Diseases of the visual system are good for correction, but if the disease persists or conservative therapy does not give the desired result, surgery is recommended to restore vision. It allows to eliminate pathological processes of the visual system, maintain its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology offers several effective ways to restore the function of the optical system, but before considering the types of ophthalmic operations, it is important to know the instructions for their implementation, as well as the possible consequences.
When is vision restoration surgery needed?
In ophthalmology, operations to restore vision belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main goal of such treatment is not only to maintain the function of the visual system, but also to reduce dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Among the main indicators for surgery can be distinguished a number of diseases:
- cataracts;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- myopia;
- strabismus;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- eye injury.
All these diseases can be treated without surgery, but only if irreversible pathological processes do not occur in the structures of the visual system.
Types of operations
There are several ways to restore vision with surgical treatment. They all have advantages and disadvantages, but sometimes they are considered the only way to maintain the functionality of the visual 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 minimal risk and consequences. In the process of such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which allows 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 by the general term "ametropia", which refers to diseases associated with the focus of the eye. 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 cap is formed from the epithelium and membrane, which is then fixed with soft lenses, which are removed after a few days. Such operations take 5-7 minutes, and the effect of treatment can be seen not on the 4th day after surgery. LASEK laser vision correction is the only method that can be used for children.
LASIK. The basic operation to restore vision allows you to get rid of myopia of varying degrees of complexity, as well as the initial stage of astigmatism. During the operation, 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 is not more than 15 minutes in each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is that it is impossible to predict the features of the anatomy of the eye in a patient.
Laser vision correction is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, visual acuity may decrease over time, which may be a sign of re-correction.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed when complete or partial removal of the vitreous body of the eyeball is required. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can take up to 3 hours. During the operation, a small puncture is made in the eye socket, through which the necessary manipulations are performed.
The main indications for surgery are the restoration of vision after bleeding or age-related retinal detachment. Complications after surgery may include corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure, or further decreased vision. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, especially the degree of pathological process, the type of prosthesis to replace the vitreous organ. With irreversible damage to the optic nerve, the operation will have no effect.
Scleroplasty
Ophthalmic surgery to strengthen the sclera. It is used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in at-risk patients. Scleroplasty is often performed in adolescents because the shape of the eye changes during this period.
During the operation, special caps are placed behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. More often polymers or biological components are used. After a while, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow in the flap, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Lens replacement
Such an operation is performed by clouding the lens or other degenerative processes. The most common indication for appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The surgical procedure is very difficult, the implant is selected individually, which corresponds to the patient's gender, age and other characteristics of the body.
The lens is replaced under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor makes a small incision with a laser, then, using a special tool, liquefies the patient's lens and examines it. After the procedure, the prepared graft is installed. The operation does not last more than 30 minutes, then stitches are made, the patient stays in the clinic for several hours, and then goes home.
Complications after such an operation are very rare. Laser vision correction is often required after that.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex and requires a high degree of professionalism from the surgeon. An indication of its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects that manifest themselves as a result of injuries or as a result of certain diseases.
The operation lasts no more than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and replaces it with donor tissue. Postoperative sutures are stored for about a year, after which special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts up to 4 weeks, consisting of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Cross contact
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea, allows to strengthen ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue with dystrophy or keratoconus. In the process, local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut using a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled, and radiation is carried out, which allows to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
For the first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses and periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect lasts for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgery to restore retinal tissue. In 70% of cases, the procedure gives positive results, and the patient is able to return to a normal lifestyle after a day. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the procedure lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Prior to surgery, eye drops are inserted to enlarge the pupils, and protective lenses through which the laser beam is passed are worn. Cells and small blood vessels damaged by high temperatures stick together.
Indications for such manipulation are diseases of the retina or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and clouding of the lens develop, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there are indications for surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes the patient a series of examinations, gives useful recommendations to prepare for a certain procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- You should stop using glasses and contact lenses a week before the operation.
- Perform all necessary tests and perform the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not take any alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Give up cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong excitement, you can take a mild sedative on the advice of a doctor.
Postoperative period
Before the operation, the ophthalmologist will acquaint the patient with the rules of preparation to restore vision, and the postoperative period is also an important stage. By following a number of rules after any operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, and the prognosis for successful recovery increases:
- For the first 2 days you need to sleep on your back.
- It is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics in the early postoperative period.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiled and warm water, do not get in your eyes.
- Avoid watching TV for long periods of time or pausing on the computer.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity, trips to the solarium, pool or sauna in the first months.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy nutrition.
To restore vision, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist from time to time after any operation, undergo the necessary examinations and use prescribed medications. Adherence to all the rules will help to minimize the risk of possible complications and improve vision and overall well-being.
findings
Surgery to restore vision is performed when other treatments do not have the desired effect or the disease persists. Therefore, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist from time to time and undergo the necessary treatment to prevent the severe stages of any ophthalmic disease. After all, the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.