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 is recommended to restore vision. 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 of 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 the dependence on contact lenses and glasses. Among the main indications for the operation, a number of diseases can be distinguished:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- keratoconus;
- myopia;
- strabismus;
- retinal atrophy;
- lens replacement;
- eye injuries.
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 of restoring vision through surgical treatment. They all have their pros and cons, but they are sometimes considered the only way to maintain the functionality of the vision system. 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 carrying out such manipulations, high-tech equipment is used, which allows you to correct defects in the optical system with high accuracy. Indications for laser vision correction are myopia, farsightedness and astigmatism. All these pathologies share the general term "ametropia", which implies diseases associated with the focus of the eye. 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 membrane, and then 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 the treatment can be seen not 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. 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 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 per eye. The disadvantage of this operation is the inability to predict the anatomy characteristics of the eye in a patient.
The operation with the method of laser vision correction is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, after a while, visual acuity can decrease, which will be an indication for correction.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is performed if complete or partial removal of the vitreous body of the eyeball is required. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This 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 indications for the operation are the restoration of vision after a hemorrhage or an age-related retinal detachment. 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 on the extent of the pathological process, on 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 shell of the eyes (sclera). It is used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on teenagers, as it is during this period that the shape of the eye changes.
During the operation, special flaps are inserted behind the posterior wall of the eyeball to strengthen the sclera. More often polymers or biological components are used. After a while, adhesions appear at the injection site, and after a few months, blood vessels grow into the flap, which will continue to support the work of the visual system.
Lens replacement
This is done with lens clouding or other degenerative processes. Most often, the indication for the appointment is cataracts, 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 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, then returns home.
Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Often laser vision correction is needed after that.
Keratoplasty (corneal replacement)
This type of surgery is rather complex and requires a high level of professionalism from the surgeon. An indication for its implementation is the treatment of congenital and acquired defects, which arose as a result of injuries or became a consequence of some diseases.
The duration of the operation does not exceed 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or scalpel and puts the donor tissue in its place. The stitches after the operation are kept for about a year, and then special lenses are selected to reduce the risk of infection. The recovery period takes up to 4 weeks, consists of regular eye drops with antiseptic drops.
Crosslinking
It is prescribed for various diseases of the cornea, allows you 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 using a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled and irradiation is performed, which allows you to strengthen the tissue by more than 200%.
The first time after the operation, the patient wears protective lenses, periodically visits an ophthalmologist. If the operation is successful, the effect persists for 10 years.
Laser coagulation of the retina
Surgery to repair the retinal tissue. The procedure in 70% of cases brings positive results, and the patient himself has the opportunity to return to his usual lifestyle 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 lenses are worn, through which the laser beam passes. Due to the high temperatures, damaged cells and small vessels join together.
Indications for the appointment of such manipulation are diseases of the retina or tumor-like processes. In some cases, inflammation and clouding of the lens develop after laser coagulation of the retina, 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 advice on preparing for a particular procedure to eliminate a defect of the visual system:
- A week before the operation, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
- Pass all necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
- Do not take alcohol for 3-4 days.
- Refuse cosmetics.
- Good rest, good sleep.
With strong excitement, you can take a mild sedative on the advice of a doctor.
Postoperative period
Before the operation to restore vision is performed, 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 successful recovery is increased:
- The first 2 days you need to sleep on your back.
- In the early postoperative period it is forbidden to rub your eyes or use cosmetics.
- Before instillating the eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wash your face with warm, boiled water, avoid getting into your eyes.
- Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or interruption to your computer.
- Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
- In the first months, exclude intense physical exertion, trips to the solarium, swimming 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 the prescribed drugs. Compliance with all the rules will help minimize the risk of possible complications, improve eyesight and general well-being.
results
Operations to restore vision are carried out when other methods of treatment do not have the desired effect or the disease is ongoing. Therefore, in order to prevent severe stages of any ophthalmic disease, it is necessary to periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.