Vision correction is carried out using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, therefore, eliminate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction by the LASIK method is the most popular and safest way to correct refractive errors.It is recommended to do this in the following cases:
- myopia not more than -12 D;
- hyperopia up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
Thanks to a laser, you can treat several pathologies simultaneously.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in one session.
Contraindications to 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 damage;
- 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;
- serious systemic and immune diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In certain cases, laser correction is authorized after treatment of 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, eyeball formation occurs, so this procedure is not recommended.Patients over 40-45 years old are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected by laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is carried out by exposure to short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which guarantees high precision and efficiency of surgery.
This adjustment technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- safety, low probability of complications;
- high degree of efficiency;
- bloodless, non-contact procedure;
- absence of pain (no pain, pain or burning in the eyes may occur);
- Possibility of use for visual impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- rapid recovery after intervention, no need to stay in the hospital 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 disadvantages.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- a thinning of the cornea, which makes any further correction impossible;
- the likelihood of student movement;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Steps
According to the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but the common features are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction includes three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory phase can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation begins already 2 weeks before the planned date of correction.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses because they can change the shape of the 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 evaluated.Late preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office just before the procedure.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 takes place in 3 stages:
- Separation of the corneal flap.A micro-incision is made using a laser.A small flap of cornea is moved to the side.
- Restore the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Replacement of the corneal flap.There are no stitches and healing occurs naturally.
Recovery
On the second day after the vision correction operation, the doctor examines the patient and sends him home.Complete recovery occurs after 3 months, but the patient should regain 100% vision the next day.
If there are no complications, a person after surgery should undergo an examination once a month.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the procedure, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is exposed to the laser treatment.Then the corneal layer 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.
Super LASIK
Basically, the 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.
LASIK Femto
This method is new and perfect.An ultrasensitive laser is used, which allows high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled using a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as precise as Femto LASIK.The error with this type is 10 microns, not 20 to 40 microns as with other types.
Femto Super LASIK
This technique is more recent and more precise than Femto LASIK.Individual patient characteristics are taken into account.This is the most expensive method.
Presbyian LASIK
This technique is used in cases of vision deterioration in elderly patients or patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser that burns the cornea until the required refraction parameters are achieved.This vision correction is rarely used due to the high risk of complications and pain.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique to restore vision in a short time and without pain.During the procedure, the epithelium is removed, so only the upper layers of the cornea are affected.
The advantage of this laser vision correction technique is rapid recovery and a lower likelihood of vision deterioration later.Epi-LASIK is particularly suitable for patients with thin corneas and low levels of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps 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 correction of refraction (repeated laser correction is necessary);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is carried out repeatedly, not only thinning of the cornea is possible, but also loss of vision.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate slow corneal recovery or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after the recovery period.To exclude other serious complications, you must be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases a repeat operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of the correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal clouding;
- emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision deteriorates after correction, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Severe opacification of the cornea and deterioration of vision after laser correction require repeated intervention.If there are no vital indications, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you should 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 drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
Most often, vision decreases precisely because of patients' neglect of their health.
Is it painful to have surgery?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is applied using 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 the severity of the refractive errors.