Diseases of the visual system are suitable for correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, then an operation to restore vision is recommended. This allows you to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, preserve its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology offers several effective methods to restore the functioning of the optical system, but before considering the types of ophthalmic surgeries, it is important to know the indications for their implementation, as well as the possible consequences.
When is Vision Rehabilitation Surgery Needed?
Ophthalmology vision restoration surgeries belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main purpose of such treatment is not only to preserve the function of the visual system, but also to reduce dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Among the main indications for surgery, a number of diseases can be distinguished:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- myopia;
- strabismus;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- eye injury.
All 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 to restore vision through surgical treatment. Everyone has their pros and cons, but sometimes they are 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 risk and minimal 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 accuracy. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. All these pathologies are combined with the general term "ametropia", which means 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 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 effect of treatment can be seen not on the 4th day after surgery. Laser vision correction LASEK is considered to be the only method that can be used for children.
LASIK. Basic surgery to restore vision, which allows you to get rid of myopia with varying degrees of complexity, as well as the initial stage of astigmatism. During surgery, the laser beam penetrates the deep layers of the eyeball, changes the shape of the surface layer of the cornea 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 features of anatomy of the eye in a patient.
Surgery with the laser vision correction method is very effective, but even with a high quality procedure, after a while, the visual acuity may decrease, which will be an indication for repeated correction.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed if there is a need for complete or partial removal of the vitreous body of the occiput. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can take up to 3 hours. During the operation, a small drill is made in the eye socket, through which the necessary manipulations are performed.
The main indications for surgery are restoration of vision after an age-related hemorrhage or retinal detachment. After surgery, complications are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure, or an even greater decrease in vision. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, in particular on the extent of the pathological process, the type of prosthesis to replace the vitreous body. With irreversible optic nerve damage, the effect of surgery will be absent.
Scleroplasty
Ophthalmic surgery to strengthen the outer layer of the eye (sclera). Used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on adolescents, as it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special flaps are inserted behind the back wall of the eye head to strengthen the sclera. Most often polymers or biological compounds are used. After a while, adhesions appear at the injection site and after a few months, the blood vessels grow into flaps, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Lens replacement
Such an operation is performed with lens fusion or other degenerative processes. Most often, the indication for the appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The operation procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, 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 laser incision, after which, using a special tool, he squeezes the patient's lens and removes it from the eye. After the procedure, the prepared graft is placed. The operation lasts no more than 30 minutes, then sutures are placed, the patient stays in the clinic for a few hours, then goes home.
Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Often after it, laser vision correction is required.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of surgery is quite complex and requires high professionalism of the surgeon. An indication for its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which appeared 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 course, the doctor removes a portion of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and places the donor tissue in its place. Postoperative sutures are kept for about a year, then special lenses are removed to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts up to 4 weeks, consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Crosslinking
It is prescribed for various corneal diseases, allows you to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in corneal tissues with dystrophy or keratoconus. In this process, local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut with a special device, vitamin B2 is introduced and radiation is performed, which makes it possible to strengthen the tissues by more than 200%.
The first time after surgery, the patient wears protective lenses, periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect lasts for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Retinal tissue repair surgery. The procedure in 70% of cases brings positive results and the patient himself has the opportunity after a day to return to normal life. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, while the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before the operation, eye drops are inserted to enlarge the pupils, protective lenses are placed, through which the laser beam passes. Due to the high temperatures, damaged cells and small vessels stick together.
Indications for the appointment of such manipulation are retinal diseases or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and turbidity of the lens develop, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there are indications for surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations for the patient, gives useful recommendations for preparing for a special procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- One week before surgery, you should stop using glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not drink alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong excitement, with the recommendation of the doctor you can take a light sedative.
Postoperative period
Before performing surgery to restore vision, the ophthalmologist will familiarize the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important stage. Depending on a number of rules after each operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for a successful recovery increases:
- The first 2 days you should sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub the eyes or use cosmetics.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiling and warm water, do not put it in the eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interruption.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- In the first months, exclude strenuous physical exertion, trips to the solarium, pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy food.
After each operation to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and use the prescribed medication. Compliance with all rules will help minimize the risk of potential complications, improve eyesight and overall well-being.
discovery
Surgeries to restore vision are performed when other methods of treatment do not have the desired effect or when the disease is developing. Therefore, to prevent the severe stages of any ophthalmic disease, you should periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for cure.