Vision correction is carried out using a laser.This technique is often used to achieve normal refraction and, accordingly, eliminate myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest method for correcting ametropia.This implementation is recommended in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- Farsightedness up to +6 D;
- Astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
One laser allows you to treat several pathologies at once.The effect usually occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in just one session.
Contraindications to laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 micrometers;
- the patient's age is less than 18 years or more than 40 years;
- Pregnancy;
- Refractive error more than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- high degree of dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- Disturbance of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only seeing eye;
- severe systemic and immune diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formation).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treatment of these pathologies.
Age restrictions
The main requirement for laser vision correction is the patient's age between 18 and 40 years and the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.The eyeball begins to form before the age of 18, so the procedure is not advisable.Patients over 40-45 years old are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with a laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is carried out through the action of short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high precision and effectiveness of the operation.
This adjustment technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, correcting the refraction of one eye takes 10-15 minutes;
- safety, low likelihood of complications;
- high efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- no pain (there should be no pain, pain or burning in the eyes);
- Can be used for visual impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- Quick recovery after the procedure, no need for hospitalization during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs immediately and lasts for a long time.
A decrease in refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like every technology, the laser also has its disadvantages.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- Thinning of the cornea, making re-correction impossible;
- the likelihood of student displacement;
- Risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Steps
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but common features are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three steps.
Preparation
The preparation phase can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation begins two weeks before the expected correction date.You should avoid wearing glasses and contact lenses as these can change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes a diagnostic examination.
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 assessed.The late preparation takes place immediately before the operation in the ophthalmologist's office.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Supports are then placed in the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
Lasts up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is performed in three steps:
- Separation of the corneal flap.A micro-incision is made using a laser.A small corneal flap is moved to the side.
- Restoration of the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Restoration of the correct position of the corneal flap.There are no stitches and healing occurs naturally.
recreation
On the second day after vision correction, the doctor examines the patient and sends 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 should undergo examinations once a month after surgery.
species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.
LASIK
This is a traditional operation to restore vision.During the procedure, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is subjected 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.
Great LASIK
At their core, the laser vision correction methods LASIK and Super LASIK are identical.The latter has the advantage that the individual characteristics of the patient being operated on are taken into account.
Femto-LASIK
This method is new and perfect.A highly sensitive laser is used, which allows high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled via a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto-LASIK.The error is 10 microns in this type and not 20-40 microns like other types.
Femto Super LASIK
This technique is newer and more precise than Femto-LASIK.The individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account.This is the most expensive method.
Presby LASIK
This technique is used when vision has deteriorated in older patients or patients suffer 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 refractive parameters are achieved.Due to the high risk of complications and pain, this vision correction is rarely used.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique that restores vision in a short time without pain.During the procedure, the epithelium is removed so that only the upper layers of the cornea are affected.
The advantage of this laser vision correction technique is quick recovery and less chance of vision deteriorating 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 hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, not only thinning of the cornea, but also loss of vision is possible.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate slow corneal recovery or retinal swelling.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after the recovery period.To rule out other serious complications, you must be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases another operation to restore vision is required.
Long-term consequences of the correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal opacity;
- Emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Severe clouding of the cornea and deterioration of vision after laser correction require repeated procedures.If there are no vital signs, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent 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;
- pay attention to personal hygiene;
- For prevention, use anti-inflammatory drops.
- Avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision deteriorates precisely because of patients' negligent attitude towards their health.
Is surgery painful?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is given with eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to avoid wearing glasses and contact lenses.The success of the procedure depends on the initial visual acuity and the severity of the refractive error.