How do laser vision correction? Pros and cons of surgery

Nowadays, a huge part of the population has vision problems, which is directly related to the rapid development of high technology. And many people, undoubtedly, are concerned about the question of how to return the "clarity of perception" of the surrounding world. Especially good in this regard is the latest method of restoring visual functions. But where it is better to do laser vision correction - you decide, and we will only help you with this.

A bit of history

An ancient philosopher named Aristotle was the first person to notice that many people squint their eyes to get a better look. And it was this Greek thinker who gave the name "myopia" to a similar phenomenon, which in translation from the language of the ancient Hellenes means "squinting."

Preliminary diagnostics

Before assigning dates for surgery, an experienced specialist must conduct a full examination of the patient, which in itself is a forecast.

The method of laser vision correction is good in that the outcome in most cases is favorable, and millions of people get a chance to return one hundred percent vision. It is proved that in the absence of eye diseases, the progress achieved by the operation remains until old age.

Is it always possible to do laser vision correction?

Like any other treatment method, eye surgery has certain contraindications, failure to observe which can lead to a negative result.

In what cases it is strictly forbidden to do laser correction:

• If the patient is a woman who is a future or nursing mother.
• If a person is too young and has not yet reached adulthood, because his body is not yet fully formed.
• If this is an elderly person having some diseases in which this operation is contraindicated.
• People with diseases such as iridocyclitis, astigmatism, glaucoma, cataracts. And some varieties of farsightedness or myopia.
• People with such serious ailments as diabetes, mental disorders and some chronic diseases.

In what cases is the operation relevant?

So with what vision do laser vision correction and what are its main advantages? Answering this question, we can say with confidence that this method is suitable for people whose vision is:

• up to 12 diopters of myopia;
• up to +5 diopters of farsightedness;
• astigmatism (violation due to curvature of the cornea) up to 4 diopters.

The possibility of surgery is strictly consistent with the attending physician, as mentioned above.

Why choose this particular method of vision correction?

This operation is widely known in medical circles and in the media, which is no coincidence, since it is strikingly different from "its predecessors." Consider its advantage in detail:

1. Use for a variety of problems. This is a sure way to restore vision, which has been repeatedly proven.
2. The speed is only 10-15 minutes, and the laser acts on the cornea in just a few seconds.
3. The absence of pain discomfort, which is eliminated in advance by special eye drops.
4. Going to the hospital is not required.

How do laser corrections

During this surgery, the method of local anesthesia is used, which allows you to control the situation without experiencing pain. Laser correction lasts only about fifteen minutes, and a special rehabilitation course after it is usually not required.

The discomfort from outside interference very quickly disappears, after a few days you can safely return to normal life. Restrictions on physical activity are not imposed. Based on the foregoing, the question of whether it is painful to do laser vision correction, it is safe to answer that no.

Operation Details

It is known that visual impairment is a consequence of the bending of the cornea, which leads to myopia or farsightedness. Therefore, in order to correct its position, it is required to carry out the operation using the necessary tools. After that, the outside world begins to reflect correctly on the retina, and vision is restored.

During the operation, the patient needs to focus on the red laser dot and relax. A special neurosurgical instrument pushes the outer layer of the cornea to the side, allowing the laser to penetrate to the desired depth. Then the beam burns through the thinnest shell, which, in fact, corrects the curvature of the lens.

Such manipulations create changes in the perception and refraction of light, allowing the reflection to focus clearly on the retina of the eye, and a person begins to see all the details and colors that were previously cloudy and faded for him. After a few seconds, the laser effect ends, and the upper layer of the cornea returns to the place where it is fixed with collagen, which is a natural environment.

The operation is fully automated, as it is carried out by a robot subject to a special computer program. And this is a huge plus, since the robot arm does not flinch, and the algorithm of actions is clearly coordinated. Man only controls the process through the monitor.

Pay particular attention to the unit.

Choosing where to do laser vision correction, it is advisable to find out in detail about exactly what equipment is used in a particular clinic. The best choice is a device manufactured in Japan or the USA, since it is the devices of these manufacturing countries that can provide high accuracy of the necessary actions, due to which the risks become minimal.

