Operations to restore vision

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 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 to restore the operation 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 Needed?

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:

• cataract;
• glaucoma;
• keratoconus;
• myopia;
• strabismus;
• 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 operations

There are several methods to restore vision through surgical treatment. All of them have their pros and cons, but sometimes they are considered the only way to keep 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 makes it possible to correct defects in the optical system with high accuracy. The indications for laser vision correction are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. All these pathologies are united by the general 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 membrane, 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 the only method that can be used for children.  

LASIK. A 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 surface 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 laser vision correction is very effective, but even with a high-quality procedure, after a while, visual acuity may decrease, which will be an indication for repeated correction.

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is performed if there is a need for complete or partial removal of the vitreous body of the eyeball. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The duration of 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 performed.

The main indications for the operation is the restoration of vision after a hemorrhage or 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 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 shell of the eyes (sclera). It is used not to correct vision, but to normalize the degree of myopia in patients who are at risk. The scleroplasty procedure is often performed on 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. 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

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 individually selected, which will correspond to the sex, age of the patient and other features 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 stitches are applied, the patient stays in the clinic for several hours, then goes home.

Complications after such an operation are extremely rare. Often after it, laser vision correction is required.

Keratoplasty (cornea replacement)

This type of operation is rather complicated and requires high professionalism 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 no more than 30 minutes. During the course, the doctor removes part of the cornea with a laser or a scalpel, and in its place imposes donor tissue. 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 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 off using a special device, vitamin B2 is instilled, and irradiation is carried out, which makes it possible 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 retinal tissue. 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 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 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 a manipulation are diseases of the retina or tumor-like processes. In some cases, after laser coagulation of the retina, inflammation and clouding 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 preparing for a particular procedure to eliminate a defect in the visual system:

• A week before the operation, you should stop wearing glasses and contact lenses.
• Pass all the necessary tests and pass the prescribed diagnostics.
• Do not take any alcohol for 3-4 days.
• Refuse cosmetics.
• Good rest, good sleep.

With strong excitement, you can take a mild sedative on the recommendation of a doctor.

Postoperative period

Before the operation is performed 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, and the prognosis for a 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 instillation of eye drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash your face with boiled and warm water, avoid getting it into your eyes.
• Eliminate prolonged TV viewing or interruption at the computer.
• Postpone pregnancy planning for a few months.
• In the first months, exclude heavy 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 prescribed drugs. Compliance with all the rules will help to minimize the risk of possible complications, improve vision and overall well-being.

conclusions

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 severe stages of any ophthalmic disease, you need to periodically visit an ophthalmologist and undergo the necessary treatment. After all, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis for recovery.