Laser vision correction

Modern vision correction technologies make it possible to permanently remove contact lenses or eyeglasses through a minimally traumatic and highly effective procedure. Laser vision correction (LVC) is considered the most innovative method for correcting structural pathologies of the visual apparatus. There are many types of this procedure, recovery times of different lengths, as well as other important features that are best known before.

What is LKZ?

Pathological correction is performed using high-precision laser equipment. The procedure takes only 10-15 minutes, special drops are used to relieve pain. Laser vision correction is performed for medical reasons and requires prior consultation with a specialist – an ophthalmologist. Unfortunately, LKZ at the current stage of development is not a panacea for all eye diseases, it has a small list of contraindications. Several years after correction, vision may decline somewhat, often due to age-related changes in the visual apparatus. At the same time, vision loss occurs much more slowly than without surgery. Before correction, you should definitely consult a doctor, who will determine the appropriate type of laser intervention.

Indications and contraindications for laser vision treatment

The ability of laser surgery to help eliminate conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness (not all types of MCL), and astigmatism. Choosing the appropriate exposure method depends on the patient's characteristics, as well as his or her financial capabilities.

Typically, indications for laser vision correction are the following conditions:

• Farsightedness up to +6 diopters.
• Myopia up to -12 diopters.
• Astigmatism ranges from -4 to +4 diopters.

This surgery is recommended if contact lenses cannot be used, as well as for patients with significantly poorer vision in only one eye. A preliminary consultation and thorough examination by an ophthalmologist will help to exclude possible contraindications in which such intervention is not recommended.

In what cases is laser vision correction prohibited:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding due to unstable hormone levels.
• If vision loss has been observed in the past two years.
• For diseases of the corneal structure, chronic inflammatory diseases or infections of the ocular apparatus.
• Diabetes.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Cataracts and glaucoma.
• Damage, rupture and risk of retinal detachment.
• Thin cornea (determined by special tests).

Restrictions also affect age - most clinics give preference to patients from 20 to 40 years old. In individual cases, correction is carried out after 40 years, but only if the pathology is not associated with age-related changes in the cornea. Before the age of 21, laser vision correction is practically not performed. This is because the final formation of the eye apparatus ends at this age, which prevents such interference. In all cases, you should consult an experienced ophthalmic surgeon to assess the possible consequences and the specific risk to your body.

Pros and cons of laser vision correction

Unlike trauma surgery, laser intervention has minimal impact, high precision, and procedural safety. The main advantage is that there is no risk of accidental damage to the ocular apparatus due to so-called "human factors". The entire process is carefully controlled by automation, so accidents and negligence are eliminated. Modern laser equipment significantly facilitates the work of doctors, and for patients it becomes an opportunity to quickly and effectively restore vision.

The main advantages of laser vision correction:

• Great results after the procedure. Visual acuity will reach about 100%, which is rarely determined even in people who do not have any pathologies of the visual organs.
• Low incidence of disease. Recovery time ranges from a few hours to a week, which is very short compared to other types of surgical interventions.
• There are no serious limitations. Preparation for laser vision correction, as well as the rehabilitation period, does not require patients to make significant changes to their daily lives. After intervention, you can almost return to work, study and exercise immediately.

Disadvantages include the high cost of laser correction as well as a small risk of complications. According to various statistics, about 1. 2% of patients are not satisfied with the results of vision correction, and 0. 1% experience complications that require additional medical intervention.

Types of laser vision correction

The first successful operations with laser equipment were carried out in the 80s. During this time, several types of laser correction appeared, the methods of which differ significantly. The essence of all procedures is to adjust the shape of the cornea with a laser according to the specified parameters. First, the top layer of the cornea is separated using a special instrument. The flap is then returned to its original position and the time needed to regenerate damaged tissue is the patient's recovery time. In some cases, the lid is removed completely and special lenses are used to protect the eyeball. The differences between various laser correction methods, as well as some nuances of the procedure, will be discussed below.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

This is the oldest method of laser vision correction and is still relevant today. Although there is some discomfort for the patient and longer recovery times than other surgeries, PRK is still used for medical reasons. Especially, when the patient has thin corneas and large pupils.

