Diseases of the visual system are well corrected, but if the disease is neglected or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, surgery to restore vision is recommended. It allows you to remove pathological processes in the visual system, preserve its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology offers several effective methods for restoring the work 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 needed?
Vision restoration operations in ophthalmology fall into 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 glasses. Among the main indications for surgery can be distinguished a number of diseases:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- myopia;
- strabismus;
- 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 operations
There are several methods to restore vision through surgical treatment. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but are sometimes considered the only way to maintain the functionality of the vision system. Consider the most effective types of eye surgery.
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 performing such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which enables the correction of deficiencies in the optical system with great precision. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general term "ametropia", which includes diseases associated with focusing the eyes. There are several types of laser correction:
LASEK. The procedure is performed with a thin cornea, and the laser beam itself acts only on 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 lasts 5-7 minutes, and the effect of the treatment is seen only 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. Basic vision restoration surgery, which allows you to get rid of myopia of various degrees of complexity, as well as the initial stages of astigmatism. During the operation, the laser beam penetrates into the deep layers of the eyeball, changes the shape of the surface layer of the cornea and eliminates defects in deep structures. The duration of the operation does not exceed 15 minutes in each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the characteristics of the anatomy of the eye in the patient.
Laser vision correction surgery is very effective, but even with a quality procedure, after some time there may be a decrease in visual acuity, which will be an indication for re-correction.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed if there is a need for complete or partial removal of the vitreous of 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 performed.
The main indication for surgery is the restoration of vision after bleeding or retinal detachment associated with age. After the operation, complications in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure or even greater decrease in vision are possible. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, and in particular on the extent of the pathological process, the type of vitreous replacement prosthesis. 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 eye (sclera). It is used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients who are at risk. Scleroplasty is often performed on adolescents, because the shape of the eye changes during this period.
During the operation, special valves are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. Polymers or biological components are more commonly used. After some time, adhesions form at the site of the sting, and after a few months, blood vessels grow into the lobe, 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. The most common indication for cataracts is glaucoma. The operation is quite difficult, the implant is chosen individually, which will correspond to the sex, age of the patient and other characteristics of his body.
Lens replacement is performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor makes a small incision with a laser, after which, with the help of a special tool, he instills the patient's lens and removes it from the eye. After the procedure, the prepared graft is installed. The operation lasts no more than 30 minutes, then sutures are placed, the patient stays in the clinic for a few hours, and then goes home.
Complications after such surgery are extremely rare. Laser vision correction is often required afterwards.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex and requires high professionalism of the surgeon. The indication for its use is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which manifested as a result of injury or became a consequence of certain diseases.
The duration of the operation is not longer than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel, and puts donor tissue in its place. Sutures after surgery are stored for about a year, and then special lenses are chosen to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts up to 4 weeks, it consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Cross-linking
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea, enables the strengthening of ligaments and other fibers in the tissues of the cornea with dystrophy or keratoconus. Local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut off with a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and radiation is performed, which enables tissue strengthening by more than 200%.
For the first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses and occasionally visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect lasts for 10 years.
Laser retinal coagulation
Retinal tissue repair surgery. 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, and the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before the operation, drops for dilating the pupils are instilled in the eyes, and protective lenses are placed through which the laser beam passes. Due to high temperatures, damaged cells and small blood vessels stick together.
Indications for naming such manipulations are retinal diseases or tumor processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and clouding of the lens occurs, which requires additional 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 preparation for a particular procedure in order to eliminate the defect in the visual system:
- You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses a week before the operation.
- Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not drink alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Reject cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With great excitement, you can take a mild sedative as recommended by your doctor.
Postoperative period
Before the vision restoration operation is performed, the ophthalmologist will acquaint the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important phase. According to numerous rules after any operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for successful recovery is increased:
- You have to sleep on your back for the first 2 days.
- In the early postoperative period, it is forbidden to rub the eyes or use cosmetics.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before instilling eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiled and warm water, avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interference.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- In the first months, exclude heavy physical exertion, going to the solarium, pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy diet.
After each eye surgery, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist from time to time, undergo the necessary examinations and use the prescribed medication. Compliance with all the rules will help reduce the risk of possible complications, improve eyesight and overall well-being.
finds
Vision restoration surgeries are performed when other methods of treatment do not have the desired effect or the disease is ongoing. Therefore, in order to prevent the severe stages of any ophthalmic disease, you must visit an ophthalmologist from time to time and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.