Vision correction is performed using a laser.This technique is widely used to achieve normal refraction and, accordingly, to eliminate nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Indications and contraindications
LASIK laser correction is the most popular and safe way to correct refractive errors.It is recommended to perform in the following cases:
- myopia no more than -12 D;
- farsightedness up to +6 D;
- astigmatism from -6 to +6 D.
With the help of a laser, you can simultaneously treat several pathologies.As a rule, the effect occurs after several procedures, but myopic astigmatism is treated with only one session.
Contraindications for laser vision correction:
- thin cornea, thickness less than 430 microns;
- the patient's age is less than 18 years or more than 40 years;
- pregnancy;
- refractive error more than 12 D;
- infectious eye lesions;
- high degree of dryness of the mucous membrane;
- chronic diseases of the cornea (cataract, glaucoma, keratoconus);
- presence of a pacemaker in the body;
- violation of the structure of the cornea and retina;
- the only seeing eye;
- severe systemic and immune diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, tumor formations).
In some cases, laser correction is allowed after treatment of these pathologies.
Age restrictions
The main condition for laser vision correction is the age of the patient 18-40 years, as well as the absence of acute and chronic eye diseases.Before the age of 18, the eyeball is formed, so the procedure is not recommended.Patients over 40-45 years old are characterized by age-related changes that cannot be corrected with a laser.
Advantages and disadvantages
Laser correction is performed by exposure to short flashes of light.Modern high-tech equipment is used, which ensures high precision and efficiency of the operation.
This regulation technology has many advantages:
- the procedure is short, the correction of the refraction of one eye takes 10-15 minutes;
- safety, low probability of complications;
- high degree of efficiency;
- bloodless and contactless procedure;
- absence of pain (there may be no pain, pain or burning in the eyes);
- Possibility of use for visual impairments that cannot be corrected in any other way;
- quick recovery after intervention, no need to stay in hospital during the rehabilitation period.
After the procedure, the effect occurs instantly and lasts for a long time.
Decreased refraction can be caused by age-related changes.
Like any technique, the laser has its drawbacks.Disadvantages of laser vision correction:
- high price;
- thinning of the cornea, which makes it impossible to re-correct;
- the probability of displacement of the pupil;
- risk of retinal hemorrhage.
A significant disadvantage is the deterioration of visibility in the dark and increased sensitivity to bright light.
Stages
Depending on the method of vision correction, each method has its own characteristics, but the common features are the principle of recovery and the stages of the procedure.
Laser correction consists of three stages.
Preparation
The preparatory stage can be divided into 2 parts.Early preparation starts as early as 2 weeks before the expected correction date.You should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses as they can change the shape of the cornea.The patient then undergoes diagnostic tests.
During the examination, the thickness of the cornea, the presence of concomitant eye diseases and possible contraindications are determined.In general, the condition of the eyes and the possibility of correction are assessed.Late preparation is performed in the ophthalmologist's office immediately before surgery.Anesthetic eye drops are used to relieve pain.Eye supports are then placed in the eyes to prevent the patient from blinking.
Vision correction
Lasts up to 30 minutes.Vision correction surgery is performed in 3 stages:
- Detachment of the corneal flap.Using a laser, a micro-incision is made.A small flap of the cornea is moved to the side.
- Restoring the shape of the cornea.The laser effect continues until the desired parameters are achieved.
- Restoration of the corneal flap in place.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 very next day.
If there are no complications, a person after the operation should undergo an examination once a month.
species
There are old and new types of vision correction.Each technique has its pros and cons.
LASIK
This is a traditional surgery to restore sight.During the intervention, the upper layer is removed and the inner one is subjected to laser treatment.The corneal layer is then returned 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
At their core, the LASIK and Super LASIK laser vision correction methods are identical.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 using a computer.
Other vision correction methods are not as accurate as Femto LASIK.The error in this type is 10 microns, not 20-40 microns, as in 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 if vision has deteriorated in elderly patients or patients suffering from presbyopia.
PRK
Another name for this method is PRK.The procedure is performed using an ultraviolet laser that 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 a quick recovery and less chance of vision deterioration later.Epi-LASIK is best suited for patients with thin corneas and low degrees of myopia.
Complications
Vision correction helps to improve the patient's quality of life, but in some cases it can have the opposite effect.Complications immediately after the operation:
- retinal detachment;
- sand in the eyes, sensation of a foreign body;
- photophobia;
- inflammatory process (swelling, redness);
- adjustment from minus to plus;
- insufficient correction of refraction (needs repeated laser correction);
- retinal hemorrhage.
If the operation to restore vision is performed repeatedly, then not only thinning of the cornea is possible, but also loss of vision.
After laser vision correction, haze in the eye may indicate slow recovery of the cornea or swelling of the retina.Vision may decrease, but any negative effects should disappear after the recovery period.To rule out other serious complications, you should be examined by an ophthalmologist.
If the procedure is accompanied by complications, then in most cases a repeat operation is required to restore vision.
Long-term effects of the correction:
- disappearance of positive results;
- clouding of the cornea;
- the appearance of new eye diseases.
If your vision worsens after correction, you should see a doctor immediately.
Severe clouding of the cornea and deterioration of vision after laser correction require repeated intervention.If there are no vital signs, the operation is not repeated.
To prevent vision loss after laser correction, you should follow the following recommendations for one month:
- avoid excessive physical activity;
- do not visit pools, saunas and baths;
- stop watching TV and working on the computer;
- do not rub your eyes with dirty hands;
- maintain personal hygiene;
- for preventive purposes, use anti-inflammatory drops;
- avoid eye injuries.
More often, eyesight decreases precisely because of the careless attitude of patients to their health.
Is the surgery painful?
Laser vision restoration is absolutely painless.Local anesthesia is administered using eye drops.
Vision correction is an effective modern technique that allows you to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.The success of the procedure depends on the initial acuity and severity of the refractive errors.