Vision correction is performed using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, consequently, eliminate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction with the LASIK method is the most popular and safe way to correct refractive errors.It is recommended to do 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 simultaneously.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in just one session.
Contraindications to laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the patient's age 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 mucosa;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- disruption of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only eye that sees;
- serious systemic and immune diseases (diabetes mellitus, 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 the patient's age between 18 and 40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the formation of the eyeball occurs, so the procedure is not advisable.Patients over the age of 40-45 are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with a laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is carried out by exposure to short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which guarantees high precision and effectiveness of the intervention.
This regulation technology has numerous advantages:
- the procedure is short, 10-15 minutes are enough 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, aching or burning in the eyes may occur);
- Possibility of use for visual deficits that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- rapid recovery after surgery, no need for hospitalization during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs immediately and lasts a long time.
A decrease in refraction may be caused by age-related changes.
Like any technique, laser has its disadvantages.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to perform the correction again;
- the probability of pupil displacement;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Phases
Depending on the vision correction method, each method has its own characteristics, but the common features are the principle of restoration and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory phase can be divided into 2 parts.Initial preparation begins as early as 2 weeks before the expected correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses, as they can change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes diagnostic tests.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of concomitant eye diseases and possible contraindications are determined.In general, the condition of the eyes and the possibility of correction are evaluated.Late preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before the operation.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Then props are placed in the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
Lasts up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is carried out in 3 phases:
- Separation of the corneal flap.A microincision is made using a laser.A small flap of the cornea is moved laterally.
- Restoration of the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are reached.
- Restore the corneal flap into position.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 patient should regain 100% of his vision the following day.
If there are no complications, a person after surgery should undergo an examination once a month.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its pros and cons.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the surgery, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is exposed to laser treatment.Subsequently, the corneal layer 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
Fundamentally, the LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are identical.The advantage of the latter is that the individual characteristics of the operated patient are taken into account.
FemtoLASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultrasensitive laser is used that allows high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled via a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error with this type is 10 microns and not 20-40 microns as with other types.
FemtoSuper LASIK
This technique is newer and more accurate 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 worsened in elderly patients or in patients with presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the required 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 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 quick recovery and a lower chance that your vision will deteriorate later.Epi-LASIK is best suited to 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 immediately after surgery:
- retinal detachment;
- sand in the eyes, foreign body sensation;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- adjustment from less to more;
- insufficient refraction correction (repeated laser correction is required);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, not only thinning of the cornea, but also loss of vision is possible.
After laser vision correction, cloudiness in the eye may indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but all negative consequences should disappear after the recovery period.To exclude other serious complications, you need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, in most cases a repeat operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of the fix:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal opacity;
- appearance of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should visit a 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 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;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- for preventive purposes, use anti-inflammatory drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, vision decreases precisely because of the negligent attitude of patients towards their own health.
Is it painful to undergo surgery?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely 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 the initial acuity and the severity of the refractive errors.