Vision is corrected with a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, accordingly, to get rid of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
Laser correction using the LASIK method is the most popular and safest way to correct refractive errors.It is advisable to do it in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- distance vision up to +6 D;
- astigmatism between -6 and +6 D.
With a laser, you can treat several pathologies at the same time.The effect usually appears after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated in just one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the patient's age is younger than 18 years or older than 40 years;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error more than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- extreme dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic corneal diseases (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- the presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- disruption of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only seeing eye;
- serious systemic and immune system diseases (diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In some cases, after treatment of these pathologies, laser correction is allowed.
Age limits
The main conditions for laser vision correction are the age of the patient between 18-40 years and the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.The formation of the eyeball occurs before the age of 18, 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 performed with short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high precision and efficiency of the operation.
This setup technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, it takes 10-15 minutes to correct the refraction of one eye;
- safety, low probability of complications;
- high efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- absence of pain (there should be no pain, pain or burning in the eyes);
- The possibility of using visually impaired people who cannot be corrected in any other way;
- quick recovery after the intervention, no need to stay in the hospital during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect appears immediately and lasts for a long time.
The decrease in refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like all techniques, lasers have their drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high cost;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to perform the correction again;
- 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.
Stadiums
Depending on the method of vision correction, 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 stage can be divided into 2 parts.The early preparation starts 2 weeks before the expected date of the correction.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses as they can change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes a diagnostic examination.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of accompanying eye diseases, and possible contraindications are determined.They usually assess the condition of the eye and the possibility of correction.The late preparation is carried out in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before the operation.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Props are then placed in the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
It lasts 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery takes place in 3 stages:
- Detachment of the corneal lobe.Microincision is performed with a laser.A small corneal flap is placed to the side.
- Restoration of the shape of the cornea.The laser exposure continues until the desired parameters are reached.
- Repositioning the corneal flap.There are no stitches and healing happens naturally.
Recovery
On the second day after vision correction surgery, the doctor examines the patient and sends him home.Full recovery occurs after 3 months, but the patient should regain 100% vision the next day.
If there are no complications, a person should undergo an examination once a month after surgery.
Species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore vision.During the intervention, the upper layer is removed, and the inner layer is exposed to laser treatment.The corneal layer then 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
In essence, LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are the same.The advantage of the latter is that the individual characteristics of the operated patient are taken into account.
Femto LASIK
This method is new and perfect.An ultra-sensitive laser is used, which allows high-frequency operations to be performed with minimal tissue trauma.All parameters are controlled by computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as precise as Femto LASIK.The error with this type is 10 microns, and not 20-40 microns, as with other types.
Femto Super 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 when elderly patients have impaired vision or suffer from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed with an ultraviolet laser, which burns the cornea until the required refractive parameters are reached.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 that it recovers quickly and the vision is less likely to deteriorate later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low myopia.
Complications
Vision improvement improves the patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications immediately after surgery:
- retinal detachment;
- feeling of sand in the eye, foreign body;
- light avoidance;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- setting from minus to plus;
- inadequate correction of refraction (repeated laser correction is required);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If surgery to restore vision is performed repeatedly, not only the thinning of the cornea is possible, but also the loss of vision.
After laser vision correction, eye fog can indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but after the healing period, all negative consequences should disappear.In order to rule out other serious complications, you should 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 correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- corneal clouding;
- appearance of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, see a doctor immediately.
Strong clouding of the cornea and deterioration of vision require repeated intervention after laser correction.If there are no vital signs, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, follow the recommendations below for one 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;
- observe personal hygiene;
- use anti-inflammatory drops for preventive purposes;
- avoid eye injuries.
Vision deteriorates more often precisely because of patients' careless attitude to their health.
Is the surgery painful?
Laser vision restoration is completely painless.Local anesthesia is applied with eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contacts.The success of the procedure depends on the initial sharpness and severity of the refractive errors.