The procedure takes place in several stages:

1. The surface layer of the cornea is removed.
2. Lasers are used to vaporize corneal tissue (laser ablation).
3. Once the cornea has the desired shape, a protective lens is placed on top.

The eye surgeon will spend about 10 minutes on each eye. The patient is given local anesthesia (an anesthetic is injected). Immediately after the intervention, you may feel mild pain, dryness and a burning sensation in your eyes, which will weaken as the cornea heals.

Special recommendations:

• The light sensitivity of the eyes increases, so during the day you should definitely use sunglasses with an appropriate level of UV protection.
• The recovery process lasts 3 to 5 days. Exclude special drops prescribed by the doctor, encourage rest, work on the computer or spending long periods of time in front of the smartphone or TV screen.
• Mechanical impact on the eyes is excluded. Do not rub, press or otherwise apply pressure to the damaged area. In case of accidental injury and severe pain, change in perspective or the appearance of any visual effects on vision, you should definitely consult a doctor.
• If it is necessary to restore vision in both eyes, intervention is carried out over a period of 10-14 days. This helps to better cope with the recovery process after surgery and avoid severe pain.

After Excimer laser correction, vision gradually recovers, a process that takes a month or more. If you follow your doctor's recommendations and treatment, the risk of complications is extremely low. This procedure is affordable and proven effective.

Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

A variation of PRK, laser correction technology, is a popular and less traumatic LASEK method. The main advantage is the possibility of use in patients with dry eye syndrome, thin cornea and keratoconus. The first corrective operations successfully performed using this method date back to 1999, during which time a lot of statistical data appeared on the success and effectiveness of the procedure.

How laser calibration is performed:

1. The top layer of the cornea is removed and the flap is moved aside. In this case, do not use a scalpel or laser, but only an alcohol solution to soften the connections between the lower and upper layers of the corneal epithelium.
2. The bottom layer is burned with a laser to create the required shape.
3. The flap is placed in its original position and secured with a tape lens.

Selected lenses have high gas permeability for better and faster healing. You will have to wear them for at least 4 days - the entire recovery period after the correction. Vision returns more quickly in about a week. Overall, this procedure is less painful than PRK but does have some side effects.

Common unwanted symptoms after surgery:

• During the first two days, there is discomfort and a feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
• Dry eyes increase, lasting up to six months. To remove it, people use special moisturizing drops.
• The "veil" before the eyes, impaired vision at twilight, blurred vision - all these undesirable manifestations can recur within six months after correction.

The occurrence of any discomfort or pain should be discussed with your doctor. To promptly eliminate unwanted symptoms, regular examination and consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist is necessary. You will need to see your doctor regularly for a year after surgery, after which the number of visits will decrease.

Laser-Assisted Keratomileusis (LASIK)

The LASIK method is currently the most popular method, considered less traumatic and has a high chance of restoring vision. The first operations using this technique were carried out back in 1987, this technology has undergone many changes, becoming one of the most popular.

The process works as follows:

1. A flap is formed from the upper layer of the corneal epithelium according to specified parameters.
2. Corneal defects are corrected and corrected.
3. The flap is returned to its original position, covering the surgical area.

The surgery is performed without stitches and without the use of bandage lenses. For patients, this means shorter recovery times as well as return of vision within hours of surgery.

LASIK laser vision correction techniques are divided into the following groups:

1. Super Lasik. An almost fully automated procedure allows adjustment to individual patient parameters. A thorough examination of the cornea is first performed, the resulting topographic map is loaded into the program, according to which the operation is performed.
2. Femto-LASIK.To perform calibration, a special type of laser device is used - a femtosecond laser. He removes an epithelial flap of the upper layer of the cornea according to the prescribed parameters, which greatly facilitates the patient's recovery period. It is characterized by high cost and low risk of complications (about 0. 1%).
3. Femto Super LASIK.This technology combines all the advantages of Super Lasik and Femto-LASIK. Recommended for patients with thin corneas as well as severe myopia (up to -25 diopters). Laser correction of this type is characterized by the fastest possible recovery time - patients notice an improvement in vision within a few hours after the intervention.
4. Presby LASIK.A specially developed technique for laser vision correction after 40 years. Prescribed for patients with progressive hyperopia. The main complaint in this case is the inability to fix the sight on small elements at close range. If the disease develops on a background of nearsightedness, the patient is forced to use two pairs of glasses. During surgery, the cornea is shaped into a multifocal lens, which completely compensates for this vision defect.
5. Epi-LASIK.A laser correction method is rarely used, it is usually used in the early or middle stages of nearsightedness or farsightedness. The shape of the cornea in such cases is flatter, so the flap can be cut along the natural edge - the epithelial part of the cornea. After calibration, the cover is put in place and a protective lens with high air permeability is mounted on top. It must be removed no earlier than after three days, the final recovery process will take place. It is important that literally the next day you can adhere to your usual rhythm of life, including sports training. That is why this laser correction method is suitable for active people as well as patients whose field of activity involves physical activity.

