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Laser vision correction is an effective method for correcting many eye pathologies. The uniqueness of this technique lies in the rapid achievement of results, rapid recovery and the complete absence of pain.
The impact of the laser beam is directed at the cornea – by changing its shape, objects are focused directly on the retina. Thanks to the discovery of this method of treatment, it is possible to return the patient to normal vision and relieve him of the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Indications for surgery
Laser vision correction is effective in many pathologies. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with myopia in the range of -1 … -13 diopters, then after the operation his vision will be within the normal range. In the same way, farsightedness from +1 to +6 diopters, astigmatism from +4 … -4 diopters can be eliminated.
In principle, such pathologies can be compensated by the use of contact lenses or glasses. But such a need brings some discomfort to life and can cause the development of psychological complexes.
Therefore, an innovative technique for the treatment of common ophthalmic pathologies is today considered an ideal solution to the problem.
Before a patient is referred for laser vision correction, he must undergo a complete medical examination, on the basis of which the ophthalmologist can make a final decision.
Advantages
Laser vision correction has many advantages. The main advantage can be called the full preservation of all layers of the cornea, there are no scars and scars on its tissues. In this case, a complete recovery of vision is noted after a few hours from the start of the operation.
If both eyes are affected by pathology, then the operation is performed simultaneously on both. A full preliminary diagnosis allows the doctor to correctly predict the results of treatment. The achieved effect is stable.
The operation itself is not associated with pain and does not require mandatory hospitalization. The patient can continue to work after a short time after laser correction.
Stages of the operation
The preparatory stage for laser correction includes the delivery of general tests, an examination by a therapist. The main goal is to exclude contraindications to the procedure.
7-10 days before the operation, you should stop wearing contact lenses. For 2-3 days, exclude the intake of alcoholic beverages and, if possible, stop smoking.
The operation itself consists of four main stages:
- local anesthesia – special drops are used for these purposes. The skin around the eye is treated with a disinfectant. First, the drug is instilled into the eye, they wait until it starts to act, the patient is laid on the couch;
- eyelid expander installation. This measure is considered forced; without this device, involuntary blinking cannot be avoided;
- a vacuum ring is placed on the operated eye;
- a wide beam of an excimer laser affects the cornea of the eye, due to which some layers of the cornea thicken, resulting in the desired effect.
If necessary, the second eye is operated on in the same way. Only in this case, a short-term placement of the patient in a hospital is required – for 2-3 days. It is possible to carry out operations with a gap of 5-7 days, under such conditions, placement in a hospital is not a necessity.
The duration of the operation is 7-15 minutes. During this time, the patient must remain still and look at one point. The final stage of correction is the use of drugs with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and the application of a sterile dressing.
In the first 4-6 hours after the intervention, discomfort may occur – pain, burning, sensation of a foreign body. Immediately after removing the bandage, the patient begins to see, however, visual acuity will be restored gradually. Pain sensations for 2-5 days are not excluded, in this case it would be advisable to take painkillers.
Full recovery occurs no earlier than 2 months later. During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory eye drops and follow the doctor’s instructions. Scheduled examinations by an ophthalmologist are shown after 2 weeks, then after 3 and 6 months.
Features of the rehabilitation period
Laser vision correction is an operation, therefore, during the recovery period, it is worth strictly observing all medical prescriptions. Both the speed of full recovery and the result of the procedure depend on this.
In the first week, any mechanical effect on the eyes is prohibited – this may lead to displacement of the cornea layer. During the same period, you can not wash your face, visit the pool or sauna, swim in the reservoirs.
In the absence of complications, you can wash your face already 4-5 days after the operation, after 7 days you can start using decorative cosmetics, after 14 days you can drive vehicles, watch TV, work at a computer. For 2 months, you should completely abandon the use of alcoholic beverages, increased physical activity.
Stabilization of vision will occur over 6 months. Until this moment, an increase in eye pressure should not be allowed, so watching TV and working at a PC should be limited in time. Contact sports should also be avoided.
Contraindications and possible consequences
Laser vision correction has a number of contraindications. The main ones are pathologies of the immune system, dystrophic and inflammatory processes in the eyes, glaucoma, pregnancy, age under 18, diabetes, cataracts and more.
Among the possible complications are retinal hemorrhages, retinal dystrophy, corneal deformity, conjunctivitis, unstable vision, and much more. Some of the side effects go away with certain medications, and some of them require a second operation.