Diseases of the visual system respond well to correction, but if the disease is neglected or conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, then surgery to restore vision is recommended. It allows you to eliminate the pathological processes of the visual system, to preserve its functionality, to eliminate the possible consequences of the disease.
Modern ophthalmology provides several effective methods for restoring 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 surgery needed to rehabilitate vision?
Vision restoration operations 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 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 there are no irreversible pathological processes in the structures of the visual system.
Types of operations
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 the functionality of the visual system. Consider the most effective types of vision restoration surgery.
Laser correction
In modern ophthalmology, laser vision correction is considered the "gold standard" that allows you to restore vision with minimal risk and consequences. In the process of performing such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which makes it possible to correct defects in the optical system with high accuracy. Indications for laser vision correction are nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the common term "ametropia", which implies 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 affects only the upper layers of the eye. During the operation, a valve is formed from the epithelium and the membrane, after which 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 surgery. LASEK laser vision correction is considered to be the only method that can be used for children.
LASIK. The main operation to restore vision, which allows you to get rid of myopia with 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. 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 a patient.
Laser vision correction surgery is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, visual acuity may decrease after a while, 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 cavity, through which the necessary manipulations are performed.
The main indications for surgery are the restoration of vision after bleeding or age-related retinal detachment. Complications such as corneal edema, increased intracranial pressure, or even greater vision loss are possible after surgery. The prognosis after surgery depends on many factors, in particular the degree of the pathological process, the type of prosthesis to replace the vitreous. In case of 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 not used to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on adolescents, because it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special valves are placed behind the posterior wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. Polymers or biological components are more commonly used. After some time, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow in the valve, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Replacement of lenses
Such an operation is performed with clouding of the lens or other degenerative processes. The most common indication for appointment is cataract, glaucoma. The surgical procedure is quite difficult, the implant is selected individually, which will correspond to the sex, age of the patient and other characteristics of his body.
The lens is changed under local anesthesia. During the operation, the doctor makes a small incision with a laser, then with the help of a special tool 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 stitches are placed, the patient stays in the clinic for several hours, then returns home.
Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Laser vision correction is often required after it.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of operation is quite complex, requiring high professionalism of the surgeon. An indication for its use is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, manifested as a result of injuries or resulting from certain diseases.
The duration of the operation is no more than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and puts a donor tissue in its place. Sutures after surgery last about a year, after which special lenses are chosen to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period takes up to 4 weeks, consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Networking
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, then part of the cornea is cut with a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and irradiation is performed, which makes it possible to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
For the first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses and periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect lasts for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
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 are added to the eyes to dilate the pupils, protective lenses are placed, through which the laser beam passes. Due to the high temperatures, the 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 retinal coagulation, inflammation and clouding of the lens develops, which requires additional treatment.
How to prepare
If there are indications for surgical treatment, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations of the patient, gives useful recommendations for preparation 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.
- Perform all necessary tests and prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not drink alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Give up cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
In case of strong excitement you can take a mild sedative on the advice of a doctor.
Postoperative period
Before the operation to restore vision, the ophthalmologist will acquaint the patient with the rules of preparation, and the postoperative period is also considered an important stage. By following a number of rules after each operation, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, the prognosis for successful recovery increases:
- The first 2 days you should sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period it is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops.
- Wash your face with boiled and warm water, avoid getting it in your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or computer interruption.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- During the first months, exclude heavy physical activity, trips to the solarium, pool or sauna.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Proper and healthy eating.
After each operation to restore vision, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist, undergo the necessary examinations and use prescribed medications. Following all the rules will help minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and general well-being.
findings
Vision restoration surgeries are performed when other treatments do not give the desired effect or the disease progresses. Therefore, to prevent severe 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.