Laser Correction Techniques

1. PRK - is the oldest of the methods of laser surgery, because it was she who, in the distant 1985 of the last century, gave rise to a new word in ophthalmology. The laser beam changed the shape of the stroma, and the upper integument of the cornea was simply removed. After such an operation, the patient experienced many unpleasant sensations. But not so long ago, the technique was significantly changed, and now the layers of the cornea simply move away.
2. LASIK - the technique appeared in 1989 with an important advantage, which consists in the fact that the corneal epithelium is not removed, but is cut and pushed to the side. After laser exposure, the cut flap returns to its place and there is practically no scar left.
3. Femto-LASIK - A modified previous technique, during which all actions are performed by a laser. And this is a great advantage, since the corneal flap is practically not deformed. This method significantly reduced the risk of possible negative consequences, therefore it is safer. Application is possible even with a particularly thin cornea, which was previously considered unthinkable.
4. SMILE is the newest and the best technique in all respects. It was created by Dr. Walter Secundo, head of the Smile Ice Ophthalmology Center in Germany, one of the best refractive surgeons in the world. In the application of this method there is the greatest advantage over the others, and it consists in the fact that the layer of the cornea is not cut off, but only cut, in order to miss the tiny lens at the time of the operation, after which it is carefully removed. The main advantages of the technique are the ability to heal deep myopia, quick rehabilitation, the corneal flap remains intact, and vision correction with a “dry eye”.

When deciding which laser vision correction is best done, be guided by the fact that you should choose the method that is less traumatic and more effective.

Possible unpleasant moments

1. This method is based on the thermal effect on the lens of the eye, that is, on its deliberate damage. And this cannot but cause trouble, which subsequently will not disappear.
2. Laser correction fixes the improvement of visual ability at the momentary moment, and in case of any negative changes in the state of the lens, treatment is carried out only by repeated use of this method, and the number of permissible effects is limited to four interventions. But if too serious complications arise, then a second operation is strictly prohibited.
3. It is strictly forbidden to do laser correction with increasing myopia (myopia), but unscrupulous ophthalmologists often are silent about this. Neglect of this contraindication is fraught with a high risk of developing deep farsightedness in old age. By the way, in the postoperative period, contact lenses should be abandoned, since the lens takes time to heal.
4. What to do after laser vision correction? First of all, refuse to visit tanning salons and beaches open to the sun. In addition, during a six-month period, all flights, bathing in the salt seas and especially heavy physical exertion are strictly prohibited. The air temperature in the bathhouse or sauna should not exceed 80 degrees, since excessive heat harms the retina.

What should be paid the utmost attention when choosing a specialist or clinic?

1. If an ophthalmologist swears that the operation will be 100% complete, then run away from him far away, since no normal physician can guarantee this to anyone and never, because doctors are not gods, they cannot predict the outcome. Therefore, do not forget that laser vision correction is done, like any surgical intervention, with a certain risk.
2. Upon reaching the clinic, pay attention to the license, located somewhere in the lobby (usually in a conspicuous place), and look at the expiration date. In addition, it should contain a list of services provided by this institution, which must be studied, since laser vision correction must be indicated in it. After all, if there is no permission for it, then it is done illegally. How could this threaten? Judge for yourself. But what will you do in case of an unsuccessful outcome, who will complain, how will you prove your case?
3. Also pay attention to the accreditation indicated in the certificate, since in a good clinic it should be of the highest level. This document is evidence of the good qualifications of specialists, and is issued by the Ministry of Health.
4. The responsible doctor will ask you about your well-being and the results of examinations and tests, and, if necessary, prescribe repeated examinations. Because during the operation, such pitfalls as genetic and chronic diseases, as well as poor heredity, should not be detected. Moreover, a conscientious ophthalmologist must clearly know what kind of vision can be used for laser correction. After all, there are scammers who only want to earn money, who do not care about someone else's health. Beware of such crooks, so choose a clinic especially meticulously, since in this case it is necessary.
5. Medical equipment should be from a quality manufacturer, because the success of laser vision correction directly depends on this.
6. A responsible ophthalmologist will surely hold an early conversation about possible complications and undesirable effects and give enough time for making such an important decision.

Therefore, before choosing where to do laser vision correction, familiarize yourself with all the necessary information that is available in this article, as well as study the reviews about the clinics of your city.