Vision correction is performed with a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, consequently, to address nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest way to correct refractive errors.It is recommended to conduct it in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -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 appears after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in just one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, less than 430 microns thick;
- the age of the patient is less than 18 years or more than 40 years;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error greater than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- high degree of dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- the presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- disorder of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only eye that sees;
- severe systemic and immunological diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
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 between 18-40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the eyeball is formed, 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 light flashes.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high precision and efficiency of the operation.
This tuning 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 degree of efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- absence of pain (no pain, soreness or burning in the eyes);
- Possibility of use in the case of 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.
A decrease in refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like any technique, the laser has its drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high price;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes re-correction impossible;
- probability of pupil movement;
- risk of retinal bleeding.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Phases
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but the common characteristics are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three phases.
Preparation
The preparatory phase can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation starts as early as 2 weeks before the expected correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contacts, as they can change the shape of the cornea.After that, the patient undergoes diagnostic testing.
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 assessed.Late preparation is done in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before the operation.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:
- Detachment of the corneal flap.A micro cut is made with a laser.A small flap of the cornea moves to the side.
- Restoring the shape of the cornea.The laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Putting the corneal flap back in place.There are no stitches and healing takes place naturally.
Recovery
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor examines the patient and sends him home.Full recovery occurs after 3 months, but the patient should regain 100% vision the very next day.
If there are no complications, the person after the operation should be examined once a month.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its 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 exposed to laser treatment.Then the corneal layer is returned 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 identical.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 enables high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled by computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as precise as Femto LASIK.The error with this type is 10 microns, not 20-40 microns as with 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 has deteriorated in elderly patients or patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed with an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the required refraction parameters are achieved.This vision correction is rarely used because of the high risk of complications and pain.
Epi-LASIK
This is the latest technique that restores vision in a short 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 technique is a quick recovery and less chance of vision deterioration later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low levels of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps to improve the patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications immediately after surgery:
- retinal ablation;
- sand in the eyes, feeling of a foreign body;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- adjustment from minus to plus;
- insufficient correction of refraction (repeated laser correction is required);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If the operation to restore vision is performed several times, then not only thinning of the cornea, but also loss of vision is possible.
After laser vision correction, fog in the eye may indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but any negative effects should disappear after a period of recovery.To rule out other serious complications, you must be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, then in most cases a repeated operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal clouding;
- emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, see your doctor immediately.
Severe clouding of the cornea and deterioration of vision after laser correction require repeated interventions.If there are no vital indications, 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;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- use anti-inflammatory drops for preventive purposes;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision declines precisely because of patients' careless attitude towards their health.
Is it painful to have surgery?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is administered using eye drops.
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.