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 you to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, preserve its functionality, eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology provides several 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 such 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 the operation, a number of diseases can be distinguished:
- waterfall;
- 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 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 performing such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used that allows to correct defects in the optical system with high accuracy. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general term "metropia", which implies diseases associated with ocular focus. There are several types of laser correction:
LASEK. The procedure is performed with a thin cornea and the laser beam only affects 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 kind of operation takes 5-7 minutes, and the treatment effect cannot be seen on the 4th day after the operation. LASEK laser vision correction is considered 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 into the deep layers of the eyeball, changes the shape of the superficial layer of the cornea and eliminates defects in deep structures. The duration of the operation does not exceed 15 minutes on each eye. The disadvantage of such an operation is the inability to predict the features of the anatomy of the eye in a patient.
The operation by the laser vision correction method is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, after a while, visual acuity may decrease, which will be an indication for a new correction.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed if there is a need to completely or partially remove the vitreous body 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 carried out.
The main indications for the operation is the restoration of vision after age-related retinal detachment or hemorrhage. After the operation, complications are possible in the form of corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure, or an even greater 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 layer of the eyes (sclera). It is not used to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed in adolescents, since it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special flaps are inserted behind the back wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. Most often polymers or biological components are used. After some time, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow on 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 the appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The operation procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, which will correspond to the gender, age of the patient and other characteristics of her 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 lasts no more than 30 minutes, then 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 (cornea replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex and requires great professionalism on the part of the surgeon. An indication for its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which manifested themselves as a result of injuries or became 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 donor tissue in its place. The stitches after the operation are kept for about a year, then special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period lasts 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 to strengthen the ligaments and other fibers in the corneal tissues with dystrophy or keratoconus. In the process, local anesthesia is used, then a part of the cornea is cut with a special device, vitamin B2 is infused, and irradiation is performed, which makes it possible to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
The first time after the operation, the patient wears protective glasses, 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 gives positive results, and the patient himself has the opportunity to return to his usual way of life after a day. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, while the duration of the procedure does not exceed 20 minutes.
Before surgery, drops are instilled into the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective glasses are put on, through which the laser beam passes. Due to high temperatures, damaged cells and small vessels stick together.
Indications for the appointment of such manipulation are diseases of the retina or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and opacity of the lens develop, 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 how to prepare for a particular procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:
- One week before the operation, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not drink any alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong emotion, you can take a mild sedative on the recommendation of a doctor.
postoperative period
Before performing 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 a number of rules after any operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for a successful recovery increases:
- The first 2 days you need to sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period, rubbing your eyes or using cosmetics is prohibited.
- Before instillation of eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wash your face with warm boiled water, avoid getting into your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interruption.
- Postponing pregnancy planning for a few months.
- In the first months, exclude heavy physical exertion, trips to the solarium, pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy nutrition.
After any operation to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and use prescribed medications. Compliance with all the rules will help minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and general well-being.
recommendations
Operations to restore vision are performed when other methods of treatment do not have the desired effect or the disease is running. Therefore, in order to prevent serious stages of any ophthalmic disease, you should periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.