Modern operations to restore vision are safe, high-tech procedures that can eliminate almost any ophthalmological problem.They have been used successfully for several decades, so the methods are constantly being developed, expanded and become more effective.Improvement of visual functions is achieved through hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Correctly 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.Its duration does not exceed a few hours and complex rehabilitation measures are not necessary in the future.The choice of surgical treatment method is chosen depending 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 very effective and have a minimal risk of complications.Allows you to cope with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity is maintained for a long time, and if all the instructions of the ophthalmologist are followed, repeated interventions can be completely avoided.There are several types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Basic type of surgery to restore visual acuity.First, the superficial layer of the cornea is separated with a microkerato and then its shape is changed using a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is the impossibility of taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's ocular anatomy;
- Super LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.It allows you to achieve a better result, since it takes into account the structure of the patient's visual system.Used in most modern clinics in the world;
- FemtoLASIK.A similar type of operation, the only difference is that the cornea is cut not with a microkerato, but with a special femtolaser.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 thinning of the 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 a thin cornea or severe ophthalmological diseases.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period lasts longer than with other methods.
Vision correction operations last no more than 15 minutes.After the procedure, it is necessary to wear a protective bandage for several hours, and also instill drops for 1 to 2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;Repeat treatment is necessary if there is a significant decrease in vision.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure for the removal of all or part of the vitreous humor from the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;In the absence of complications, it resolves in 2-3 hours.First of all, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which subsequent manipulations are carried out.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 eye tissues;
- prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe ocular retinopathy that causes rough scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, a gas bubble, silicone oil, or a balanced salt solution are used as vitreous substitutes.The latter type is used more often, since no additional surgery is required: the saline solution is subsequently replaced by intraocular fluid.
After surgery, side effects are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure, or even a further decrease in vision.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the injury, as well as the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous.If there are irreversible changes in the optic nerve, vision correction is almost impossible to achieve.
Scleroplasty
A common ophthalmic 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 necessary number of sheets of material are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Normally polymers or biological components are used.After this, adhesion to the outer layer of the eye occurs and, after a few months, the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow into the flap.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.It involves the introduction of 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-researched operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is carried out in most clinics.Virtually no side effects are identified, except for a possible allergy to the drug.It is usually necessary to repeat the surgery.
Lens replacement
A necessary operation that is prescribed for clouding or any other degenerative process in the lens, for example, cataracts.Treatment is always mandatory, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, sex and the severity of pathological changes in the eye.Replacement of lenses is prescribed in the following cases:
- high degrees of myopia and hyperopia;
- significant decrease in refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related vision loss;
- impossibility of restoration of vision with laser;
- 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 tool liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.After this, the prepared graft is installed.The intervention does not last more than 25 minutes;No subsequent sutures or recovery in a hospital setting are required.
The operation is performed in most public and private clinics.Complications are usually not observed after manipulation, but subsequent laser vision correction is often prescribed.In exceptional cases, it is necessary to replace the lens again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmological operations, which carries many risks and requires a highly qualified surgeon.Required to restore the anatomical integrity and physiological functions of the cornea.Prescribed for the treatment of congenital or acquired defects resulting from injury or illness.Healthy tissue for transplant is taken only from donors, but an artificial replacement is being developed 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 lasts no more than 30 minutes.During the procedure, the surgeon uses a laser or a special scalpel to remove part of the patient's cornea and implant 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 is 4 weeks, during which antibiotic instillations are necessary, but periodic examinations are required throughout the next year.
In recent years, the risk of rejection of donor tissue has been significantly reduced thanks to the use of special compounds during processing and conservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina.
Surgical method for the restoration of retinal tissue.The effectiveness of the method is more than 70% and within 24 hours after 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 for blood loss.It is carried out under local anesthesia, the procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Before exposure to the laser, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, and then a special protective lens is placed, through which the exposure occurs at low frequencies.Due to high temperatures, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick together.
The coagulation procedure is necessary for any damage and pathology of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and diseases of the vascular system of this organ.After surgery, swelling 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 the treatment of various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers of the corneal tissue, which is 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.Subsequent irradiation allows the tissue to be tightened by more than 200%.You must wear protective contact lenses for the first week after surgery and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts 10 years, then a second operation is required.
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 produce the desired result.The operation is performed by laser or surgically.
The laser method is considered the most successful.It is completely painless for the patient and has practically no complications.During the procedure, a hole is made with a beam through which fluid is extracted from the eye tissues to normalize the pressure.It is used to treat all types of glaucoma.
Manual surgery is less effective because there is a risk of complications after the procedure.This is usually a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The objective 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 surgery after 5 to 7 years.This period can be extended with the help of competent drug treatment.
Conclusions
Today, most modern eye clinics perform a series 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 the method depends on several factors: age, disease and individual structural characteristics of the patient's visual system.After the operation, the effect occurs almost immediately, and if all the doctor's instructions are followed, visual acuity can be maintained for a long time.