Vision correction using laser.This technology is widely used to achieve normal refraction, thereby eliminating myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Indications and Contraindications
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest method of correcting refractive errors.It is recommended to do this under the following circumstances:
- Myopia does not exceed -12D;
- Hyperopia up to +6 D;
- Astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
With lasers, you can treat multiple conditions at the same time.Generally, results appear after several surgeries, but myopic astigmatism can be treated in just one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- The cornea is thin, with a thickness less than 430 microns;
- The patient is younger than 18 years old or older than 40 years old;
- Pregnant;
- Refractive error exceeds 12D;
- Infectious eye lesions;
- Mucous membranes are highly dry;
- Chronic corneal diseases (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- The presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- destruction of corneal and retinal structures;
- the only eye that sees;
- Severe systemic and immunological diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, neoplasia).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treatment of these lesions.
age limit
The main conditions for laser vision correction are that the patient is between 18 and 40 years old and has no acute or chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the eyeball is already formed, so surgery 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 with a short flash of light.The use of modern high-tech equipment ensures high precision and effectiveness of the surgery.
This regulation technique has many advantages:
- The operation time is short and it only takes 10-15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- Safe, with low likelihood of complications;
- High efficiency;
- Bloodless and non-contact surgery;
- Painless (eye pain, aching, or burning may not occur);
- May be used for visual impairments that cannot be corrected by any other means;
- Recovery after intervention is quick and no hospitalization is required during recovery.
After surgery, the results are visible immediately and last for a long time.
Decreased refractive power may be caused by age-related changes.
As with any technology, lasers have their drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- The cornea becomes thinner and cannot be corrected again;
- Possibility of pupil shift;
- Risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is poorer 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 characteristics are the recovery principle and the surgical stage.
Laser calibration consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparation phase can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparations begin two weeks before the expected correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses because they change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes diagnostic testing.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of concomitant eye diseases, and possible contraindications can be determined.Generally, the condition of the eye and the possibility of correction are evaluated.Preparations take place immediately before surgery in the ophthalmologist's office.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.A prop is then placed in the eye to prevent the patient from blinking.
vision correction
Lasts up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is performed in three stages:
- Separate the corneal flap.Microincisions are made using a laser.A small piece of the cornea is moved to one side.
- Restores the shape of the cornea.Laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are reached.
- Return the corneal flap into position.No sutures, natural healing.
recover
The day after vision correction surgery, the doctor will examine the patient and send him home.Full recovery is possible after 3 months, but the patient should regain 100% vision the next day.
If there are no complications, people after surgery should receive monthly checkups.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages.
laser myopia surgery
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the intervention, the top layer is removed and the inner layer is laser treated.Next, the corneal layer returns to its 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 laser surgery
Essentially, the laser vision correction methods LASIK and Super LASIK are the same.The latter has the advantage of taking into account the individual characteristics of the surgical patient.
femtosecond laser surgery
This method is both novel and perfect.Using ultra-sensitive lasers, high-frequency surgery can be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled using a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error of this type is 10 microns as opposed to the 20-40 microns of other types.
Femtosecond super laser surgery
This technology is newer and more accurate than Femto LASIK.Take into account the individual characteristics of the patient.This is the most expensive method.
Presby laser surgery
This technology can be used if vision worsens in older patients or those with presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the desired refractive parameters are achieved.This type of vision correction is rarely used due to the high risk of complications and pain.
Myopia laser surgery
This is the latest technology that can restore vision in a short time and without pain.During the procedure, the epithelium is removed so that only the upper layer of the cornea is affected.
The advantages of this laser vision correction technology are fast recovery and a lower likelihood of future vision deterioration.Epi-LASIK is most suitable for patients with thin corneas and low myopia.
complication
Vision correction can help improve a patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications that occur immediately after surgery:
- retinal detachment;
- There is sand in the eyes and a foreign body sensation;
- photophobia;
- Inflammatory processes (swelling, redness);
- Adjust from negative value to positive value;
- Inadequate refractive correction (repeat laser correction required);
- Retinal hemorrhage.
Repeated vision restoration surgeries may not only cause the cornea to become thinner, but may even lead to vision loss.
Eye fogging after laser vision correction may indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but any negative effects disappear after the recovery period.To rule out other serious complications, you need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the surgery is accompanied by complications, then in most cases repeat surgery will be required to restore vision.
Long-term consequences of correction:
- Positive results disappear;
- Corneal opacification;
- The emergence of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should see your doctor immediately.
Severe corneal opacity and worsening of vision after laser correction require repeated intervention.If there were no vital signs, the surgery was not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you must follow the following recommendations for one month:
- Avoid excessive physical activity;
- Avoid swimming pools, saunas and bathhouses;
- 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.
More often than not, vision loss is caused precisely by the patient's negligent attitude towards his or her own health.
Is the surgery painful?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Apply local anesthesia using eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective, modern technology that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.The success of the surgery depends on the initial acuity and severity of the refractive error.