Performing laser vision correction using this technique can improve vision by up to 100%, as well as increase the clarity of vision at twilight. During surgery, thanks to the use of high-precision laser equipment, the level of damage to the eye is minimized, helping to virtually eliminate post-operative complications.

Femtosecond laser vision correction ReLEx SMILE

Innovative ReLEx SMILE technology eliminates the need to create or remove a corneal flap. Using a special laser, a lens of the desired shape will be formed directly in the tissues of the cornea. It is called the lens and its removal occurs through a minimal (2 to 4 mm) incision in the top layer. Recovery after correction takes several hours, with full vision returning almost immediately after the end of the surgery. There is practically no information about possible complications, since this method has been actively used over the past 5 years, which is not enough to evaluate the prospects.

The main advantage is the ability to perform laser vision correction for diagnosed dry eye syndrome. This condition is a contraindication to many ophthalmic surgeries, including laser vision correction. The disadvantage will be quite high costs and possible difficulties in choosing a clinic and doctor familiar with the specifics of such operations.

Prepare for surgery

Despite all the technical complexity of laser correction, for the patient it will be virtually unnoticed and very quick. The average time for LKZ is 10 minutes per eye. All necessary operations are performed using a high-precision laser, and the total exposure time of the laser beam is only a few seconds.

Patient preparation before laser correction includes several important points:

1. Avoid wearing soft contact lenses for about a week before your exam. Hard contact lenses that the patient has worn for more than a year should be removed three to four weeks before the exam. Continuous use will slightly change the shape of the cornea, which can lead to errors in vision diagnosis as well as in the calculated trajectory of the laser beam.
2. It is mandatory to be consulted and examined by an ophthalmologist before surgery. It is advisable to immediately choose a clinic and undergo the necessary examinations there. At the appointment, a thorough examination of the fundus and vision will be checked. If the patient has no contraindications, the doctor will help you choose the appropriate type of laser correction, as well as perform a typographic examination of the cornea for the upcoming procedure.
3. It is important to undergo a general health examination. According to the treatment regimen, the list of necessary procedures includes fluoroscopy, blood sugar testing, general blood tests, testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
4. Women will need to remove their eyelash extensions the day before the procedure and also refuse to use any makeup, creams or lotions.

You should immediately consider choosing a short vacation for better recovery after laser correction. Typically, this procedure is performed on a "hospital day" basis, with the patient going home within a few hours of surgery. It is important to solve daily problems: who will pick you up from the hospital and help solve daily problems. It is important for patients to focus on rest and temporarily put aside normal worries.

How does laser correction work and how long does it last?

Most of the fears and anxieties associated with this activity are completely unconfirmed. The total time the patient spends in the operating room is no more than 10 minutes. The vision correction procedure is performed in the supine position, the eyelids are fixed with a special device that will make it difficult to see freely. In fact, the patient will not feel anything except the effects of anesthesia and mild discomfort when the eye ring is placed. This device allows you to quickly and accurately remove a cap of the required size. The effects of the laser beam may be felt as a slight warming, but essentially all sensations are diminished due to the effects of the anesthetic and possible discomfort of a psychological nature. -more emotional.

Postoperative period: recovery, limitations, recommendations after correction

Immediately after laser correction, there are often complaints of dizziness, eye pain, nausea and other unpleasant sensations. Basically, these symptoms are related to psychological stress, which will certainly arise in such situations. After the anesthetic wears off, real pain can become real, but usually on the first day, the doctor will prescribe routine pain relief. Antibiotic drops and corneal moisturizers are used.

