Vision correction is carried out 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 carry it out in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- hyperopia up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
Using a laser, you can simultaneously treat several pathologies.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in just one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the patient's age is less than 18 years or more than 40 years;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error greater 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;
- disruption of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only eye that sees;
- severe systemic and immunological diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treating 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.Before the age of 18, the eyeball forms, so the procedure is not advisable.Patients over 40-45 years old are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with a laser.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Laser correction is performed by exposure to short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which guarantees high precision and effectiveness of the surgery.
This tuning technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, taking 10 to 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 impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- rapid recovery after intervention, without the need for hospital admission during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs instantly and lasts a long time.
A decrease in refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like any technique, the laser has its disadvantages.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to correct 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.
Internships
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 phase can be divided into 2 parts.Advance preparation begins 2 weeks before the scheduled correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses as they can change the shape of your 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.Delayed preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before the operation.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Then, props are placed in 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 the cornea is moved to the side.
- Restoring the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Restoring 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 recover 100% of their vision the next day.
If there are no complications, the person after surgery should be examined 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 intervention, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is exposed to laser treatment.Then the stratum corneum returns 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.
SuperLASIK
At their core, 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.
Femto-LASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultrasensitive laser is used, which allows high-frequency operations to be carried out with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled by a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error with 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 is deteriorated in elderly patients or patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed with an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until it reaches the required refraction parameters.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 top layers of the cornea are affected.
The advantage of this laser vision correction technique is rapid recovery and a lower likelihood of vision deteriorating later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low levels of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps to 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 required);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, not only thinning of the cornea, but also loss of vision is possible.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate a slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after the recovery period.To exclude other serious complications, you need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases a repeat operation will be required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- clouding of the cornea;
- emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Severe corneal clouding and deterioration of vision after laser correction require repeated intervention.If there are no vital indications, the operation will not be repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you must follow these recommendations for a month:
- avoid excessive physical activity;
- do not visit swimming pools, saunas and baths;
- stop watching TV and working on the computer;
- do not rub your eyes with dirty hands;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- for preventive purposes, use anti-inflammatory eye drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision decreases precisely because of the negligent attitude of patients towards their health.
Is it painful to have surgery?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is applied with eye drops.
Vision correction is a modern and effective technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.The success of the procedure depends on the initial acuity and severity of the refractive errors.