Diseases of the visual system lend themselves well to correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, an operation to restore vision is recommended. It allows to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, preserve its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology provides a number of 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?
Operations to restore vision in ophthalmology belong to the category of refractive surgery. The main goal of this treatment is not only to preserve the function of the visual system, but also to reduce dependence on contact lenses and eyeglasses. Among the main indications for the operation, several diseases can be distinguished:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- myopia;
- squint;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- Eye injury.
All 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 operation
There are several methods to restore vision through surgical treatment. They all have their pros and cons, but they are sometimes considered 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 risk and consequences. In the process of carrying out such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which allows correcting defects in the optical system with high precision. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general term "ametropia", which implies diseases associated with ocular focusing. There are several types of laser correction:
LASEKThe procedure is performed with a thin cornea, and the laser beam itself affects only 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 effect of treatment can be seen not on the 4th day after the operation. LASEK laser vision correction is considered to be 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 in the deep structures. Duration of the operation does not exceed 15 minutes in each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the features of the eye anatomy in a patient.
Operation by laser vision correction method is very effective, but even with a high quality procedure, after some time, visual acuity may decrease, which will be an indication of re-correction.
vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed if there is a need to remove all or part of 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 restoration of vision after an age-related retinal hemorrhage or detachment. After the operation, complications are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure or even further decrease in vision. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, in particular the extent of the pathological process, the type of prosthesis 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 used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in at-risk patients. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on teenagers, as it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special tabs are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. More often, polymers or biological components are used. After a while, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow into the flap, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
lens replacement
Such an operation is performed with clouding of the lens or other degenerative processes. Most often, the indication for consultation is cataract, glaucoma. The operation procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, which will correspond to the patient's sex, age 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 takes no more than 30 minutes, then the 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 that, laser vision correction is required.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex, requiring high professionalism from the surgeon. An indication for its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which have manifested as a result of injuries or have become a consequence of certain diseases.
The duration of the operation is not more than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and puts the donor tissue in its place. Stitches after the operation are kept for about a year, so special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period takes up to 4 weeks, it consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
reticulation
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea, it allows you to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the tissues of the cornea with dystrophy or keratoconus. In the process, local anesthesia is used, a part of the cornea is cut using a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and irradiation is carried out, which allows you to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
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 brings positive results, and the patient himself has the opportunity to return to his usual way of life after one day. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, while the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before surgery, drops are instilled in the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective lenses are placed through which the laser beam passes. Due to the high temperatures, damaged cells and small vessels stick together.
Indications for the appointment of such manipulation are retinal diseases or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and clouding of the lens develop, which requires further 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 specific procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- A week before the operation, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all necessary tests and pass prescribed diagnoses.
- Do not drink alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong arousal, you can take a mild sedative on the recommendation of a doctor.
Postoperative
Before the operation to restore vision, the ophthalmologist will familiarize the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important stage. Subject to several rules after any operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for a successful recovery is increased:
- For the first 2 days you need to sleep on your back.
- In the immediate postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub the eyes or use cosmetics.
- Before instilling eye drops, wash your hands well.
- Wash your face with warm, boiled water, avoid contact with eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interruption.
- Put off planning your pregnancy for a few months.
- In the first few months, exclude heavy physical exertion, going to the solarium, swimming pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Adequate and healthy food.
After any operation to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, have the necessary tests and use prescribed medications. Compliance with all the rules will help to minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and general well-being.
discoveries
Operations to restore vision are performed when other treatment methods do not have the desired effect or the disease is ongoing. Therefore, to avoid serious stages of any eye disease, you need to periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.