Important nuances of proper rehabilitation after laser correction:

• You cannot touch your eyes, touch them with your hands, rub them, or act on them in any other way. This can lead to flap displacement and the need for multiple interventions.
• In some cases, the patient will wear special protective eyewear for 3-4 days after surgery. They prevent injury to the eye, foreign objects or contaminants from entering the eye.
• During the week after surgery, limit time spent in front of the TV, computer screen, or smartphone.
• You should also avoid putting additional strain on your eyes, wear sunglasses when leaving the house, and avoid exposure to frost or strong winds.
• Reduce physical activity, eliminate lifting heavy objects and remaining in a bent position for long periods of time.

During the recovery period after laser vision correction, it is recommended to use eye drops containing pantothenic and hyaluronic acids - this is a preventive ophthalmic drug designed to moisturize and accelerate the healing process of the eye. eye. Thanks to pantothenic acid, drops help: stimulate regeneration of mucous membranes; accelerates cell division and increases the strength of collagen fibers; Provides regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid retains water and protects the eyes from negative influences, providing effective hydration and comfort.

It is imperative to see a doctor during the recovery period after laser correction. Regular vision checks will help you stay motivated to recover and prevent possible complications.

Possible consequences of laser correction

The already small risks of complications can only be minimized with self-control and discipline. It is important to strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations, use prescribed medications, as well as follow regimen and hygiene recommendations. Overall, the risk of unwanted symptoms with laser vision correction is quite low: between 0. 1 and 1. 2%.

Post-operative complications include:

• Swelling, inflammation and bleeding in the damaged area.
• Reduced vision at dusk (usually resolves spontaneously 6-9 months after surgery).
• Flap displacement due to trauma. Common consequences of patients touching their eyes on the first day after laser treatment. In some cases, a second operation will be required to put everything back in place.

If you experience any unusual sensations, pain or discomfort, you should consult your doctor for advice. Usually, the specialist will give comprehensive recommendations and warn about possible symptoms in advance, even at the stage of pre-operative patient consultation.

Frequently asked questions about LKZ

What happens if I accidentally move my eyes during surgery?

Such situations are completely excluded. During laser vision correction, special devices are used to reliably fix the position of the patient's eyes at the desired angle.

Will my vision decrease again after giving birth?

A common myth with no statistical evidence. Loss of vision during childbirth can be associated with high blood pressure, pathologies of the visual organs and other conditions. After laser correction, there is no need to delay pregnancy plans and no need to worry about vision loss during childbirth.

Laser treatment effectiveness is not high?

According to various information, 1. 0 vision returned to 90. 8% of patients. Another 99. 5% can boast of an increase in visual acuity in the range of 0. 5 - 1. 0, and about 1. 2% are not satisfied with the results of the surgery. Even with the low failure rate and possible risk of complications (most of which occur when doctor's recommendations are not followed), LKZ is the most effective and successful type of visual rehabilitation.

How long after can I dye my eyes?

Accidental contact of cosmetics with the eyes can cause an inflammatory process and should be avoided at all costs. Until the cornea has completely healed for 4-7 days, you should completely abandon cosmetics and do not apply eyelash extensions.

Sports banned?

It is better to give up physical activity the day before surgery. Recovery time depends on the type of intervention. You will have to forget about contact sports for about a month to eliminate the risk of eye injury. In general, there are no special restrictions on playing sports, the main thing is to wait until the epithelium is restored.

How long will vision be perfect?

Modern methods are not yet designed to achieve long-term results. Typically, about 45% of PRK patients and 65% of LASIK patients report stable vision quality. Gradual decline is largely influenced by diagnosis: with severe myelopathy, vision is preserved in only 25% and 37%, respectively.

Can the surgery be repeated?

With a high degree of myelopathy, patients sometimes decide to have repeat surgery to slow the progression of vision loss. This can be done two years after the first intervention, but the actual indication can only be determined by an ophthalmologist during a personal examination.

The advent of laser vision correction technology has helped millions of people around the world stop wearing glasses and contact lenses. This has greatly improved the quality of life and made it possible to literally see the world in bright colors. Features and main differences between different LKZ techniques, important questions about preparation, rehabilitation, as well as the degree of vision recovery after surgery - all the necessary information on the subjectThese topics are all covered in our review.