Diseases of the visual system lend themselves well to correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative treatment does not bring the desired result, vision restoration surgery is recommended. It allows you to eliminate pathological processes in the visual system, preserve its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology offers several effective methods for restoring the functioning of the optical system, but before considering the types of ophthalmic operations, it is important to know the indications for their implementation, as well as the possible consequences.
When is Vision Rehabilitation Surgery Necessary?
Vision restoration operations in ophthalmology belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main goal of such treatment is not only to preserve the function 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;
- strabismus;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- eye injury.
All of these diseases can be treated without surgery, but only when irreversible pathological processes have not 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 they are sometimes seen as the only way to maintain vision system functionality. 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 risks 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. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general term "ametropia", which refers to diseases associated with ocular focusing. There are several types of laser correction:
LASK. The procedure is performed with a thin cornea, and the laser beam itself only affects the upper layers of the eye. During the operation, a valve is formed from the epithelium and membrane, then it is fixed with soft lenses, which are removed after a few days. This type of operation takes 5-7 minutes, and the treatment effect is not visible on the 4th day after the operation. LASEK laser vision correction is considered the only method that can be used for children.
LASIK. The basic operation to restore vision, which 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 of deep structures. The duration of the operation does not exceed 15 minutes on each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the characteristics of the anatomy of the eye in a patient.
The operation by the method of laser vision correction is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, after a while visual acuity may decrease, which will indicate further correction.
Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is performed if it is necessary to completely or partially remove the vitreous body from the eyeball. 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 carried out.
The main indications for the operation are the restoration of vision after hemorrhage or age-related retinal detachment. After the operation, complications are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure or an even greater decrease in vision. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, including the extent of the pathological process, the type of prosthesis intended to replace the vitreous body. With irreversible damage to the optic nerve, the effect of the operation will be absent.
Scleroplasty
Ophthalmic surgery to strengthen the outer shell of the eyes (sclera). It is not used to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on teenagers, since it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special flaps are inserted 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 in the flap, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Lens replacement
Such an operation is carried out with opacification of the lens or other degenerative processes. Most often, the indication for the appointment is cataracts, glaucoma. The operation procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, which will correspond to the sex, age of the patient 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, using a special tool, he liquefies the patient's lens and removes it from the eye. After the procedure, the prepared graft is installed. 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. Often after this, laser vision correction is required.
Keratoplasty (cornea replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex, requiring great professionalism from the surgeon. An indication for its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired malformations, which manifested themselves as a result of injuries or became a consequence of certain diseases.
The duration of the operation does not exceed 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or a scalpel and puts the 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 takes up to 4 weeks, consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Crosslinking
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea, allows to strengthen ligaments and other fibers of corneal tissues 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 irradiation is carried out, which allows the tissue to be strengthened by more than200%.
The first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses, periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect persists for 10 years.
Retinal laser coagulation
Surgery to repair retinal tissue. The procedure in 70% of cases gives positive results, 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, while the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before surgery, drops are instilled into the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective lenses are put in place, through which the laser beam passes. Due to high temperatures, damaged cells and small vessels stick together.
Indications for the appointment of 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 develops, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there are indications for surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations to the patient, gives useful recommendations on the preparation of a particular procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- A week before the operation, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not take alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong excitement, you can take a mild sedative on the recommendation of a doctor.
Postoperative period
Before the operation to restore vision is performed, the ophthalmologist will acquaint the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important stage. Subject to a number of rules after any operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for successful recovery is increased:
- The first 2 days you must sleep on your back.
- At the beginning of the postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics.
- Before instillation of eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wash your face with boiled and lukewarm water, avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interruption.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- In the first months, exclude intense physical exertion, going to the solarium, swimming pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Correct and healthy food.
After any operation to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and use prescribed medications. Compliance with all the rules will help minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and general well-being.
results
Vision restoration operations are performed when other treatment methods do not have the desired effect or the disease is in progress. Therefore, in order to prevent serious stages of any ophthalmic disease, you should periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.