Modern operations to restore vision are safe, high-tech procedures that can eliminate almost all ophthalmological problems.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are constantly developing, expanding and becoming 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 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, operations to restore vision today are reliable and minimally invasive procedures.Their duration does not exceed several hours, and complex rehabilitation measures will not be necessary in the future.The choice of surgical treatment method is chosen based 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.It allows you to cope 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 surgery.There are different types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Type of basic surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with a microkerat, 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 anatomy of the patient's eye;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.It allows you to obtain a better result, since it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.Used in most modern clinics around the world;
- FemtoLASIK.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 thinned cornea (acquired or congenital);
- PRK (FRK).Photorefractive keratectomy has been performed since 1985. Today it is used when there are contraindications to conventional correction methods, for example in case of thin cornea or severe ophthalmological diseases.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period lasts longer than other methods.
Vision correction surgeries last no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, you need to wear a protective bandage for several hours and instill drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;re-treatment is necessary if a significant decrease in vision occurs.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure for complete or partial removal of the vitreous humor of the eyeball.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 subsequent manipulations are performed.As a rule, this involves laser cauterization of the 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 tissues of the eye;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe ocular retinopathy that causes coarse scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, a gas bubble, silicone oil or a balanced salt solution are used as glass substitutes.The latter type is used more often, since additional surgery is not required: the saline solution is subsequently replaced with intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even a further decrease in vision 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 irreversible changes occur in the optic nerve, 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 adolescents suffering from this problem, since at this age the shape of the eye actively changes.
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.Subsequently, adhesion to the outer shell of the eye occurs, and after a few months the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow in the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves placing 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 virtually unchanged over the years.It is carried out in most clinics.Virtually no side effects were detected, with the exception of a possible allergy to the drug.It is usually necessary to repeat the surgery.
Replacing lenses
A necessary operation prescribed for clouding or any other degenerative process of the lens, for example cataracts.Treatment is always forced, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, gender and the severity of pathological changes in the eye.Replacing lenses is prescribed in the following cases:
- high degrees of myopia and farsightedness;
- significant decrease in refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of restoring laser vision;
- cataract;
- the probability 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 incision with a laser, after which a special instrument liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.Next, the prepared graft is installed.The operation lasts no more than 25 minutes;Subsequent sutures and hospitalization are not necessary.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications are usually not observed after manipulation, 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 ophthalmological operations, which involves many risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.Necessary 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 tissue for transplantation is taken 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 (sores, tone disorders);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- birth defects.
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 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 lasts from 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 due to the use of special compounds during processing and storage.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method for restoring retinal tissue.The effectiveness of the method is more than 70% and within 24 hours of its implementation you can return to your normal lifestyle.Observations by an ophthalmologist are required for one year after the procedure.
Today the operation is performed using a laser, which eliminates the need to lose blood.It is performed under local anesthesia, the procedure takes no more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, then a special protective lens is applied, through which the exposure occurs at low frequencies.Due to the 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 cloudiness may develop.For several years after correction, you should not engage in heavy physical work or active sports.
Reticulation
An effective method for treating various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue, 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 instilled into the open area.The subsequent irradiation allows the tissue to be firmed by more than 200%.You must wear a protective contact lens for the first week after surgery and be seen by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts 10 years, then a second operation is necessary.
In rare cases, complications are observed.The patient may experience decreased vision, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Glaucoma treatment
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 surgically.
The laser method is considered the most effective.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 tissues of the eye 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.Typically, this is a deep nonpenetrating sclerectomy.The purpose 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, it is necessary to repeat the operation 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 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 appears almost immediately, and if you follow all the doctor's instructions, visual acuity can be maintained for a long time.