of the patient's cornea and implant donor tissue in its place.The stitches can last up to a year, after which a special lens is selected to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period is 4 weeks, during which antibiotic instillations are required, but regular examinations are required throughout the following year.
In recent years, it has been possible to significantly reduce the risk of rejection of donor tissue through the use of special compounds during its processing and preservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method for 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 any blood loss.It is carried out under local anesthesia, the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes.
Before laser exposure, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, then a special protective lens is put on, through which exposure occurs at low frequencies.Due to high temperatures, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick to each other.
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 cloudiness may develop.For several years after the correction, you should not engage in heavy physical work or active sports.
Crosslinking
An effective method for treating various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers of the corneal 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 using a special device and vitamin B2 is instilled into the open area.Subsequent irradiation can tighten the tissues 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 effect of the procedure lasts 10 years, then a second operation is necessary.
Complications are observed in rare cases.The patient may experience decreased vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Glaucoma treatment
Ophthalmic surgery for varying degrees of glaucoma is necessary when drug treatment does not bring the desired result.The operation is carried out using a laser or surgically.
The laser method is considered the most effective.It is completely painless for the patient and there are virtually 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.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 aim 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, further surgery is necessary after 5 to 7 years.This period can be extended with competent drug treatment.
Conclusions
Today, most modern ophthalmology clinics perform a number of surgical procedures 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 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.