Many of those who suffer from poor eyesight are thinking about how to fix it. Some go the simplest way and buy glasses or contact lenses, others decide on drastic measures and go to the surgeon's table.
Types of operations
A few decades ago, people with low vision had little choice in surgical correction. They only had the opportunity to go to the hospital of the ophthalmologic clinic, where they could undergo a microsurgical operation to restore their vision. At the same time, several days after it, patients are forced to live blindfolded, and the overall recovery period is quite long.
But nowadays, laser procedures are becoming increasingly popular. It is important to remember that not everyone can make such a correction. But believe me, a professional surgeon will not undertake to fix obviously hopeless cases. Even in the absence of contraindications, the ophthalmologist will warn of all possible problems and complications.
Contraindications
The following are referred to the list of cases in which laser vision restoration is not recommended. If the patient has progressive myopia, dry eye syndrome, hyperopia, which is associated with age-related changes, too thin a cornea, then they are unlikely to agree to do laser surgery. Before any intervention, the client of any ophthalmologic clinic is obligatory sent to a comprehensive diagnosis. Therefore, any of these problems will not go unnoticed.
During the preoperative examination, not only visual acuity is determined, but also intraocular pressure is measured, the state of the retina is examined, the cornea is topographed using a special computer, the
fundus is examined and a number of other necessary studies are performed. Therefore, it is impossible not to notice any problem associated with the condition of the eyes.
In addition, surgery to restore vision is not done in such cases: complex vascular disease, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, the presence of a single eye, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and a state of immunodeficiency. Also, age-related changes are not subject to correction.
Alternatives
But even if you have a too thin cornea or have concomitant eye diseases, then you should not immediately put a cross on yourself, even in these cases, an eye operation can be done . The restoration of vision is quite possible, only for this it is necessary to use not the usual laser correction, but alternative options.
One solution for many who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day is night correction. This method is called refractive therapy. It lies in the fact that during sleep, the lenses gently change the curvature of the cornea, which makes it possible to see perfectly during the day. This method is suitable for people who are prevented by daytime contact lenses and glasses, but they cannot do the operation. The cost of a one-year course of such therapy is equal to the price of laser correction of one eye.
Also, laser correction centers do not take on patients with a thin cornea and a large "minus". But they may be offered an alternative option - implantation of intraocular lenses. But such an operation to restore vision is not available to everyone. Its cost exceeds the price of laser correction by 3-5 times.
Temporary restrictions
In addition to absolute contraindications for the operation to restore visual acuity, there are also temporary ones. These include cataracts, progressive myopia, peripheral retinal degeneration. In these cases, at first it is recommended to correct the existing problem, and then proceed to the correction of vision.
If your myopia is progressing, then there will be no sense from the operation. Sight, of course, will recover, but it will quickly enough and worsen. Before correcting its acuity, it is necessary to perform an operation that stops the drop in vision. It is called scleroplasty.
Also, the surgeon will not undertake surgery on the patient’s eyes if the latter has problems with the retina. First, laser coagulation is carried out, and vision correction is started no earlier than three weeks later.
Preparation for correction
An operation to restore vision will not be done if you have not had all the necessary examinations. If the doctor does not see any contraindications, then you will be assigned the date of correction. If for the usual microsurgical intervention it was necessary to go through a number of doctors, to pass tests, then for laser correction this is not necessary.
Currently, preparation for surgery should be like this. If you use contact lenses, then they must be removed: 2 weeks before the correction - for hard, and 1 week - for soft. For two days before the operation, you can not drink alcoholic beverages. On the day of correction, surgeons strongly recommend that you do not use perfumes, deodorants, don’t wear woolen clothes and sweaters or high-necked socks, or use cosmetics.
Operation cost
Typically, the payment for the correction is carried out on the day of its implementation. After all, there are cases when contraindications arise immediately before the intervention. Such cases include any inflammation of the eyes or conjunctivitis that has begun. Often, even the question of cost is decided directly by the surgeon on the appointed day of correction.
So, an operation to restore vision in one eye can cost you from 20 to 70 thousand rubles. Its cost depends, of course, on the price policy of the clinic that you have chosen, on the method of intervention and the complexity of its implementation. Those patients who do not have a very high degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness, lack astigmatism will spend the least money. Those who have more serious problems will have to pay a more significant amount.
Postoperative period
Many worry how long they will have to recover from the operation, when they can return to their usual way of life. Thanks to modern technology, vision correction is carried out on an outpatient basis, patients half an hour after the procedure already leave the ophthalmological center. On the day of the correction, it is advisable to provide yourself with escort, as getting home alone will be difficult.
Immediately after the operation, the doctor checks the eyes and prescribes drops that will need to be used. Please note that after the intervention you may feel discomfort, some have tearing, a feeling of pain. But these sensations are temporary, usually they disappear 4-6 hours after surgery. The recovery of vision after the intervention is fast enough, it improves immediately. But the achievement of a programmed level of severity is better to expect in two weeks.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, all recommendations must be followed. First of all, patients must use the prescribed drops without fail. It is also important to remember a number of restrictions - in the early days, try to avoid eye strain and wait for intense physical activity.
Cataract recovery
One of the main clients of many ophthalmological centers is the elderly, suffering from clouding of the lens. This disease is called cataract. Most often it affects people over 50 years old, but it is often found in young people. This disease can appear due to trauma, as a result of concomitant endocrine disorders, long-term medication, smoking, toxic poisoning with a number of drugs.
Because of the clouding of the lens in patients, vision is significantly impaired, because patients look as though through a misted glass. In most cases, with the progression of the disease, it is impossible to do without surgical intervention. But the restoration of vision after cataract surgery is going pretty well. Indeed, during the operation, the clouded lens is replaced with a special lens, which performs its functions throughout the patient's life.