Modern vision restoration operations are high-tech and safe procedures that can eliminate almost any ophthalmological problem.Since they have been used successfully for several decades, the methods are constantly being developed, expanded and more effective.Improving visual functions is achieved by hardware correction of the shape of the cornea, lens, retina and other elements of the optical system of the eye.Properly selected technology can not only fully restore vision, but also reduce the risk of complications.From the article you will learn what ophthalmological operations there are, what areas of application there are and what risks are possible.
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Thanks to the development of hardware methods of medicine, operations to restore vision are now reliable and minimally invasive procedures.It does not last more than several hours and complex rehabilitation measures are no longer necessary in the future.The choice of surgical treatment method depends 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 with high effectiveness and minimal risk of complications.Allows you to deal with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.After the procedure, visual acuity remains for a long time and if you follow all the ophthalmologist's instructions, you can completely avoid re-intervention.There are different types of laser correction:
- LASIK.Basic type of operation to restore visual acuity.First, the surface layer of the cornea is separated with a microkerate and then its shape is changed with a laser beam.The main disadvantage of this type of correction is that it cannot take into account the individual peculiarities of the patient's eye anatomy;
- Great LASIK.An improved version of the traditional LASIK technique.Allows a better result because the structure of the patient's visual system is taken into account.Used in most modern clinics in the world;
- Femto-LASIK.A similar type of operation, the only difference is that the cornea is cut not with a microkerat, but with a special femto laser.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 a thinned 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, such as thin corneas or serious eye diseases.The healing process is always painful and the recovery period takes 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 instill drops for 1-2 months.The risk of complications is minimal;If there is a significant deterioration in vision, further treatment is necessary.
Vitrectomy
This is a procedure to completely or partially remove the vitreous humor of the eyeball.It is performed under general or local anesthesia;If no complications occur, it heals within 2-3 hours.First, small punctures are made in the eye socket, through which subsequent manipulations are carried out.This usually involves laser cauterization of the affected retinal areas, densification of detachments, or restoration of tissue integrity.The procedure is prescribed for the following problems:
- Restoration of visual functions after hemorrhage in the eye tissue;
- Prevention of age-related retinal detachment;
- Treatment of severe eye retinopathy that causes gross scarring or neovascularization (growth of blood vessels).
Artificial polymers, a gas bubble, silicone oil or a balanced salt solution are used to replace the vitreous body.The latter type is more commonly used because no further surgical intervention is required - the saline solution is subsequently replaced with intraocular fluid.
After the operation, side effects in the form of corneal edema, increased intraocular pressure or even further loss of vision are possible.Recovery and prognosis depend on the extent of the lesion as well as the type of prosthesis used to replace the vitreous.If the optic nerve changes are irreversible, vision correction is almost impossible.
Scleroplasty
A common ophthalmic procedure used to strengthen 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 teenagers suffering from this problem, since at this age the shape of the eye is actively changing.
During the operation, the required number of material flaps are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera.Typically polymers or biological components are used.Adhesion to the outer shell of the eye then occurs and after a few months the blood vessels necessary to maintain visual functions grow into the lobe.There is also a simplified version of scleroplasty.An artificial or biological substance is inserted behind the eyeball.The mechanism of action of this technology is identical - it prevents the growth of the eyeball.
This is a well-studied operation that has remained virtually unchanged over the years.It is performed in most clinics.With the exception of a possible allergy to the drug, there are practically no known side effects.Repeat surgery is usually required.
Lens replacement
A necessary operation that is prescribed for opacities or other degenerative processes of the lens, for example, cataracts.Treatment is always forced, but the implant is selected individually, depending on age, gender and severity of pathological changes in the eye.Lens replacement is prescribed in the following cases:
- high levels of myopia and farsightedness;
- significant decrease in refraction;
- regenerative processes in the eye, age-related loss of vision;
- Impossibility of restoring laser vision;
- Cataract;
- the likelihood of developing glaucoma against the background of a systemic or ophthalmological disease.
The procedure is always carried out under local anesthesia.During the operation, the surgeon makes a small incision with a laser, then a special tool liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye.The prepared transplant is then inserted.The procedure lasts no more than 25 minutes;Subsequent stitches and hospital recovery are not required.
The operation is performed in most private and public clinics.Complications after manipulation are usually not observed, but subsequent laser vision correction is often prescribed.In rare cases the lens needs to be replaced again.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
One of the most modern and complex ophthalmological operations, which involves 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 transplantation is taken only from donors, but the development of artificial replacements is underway in many countries.Keratoplasty is recommended to solve the following problems:
- Treatment of corneal diseases (wounds, tone disorders);
- mechanical or chemical damage;
- Birth defects.
The operation takes 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 implants donor tissue in its place.The stitches can last up to a year.After that, a special lens is selected to reduce the risk of infection.The recovery period is from 4 weeks, during which antibiotic instillations are required, but regular examinations are required over the next year.
In recent years, the risk of rejection of donor tissue has been significantly reduced through the use of special compounds during processing and preservation.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgical method of restoring retinal tissue.The effectiveness of the method is over 70%, and within 24 hours of use you can return to your normal lifestyle.Observations by an ophthalmologist are required for one year after the procedure.
Nowadays, the operation is performed using a laser, which does not require blood loss.It is carried out under local anesthesia, the procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Before irradiation with the laser, drops are instilled to dilate the pupil, and then a special protective lens is put on, through which irradiation occurs at low frequencies.High temperatures cause damaged cells and small blood vessels to stick together.
The coagulation procedure is necessary for damage and pathologies of the retina, as well as for eye tumors and diseases of the vascular system of this organ.Inflammation and cloudiness may develop after surgery.For several years after the correction, you should not do heavy physical work or play active sports.
Networking
An effective method for treating various corneal diseases.It is carried out to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue, which is necessary for keratoconus of varying degrees or degenerative processes, dystrophy.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia.First, a small part of the cornea is cut off using a special device and vitamin B2 is instilled into the open area.The subsequent radiation can tighten the tissue by more than 200%.You must wear a protective contact lens for the first week after surgery and be examined by a doctor for 6 months.The effect of the procedure lasts 10 years, after which a second operation is required.
In rare cases, complications are observed.The patient may experience visual disturbances, inflammation or clouding of the cornea.
Glaucoma treatment
Ophthalmological surgery for varying degrees of glaucoma is necessary if drug therapy does not produce the desired result.The operation is carried out using laser or surgically.
The laser method is considered the most successful.The operation is completely painless for the patient and there are practically no complications.During the procedure, a hole is made with a jet through which fluid is removed from the eye tissue to normalize pressure.For the treatment of all types of glaucoma.
Manual procedures are less effective because there is a risk of complications after the procedure.Typically this is a non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.The purpose of the method is to reduce intraocular pressure by slightly thinning the corneal layer.
The effect after both types of surgery decreases over time.On average, repeat surgery is required after 5-7 years.With the help of competent drug treatment, this period can be extended.
Conclusions
Today, most modern eye clinics perform a number of surgical procedures to correct vision.These are precise, high-tech methods that can eliminate almost any eye defect.The choice of method depends on a number of factors - age, disease, individual structural features 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.