Vision correction is performed using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and get rid of myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism, respectively.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest way to correct refractive errors.It is advisable to do this in the following cases:
- myopia not exceeding -12 D;
- Farsightedness up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
Using a laser, you can treat several pathologies at the same time.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated only in one session.
Contraindications to laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the age of the patient is less than 18 years or more than 40 years;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error more than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- high dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- the presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- violation of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only seeing eye;
- severe system and immune diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after the treatment of these pathologies.
Age restrictions
The main condition for laser vision correction is that the patient is between 18 and 40 years old, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Eyeball formation occurs before the age of 18, so the procedure is not recommended.Patients older than 40-45 years are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected by laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is performed by exposure to short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high accuracy and efficiency of the operation.
This regulation technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, it takes 10-15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- safety, low probability of complications;
- high efficiency rate;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- absence of pain (there can be no pain, pain or burning in the eyes);
- The possibility of use for visual impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- quick recovery after the intervention, no need to stay in the hospital during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs immediately and lasts for a long time.
Decreased refraction can cause age-related changes.
Like any technique, the laser has its drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high price;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes correction impossible;
- the possibility of student displacement;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of vision in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Stages
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but the general characteristics are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory stage can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation starts 2 weeks before the expected revision date.You should stop wearing glasses and contacts because they can change the shape of the cornea.Then the patient undergoes a diagnostic examination.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of accompanying eye diseases, and possible contraindications are determined.In general, the condition of the eyes and the possibility of correction are evaluated.Immediately before the operation, a late preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Then props are placed over the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
It lasts up to 30 minutes.The vision correction operation is performed in 3 stages:
- Detachment of the corneal flap.A micro incision is made using a laser.A small cornea is moved to the side.
- Restoration of the shape of the cornea.The laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Restoration of the corneal flap in place.There are no stitches and healing occurs naturally.
Recovery
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor examines the patient and sends him home.Complete recovery occurs after 3 months, but the next day the patient should regain 100% vision.
If there are no complications, a person should be examined once a month after the operation.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has pros and cons.
LASIK
This is a traditional operation to restore vision.During the intervention, the upper layer is removed, and the inner layer is subjected to laser treatment.Then the cornea 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.
Super LASIK
Basically, laser vision correction methods LASIK and Super LASIK are the same.The advantage of the latter is that the individual characteristics of the operated patient are taken into account.
Femto LASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultra-sensitive laser is used, which allows for high-frequency operations with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled by computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error in this type is 10 microns, not 20-40 microns, as in other types.
Femto Super LASIK
This technique is newer and more accurate than Femto LASIK.Individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account.This is the most expensive method.
Presby LASIK
This method is used in elderly patients with impaired vision or in patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until it reaches the required refractive parameters.This vision correction is rarely used due to the high risk of complications and pain.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique that restores vision in a short period of time without 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 is a quick recovery and a low probability of subsequent deterioration of vision.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low levels of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps improve the patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications occurring immediately after the operation:
- retinal detachment;
- sand in the eyes, feeling of a foreign body;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- negative to positive regulation;
- insufficient correction of refraction (needs repeated laser correction);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If the operation is performed repeatedly to restore vision, then not only the thinning of the cornea, but also the loss of vision is possible.
Fog in the eye after laser vision correction may indicate slow corneal recovery or retinal swelling.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should go away after a period of recovery.You should be examined by an ophthalmologist to rule out other serious complications.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases, a repeat operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term results of correction:
- absence of positive results;
- clouding of the cornea;
- 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 requires repeated intervention.If there are no vital signs, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you should 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;
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- use anti-inflammatory drops for preventive purposes;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision decreases precisely because of patients' neglect of their health.
Is surgery painful?
Laser vision restoration is completely painless.Local anesthetic eye drops are used.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contacts.The success of the procedure depends on the initial sharpness and severity of the refractive errors.