Diseases of the visual system lend themselves well to correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, surgery to restore vision is recommended. It allows you to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, preserve its functionality and eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology offers several effective methods of restoring the operation of the optical system. However, before delving into the types of eye surgery, it is important to know the indications for their implementation, as well as the possible consequences.
When is vision rehabilitation surgery required?
Operations to restore vision in ophthalmology belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main goal of such treatment is not only to preserve the functioning of the visual system, but also to reduce dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Among the main indications for the operation, a number of diseases can be distinguished:
- Cataract;
- Glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- Myopia;
- squinting;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- eye injury.
All of these diseases can be treated without surgery, but only if no irreversible pathological processes have occurred in the structures of the visual system.
types of operations
There are several methods to restore vision through surgical treatment. All have their pros and cons, but sometimes they are seen as the only way to maintain the functionality of the vision system. Consider the most effective types of vision restoration surgeries.
laser correction
In modern ophthalmology, eye laser correction is considered the "gold standard", which allows you to restore vision with minimal risk and consequences. When performing such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which makes it possible to correct defects in the optical system with high accuracy. The indications for eye laser correction are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general term "ametropia", which implies diseases associated with eye focusing. 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 flap is formed from the epithelium and membrane, which is then fixed with soft lenses, which are removed after a few days. This type of operation lasts 5-7 minutes and the effect of the treatment is visible only on the 4th day after the operation. LASEK laser vision correction is considered the only method that can be used in children.
LASIK. The basic operation to restore vision, which allows you to get rid of myopia of varying complexity, as well as the initial stage of astigmatism. During the operation, the laser beam penetrates into 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 no more than 15 minutes per eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the features of the anatomy of the eye in a patient.
The operation using the method of laser vision correction is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, visual acuity may decrease after some time, which is an indication for re-correction.
vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is performed when all or part of the vitreous humor of the eyeball needs to be removed. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The operation can last 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 indication for the operation is to restore vision after bleeding or age-related retinal detachment. Complications in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure or an even greater reduction in vision are possible after the operation. The prognosis after the operation depends on many factors, in particular, the extent of the pathological process, the type of vitreous replacement prosthesis. With irreversible damage to the optic nerve, the effect of the operation is absent.
scleroplasty
Eye surgery to strengthen the outer covering of the eye (sclera). It is not used to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. Scleroplasty is often performed on young people because the shape of the eye changes during this period.
During surgery, special flaps are placed behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. More often polymers or biological components are used. After some time, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow into the valve, which continue to support the work of the visual system.
lens change
Such an operation is performed with lens opacification or other degenerative processes. The most common indication for the appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The surgical procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, which corresponds to the patient's sex, age and other characteristics of his body.
The lens is replaced under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor makes a small incision with a laser, after which he uses a special tool to liquefy the patient's lens and remove it from the eye. After the procedure, the prepared graft is inserted. The operation lasts no more than 30 minutes, then sutures are applied, the patient stays in the clinic for several hours, and then goes home.
Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Laser correction is often required afterwards.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex and requires high professionalism from the surgeon. An indication for implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects that have manifested themselves through injuries or have become a consequence of certain diseases.
The duration of the operation is no more than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor uses a laser or a scalpel to remove part of the cornea and insert donor tissue in its place. The stitches after the operation are kept for about a year, then special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts up to 4 weeks and consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Networking
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea and allows strengthening the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissue with dystrophy or keratoconus. Local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut off with a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and irradiation is carried out, which makes it possible to strengthen the tissues by more than 200%.
The first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses and regularly visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect lasts for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Retinal tissue repair surgery. The procedure brings positive results in 70% of cases, and the patient himself has the opportunity to return to his usual way of life after a day. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before the operation, drops are instilled in the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective lenses are put on, through which the laser beam passes. Cells and small vessels damaged by high temperatures stick together.
Indications for the appointment of such a manipulation are diseases of the retina or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, there is inflammation and clouding of the lens, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there are indications for surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes a number of examinations for the patient and gives useful recommendations on how to prepare for a specific procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- You should refrain from wearing glasses and contact lenses for a week before the operation.
- Pass all required tests and pass mandatory diagnostics.
- Do not consume alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong excitement, you can take a light sedative on the recommendation of a doctor.
postoperative period
Before the operation to restore vision is performed, the ophthalmologist acquaints the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important period. Subject to a number of rules after each operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for a successful recovery increases:
- The first 2 days you have to sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before instilling eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiled and warm water, avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Avoid long periods of television or computer interruptions.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- Avoid heavy physical exertion, solarium, swimming pool or sauna visits in the first few months.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Proper and healthy nutrition.
After any operation to restore vision, it is necessary to regularly visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and take prescribed medications. Compliance with all the rules will help to minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and general well-being.
Results
Operations to restore vision are performed when other methods of treatment do not give the desired effect or the disease progresses. Therefore, in order to prevent severe stages of eye disease, you need to regularly visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. Because the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.