Vision correction is performed using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and consequently eliminate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications.
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest way to correct refractive errors.It is advisable to do it in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- hyperopia up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
With the help of a laser, several pathologies can be treated simultaneously.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the patient's age is less than 18 years old or more than 40 years old;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error of more than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- high degree of dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- alteration of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only eye that sees;
- Serious systemic and immune diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treatment of these pathologies.
Age restrictions
The main condition for laser vision correction is the patient's age between 18 and 40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.The formation of the eyeball occurs before the age of 18, so the procedure is not advisable.Patients older than 40-45 years are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with a laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is carried out by exposure to brief flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which guarantees high precision and effectiveness of the surgery.
This adjustment technology has many advantages:
- The procedure is brief, it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- safety, low probability of complications;
- high degree of efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- absence of pain (pain, pain or burning in the eyes may not occur);
- Possibility of use for visual deficiencies that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- Quick recovery after the intervention, without the need to stay in the hospital during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs instantly and lasts a long time.
A decrease in refraction may be due to age-related changes.
Like any technique, the laser has its drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to perform the correction again;
- the probability of pupil displacement;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Stages
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but common features are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory stage can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation begins 2 weeks before the scheduled correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses, as they can change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes diagnostic tests.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of concomitant eye diseases and possible contraindications are determined.In general, the condition of the eyes and the possibility of correction are assessed.Late preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before the operation.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Props are then placed on the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
Lasts up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is performed in 3 stages:
- Separation of the corneal flap.A microincision is made with a laser.A small flap of cornea is moved to the side.
- Restoring the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Restore the corneal flap in place.There are no stitches and healing occurs naturally.
Recovery
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor examines the patient and sends him home.Full recovery occurs after 3 months, but the patient should regain 100% vision the next day.
If there are no complications, the person after surgery should undergo an examination once a month.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its pros and cons.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the procedure, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is exposed to laser treatment.The corneal layer is then returned to its place.
There are newer types of laser vision correction.The disadvantage of this method is that the individual characteristics of the cornea are not taken into account.
Super LASIK
In essence, the LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are identical.The advantage of the latter is that the individual characteristics of the operated patient are taken into account.
FemtoLASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultrasensitive laser is used, which allows high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled by a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as precise as Femto LASIK.The error of this type is 10 microns, and not 20-40 microns as with other types.
Femto Super LASIK
This technique is newer and more precise than Femto LASIK.The individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account.This is the most expensive method.
Presby LASIK
This technique is used if vision has deteriorated in elderly patients or if patients suffer from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is carried out using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the required refractive parameters are reached.This vision correction is rarely used due to the high risk of complications and pain.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique that restores vision in a short time and without pain.During the procedure, the epithelium is removed, so only the upper layers of the cornea are affected.
The advantage of this laser vision correction technique is quick recovery and a lower chance of vision deteriorating later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low levels of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps improve the patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications immediately after surgery:
- retinal detachment;
- sand in the eyes, foreign body sensation;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- adjustment from less to more;
- insufficient refraction correction (repeated laser correction is needed);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, then not only thinning of the cornea, but also loss of vision is possible.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate slow corneal recovery or retinal swelling.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after the recovery period.To exclude other serious complications, it is necessary to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases it is necessary to repeat the operation to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of the correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal opacity;
- emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should immediately visit a doctor.
Severe corneal opacity and vision deterioration after laser correction require repeated interventions.If there are no vital indications, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you should follow these recommendations for one month:
- avoid excessive physical activity;
- do not visit swimming pools, saunas and baths;
- stop watching television and working on the computer;
- do not rub your eyes with dirty hands;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- for preventive purposes, use anti-inflammatory drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision decreases precisely due to the negligent attitude of patients towards their health.
Is it painful to have surgery?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is applied using eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.The success of the procedure depends on the initial acuity and the severity of the refractive errors.