Vision correction is done using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, therefore, eliminate farsightedness, farsightedness 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 run it in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- farsighted up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
Using a laser, you can treat several pathologies simultaneously.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 more than 12 D;
- infectious eye sores;
- high degree of dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal disease (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- the presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- corneal and retinal structural disorders;
- the only eye that sees;
- severe systemic and immune diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formation).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treatment of this pathology.
Age restriction
The main conditions for laser vision correction are the patient's age between 18-40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the formation of the eyeball occurs, so the procedure is not recommended.Patients over 40-45 years old are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with laser.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Laser correction is performed by exposure to a short flash of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high precision and effectiveness of surgery.
This adjustment technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, it takes 10-15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- safety, low likelihood of complications;
- high level of efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedures;
- absence of pain (no pain, pain or burning in the eyes may occur);
- Possible use for visual impairments that cannot be corrected by other means;
- rapid recovery after intervention, no need to stay in the hospital during the recovery period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs immediately and lasts for a long time.
Decreased refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like any technique, lasers have their drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to perform further correction;
- the possibility of student displacement;
- risk of retinal hemorrhages.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
level
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but the common feature is the principle of recovery and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory stage can be divided into 2 parts.Preliminary preparations start already 2 weeks before the expected date of correction.You should stop wearing glasses and contacts, as 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 eye and the possibility of correction are evaluated.Late preparation is performed in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before surgery.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Then props are placed in the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
Hold up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is carried out in 3 stages:
- Separation of the corneal flap.Micro incisions are made using a laser.A small flap of the cornea is moved to the side.
- Restores the shape of the cornea.The laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are reached.
- Returning the corneal flap into place.There are no stitches and healing occurs naturally.
Restoration
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor examined the patient and sent him home.Full 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 a check-up 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.Next, 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
At their core, LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are the same.The last advantage is that the individual characteristics of the patient being treated are taken into account.
Femto LASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultra-sensitive 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 accurate as Femto LASIK.The error with this type is 10 microns, and not 20-40 microns like other types.
Femto Super LASIK
This technique is newer and more accurate than Femto LASIK.The individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account.This is the most expensive method.
Presbyopia LASIK
This technique is used if vision has deteriorated in elderly patients or patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.This procedure is carried out using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the required refractive parameters are reached.This vision correction is rarely used because of the high risk of complications and pain.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique that restores vision in a short time without pain.During the procedure, the epithelium is removed, so only the upper layer of the cornea is affected.
The advantage of this laser vision correction technique is a quick recovery and a lower probability that vision may deteriorate later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low 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 minus to plus;
- insufficient refractive correction (repeated laser correction is required);
- retinal hemorrhages.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, then not only thinning of the cornea is possible, but also loss of vision.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after a period of recovery.To exclude other serious complications, you need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, then in most cases a repeat operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of corrections:
- loss of positive results;
- corneal turbidity;
- the emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should see a doctor immediately.
Severe corneal clouding and visual impairment after laser correction require repeated interventions.If there are no significant signs, the operation is not repeated.
To avoid 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 drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
Often, eyesight deteriorates precisely because of the patient's careless attitude towards their health.
Is it painful to have surgery?
Laser vision restoration is completely painless.Local anesthesia is applied using eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contacts.The success of the procedure depends on the initial acuity and severity of the refractive error.