Diseases of the visual system are well suited for correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative treatment does not bring the desired result, then an operation to restore vision is recommended. It allows you to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, to maintain its functionality, to eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology provides many effective methods for restoring the function of the visual system, but before considering the types of ophthalmic surgeries, it is important to know the indications for their application, as well as the possible consequences.
When is vision restoration surgery needed?
Vision restoration surgeries in ophthalmology belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main goal of such treatment is not only to maintain the function of the optical system, but also to reduce the dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Among the main indications for function, some diseases can be distinguished:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus?
- myopia;
- strabismus;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- The eye injury.
All of these diseases can be treated without surgery, but only when irreversible pathological processes have not occurred in the structures of the visual system.
Types of operation
There are several methods for restoring vision through surgery. They all have their pros and cons, but are sometimes considered the only way to maintain the functionality of the vision system. Consider the most effective types of surgery to restore vision.
Laser correction
In modern ophthalmology, laser vision correction is considered the "gold standard", which allows you to restore vision with minimal risk and consequences. In the process of performing such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which makes it possible to correct defects in the optical system with high precision. The indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. All these pathologies are associated with the general term "ametropia", which refers to diseases related to the focus of the eyes. There are several types of laser correction:
LASEK. The procedure is performed with a thin cornea and the laser beam itself affects only the upper layers of the eye. During the operation, a valve is formed from the epithelium and the membrane, then it is fixed with soft lenses, which are removed after a few days. This type of surgery lasts 5-7 minutes and the result of the treatment may not appear on the 4th day after the operation. LASEK laser vision correction is considered to be the only method that can be used for children.
LASIK. The basic surgery to restore vision, which allows you to get rid of myopia of varying degrees of complexity, as well as the initial stage of astigmatism. During the operation, the laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the eyeball, changes the shape of the corneal surface layer and eliminates defects in deep structures. The duration of the operation does not exceed 15 minutes in each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the characteristics of the eye anatomy in a patient.
Laser vision correction surgery is very effective, but even with a high quality procedure, after a while, the visual acuity can be reduced, which will be an indication for re-correction.
Vitrectomy
Glass resection is performed if there is a need for complete or partial removal of the vitreous of the eyeball. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can take up to 3 hours. During the operation, a small puncture is made in the eye socket, through which the necessary manipulations are performed.
The main indications for surgery are the restoration of vision after bleeding or retinal detachment due to age. Complications in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure or even greater vision loss are possible after surgery. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, especially the extent of the pathological process, the type of intention to replace the vitreous. With irreversible damage to the optic nerve, the result of the operation will be absent.
Sclerosis
Ophthalmic surgery to strengthen the outer shell of the eye (sclera). It is used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The procedure of scleroplasty is often performed in adolescents, as during this period the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special fins are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. Polymers or biological ingredients are most often used. After a while, adhesions appear at the injection site and after a few months, blood vessels develop in the fin, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Lens replacement
Such an operation is performed by blurring the lens or other degenerative processes. Most of the time, the indication for the appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected separately, which will correspond to the sex, age of the patient and other characteristics of his body.
The lens is replaced with local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor makes a small incision with a laser, after which, using a special tool, he liquefies the patient's lens, and removes it from the eye. After the procedure, the prepared implant is placed. The operation does not last more than 30 minutes, then sutures are applied, the patient stays in the clinic for several hours and then goes home.
Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Often after this, laser vision correction is required.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of surgery is quite complicated, it requires high professionalism of the surgeon. Indication for its application is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which manifested themselves as a result of injuries or became a consequence of certain diseases.
The duration of the operation is not more than 30 minutes. During the procedure, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and places donor tissue in its place. The sutures are kept for about a year after the operation and then special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts up to 4 weeks, consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Crosslinking
Prescribed for various corneal diseases, it allows you to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissues with dystrophy or keratoconus. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut using a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and irradiation is performed, which makes it possible to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
The first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses, periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the result remains for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgery to repair retinal tissue. The procedure in 70% of cases brings positive results and the patient himself has the opportunity to return to his normal lifestyle after a day. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, while the duration of the operation does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before the surgery, drops are instilled into the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective lenses are placed through which the laser beam passes. Due to the high temperatures, the damaged cells and the small vessels stick together.
Indications for the appointment of such manipulation are retinal diseases or tumor-like processes. In some cases, laser laser coagulation of the retina develops inflammation and blurring of the lens, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there is evidence of surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes a series of tests to the patient, gives useful recommendations for preparing a specific procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- One week before surgery, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not take any alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With intense enthusiasm, you can take a mild sedative on a doctor's recommendation.
Postoperative period
Prior to vision restoration surgery, the ophthalmologist will familiarize the patient with the rules of preparation and the postoperative period is also considered an important stage. Subject to certain rules after any surgery, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for a successful recovery is increased:
- For the first 2 days you should sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before instilling eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiling and hot water, avoid getting into your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV watching or PC interruption.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- For the first few months, rule out strenuous exercise, solarium, pool or sauna trips.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy diet.
After any surgery to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and use prescription drugs. Complying with all the rules will help minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and overall well-being.
foundings
Vision restoration surgeries are performed when other treatments do not have the desired effect or the disease is running. Therefore, to prevent serious stages of any eye disease, you should visit an ophthalmologist periodically and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.