Vision correction is performed using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, accordingly, eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser refractive error correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest method of refractive error correction.Should be done in the following cases:
- Myopia no more than -12 D;
- Hyperopia up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
Using a laser, you can simultaneously treat several pathologies.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in only one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- Patient age is less than 18 years old or over 40 years old;
- pregnant;
- Refractive error over 12 D;
- infectious eye damage;
- high degree of dryness of mucous membranes;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- the presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- disruption 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 condition for laser vision correction is the patient's age from 18-40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the eyeball formation process has already occurred, so this procedure should not be performed.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 short bursts of light.Using modern high-tech equipment, ensuring high surgical precision and efficiency.
This adjustment technology has many advantages:
- Short procedure, it takes 10-15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- Safe, few complications;
- high level of efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- painless (may be painless, painful or burning in the eyes);
- Usability for people with visual impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- Quick recovery after intervention, no need to stay in hospital during rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs immediately and lasts for a long time.
Refraction may be due to age-related changes.
Like any technique, lasers have disadvantages.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- the cornea thins, making correction impossible;
- the ability to transfer students;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is reduced visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Stage
Depending on the vision correction method, each method has its own characteristics, but the common point is the recovery principle and stages of the process.
Laser calibration consists of three stages.
Prepare
The preparation phase can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparations began 2 weeks before the scheduled adjustment date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses because they can change the shape of the cornea.The patient will then undergo diagnostic testing.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of accompanying eye diseases and contraindications can be determined.In general, the condition of the eye and its correction are assessed.Late preparation is performed in the ophthalmology clinic immediately before surgery.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Props 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 3 stages:
- Separating the corneal flap.A microscopic incision is made using a laser.A small corneal flap is moved to the side.
- Restore the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Insert the corneal flap into the correct position.There are no stitches and the healing process occurs naturally.
Recover
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor will examine the patient and send him home.Complete recovery occurs after 3 months, but the patient regains 100% vision the next day.
If there are no complications, post-operative patients should be examined once a month.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has advantages and disadvantages.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the intervention, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is treated with a laser.Next, the cornea layer returns to its original position.
There are newer types of laser vision correction.The disadvantage of this method is that it does not take into account the individual characteristics of the cornea.
Super LASIK
At their core, the LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are identical.The advantage of the second method is that the individual characteristics of the patient undergoing surgery will be taken into account.
Femto LASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultra-sensitive laser is used, allowing high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue damage.All parameters are controlled by computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error of this type is 10 microns, 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 if vision is impaired in elderly patients or patients with presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.This procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the necessary refractive 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 help restore vision in a short time without causing 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 quick recovery and a lower chance of future vision loss.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low levels of nearsightedness.
complications
Vision correction helps improve a patient's quality of life, but in some cases, it can have the opposite effect.Complications immediately after surgery:
- retinal detachment;
- sand in eyes, feeling of foreign body;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- adjust from minus to plus;
- Insufficient refraction correction (needs multiple laser corrections);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If vision restoration surgery is performed multiple times, not only can the cornea become thin, but vision can also be lost.
After laser vision correction, haze in the eyes may indicate slow corneal recovery or retinal swelling.Vision may decrease, but any negative consequences will disappear after recovery time.To rule out other serious complications, you need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, then in most cases, repeat surgery is required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of adjustment:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal opacities;
- emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should see your doctor immediately.
Severe corneal opacities and visual impairment after laser correction require multiple interventions.If there are no vital signs, the operation will not be repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you must follow the following 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 injury.
Often, decreased vision is due to the patient's negligent attitude towards their health.
Is surgery painful?
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 contact lenses.The success of the procedure depends on initial visual acuity and the severity of the refractive error.