Modern ophthalmology allows operations to be performed in 15-40 minutes.
Anesthesia is used during the operation, so the patient does not feel pain and often does not feel any discomfort.
Thanks to modern technologies, most interventions are successful and painless.But such operations have their own side effects and contraindications.Every person planning eye surgery should know about them.
Indications for eye surgery
Most people believe that eye surgery is safe, quick and convenient for the patient.But this opinion is not always true.
With all ophthalmic interventions, there is a risk of developing pathology and visual impairment.The intervention can be unsuccessful and not always everything depends on the ophthalmologist performing the operation.
Before the intervention, the patient must carefully assess his condition.Review information about the selected intervention.Assess contraindications and possible side effects.One must assess the possible consequences.Treatment does not always go smoothly and without consequences.Although in most cases this is true.
Most patients undergo surgery to improve vision due to the following pathologies:
- myopia (myopia);
- hypermetropia (farsightedness);
- cataracts (clouding of the lens).
Ophthalmic surgery makes it possible to restore lost visual acuity.The person will again be able to engage in activities that require excellent vision (driving a car, cycling, in some cases reading a book).
If surgery is necessary for a child, parents must weigh the pros and cons.The child cannot decide on his own.This means that your vision is entirely dependent on your parents' choices.
Scleroplasty
It does not completely restore vision, but it blocks the continuous decrease in visual acuity.It is mainly prescribed for myopia in people over 18 years of age.This is due to the fact that the child's eyes are prone to change (the shape and components of the eye change).
Therefore, if the sclera-strengthening material is "introduced" into the child's eye, the material will stretch over time and may lead to impaired vision.
Scleroplasty aims to stabilize vision.This is not a corrective intervention.
It takes 20-30 minutes.And it consists of injecting a sclero-strengthening substance (diseased tissue, synthetic polymers, silicone, etc.) into the eye.The sclera-strengthening material adheres to the outer membrane of the eye.Vision reduction is blocked.
Scleroplasty is prescribed for progressive myopia.In case vision correction is prohibited for some reason.
Scleroplasty is not recommended in the following cases:
- children's age (up to 5 years);
- psychosomatic disorders;
- the presence of viral or infectious diseases;
- dystrophy of the visual apparatus;
- allergy or hypersensitivity to sclera-strengthening substances;
- allergy to anesthetic medication.
This intervention is allowed during pregnancy.But scleroplasty is still recommended before or after pregnancy.
After surgery, all patients have a long rehabilitation period.Includes:
- For 1-2 weeks, it is not recommended to read books, sit in front of a computer, watch TV, limit the use of the telephone (you must not strain your eyes);
- Do not visit the pool or do sports for 4-5 weeks;
- wear glasses with ultraviolet radiation filters for 2-3 weeks (individually determined) (an acute reaction to light occurs after the intervention);
- limit vigorous physical activity for 8-12 months.
We recommend that you follow all of your doctor's instructions.Apply restorative antibacterial drops.Then the rehabilitation period will be favorable and you will not suffer negative consequences.
Scleroplasty costs start at $50 per eye.The cost depends on the region of residence, the ophthalmology clinic and the qualification of the specialist.It is important to carefully approach the selection of an eye clinic.The state of future vision may depend on this choice.
Vitrectomy
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Surgery to partially or completely remove the vitreous humor (the clear substance that fills the space between the retina and the lens).It is performed by a highly trained surgeon.It lasts 1.5-3 hours.
Indications:
- vitreous opacification;
- infectious or inflammatory diseases of the inner mucous membrane of the eye;
- retinal detachment;
- mechanical damage resulting in displacement of the lens;
- hemorrhage into the vitreous.
The patient's vitreous is removed and an artificial lens is placed in its place.
Not recommended in the following cases:
- pregnancy period;
- regular or periodic increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma);
- high degree of opacity of the lens and cornea.
Vision is gradually restored with vitrectomy.The period of restoration of visual acuity lasts 1-2 months.
If the operation did not go so smoothly or the patient did not follow the doctor's recommendations, complications may occur:
- infectious diseases;
- retinal detachment;
- the development of glaucoma (a group of diseases characterized by increased eye pressure);
- clouding of the cornea or lens.
Prices start at $330.The price depends on the region of residence and the clinic performing the procedure.Vitrectomy can cost up to $1,660 per eye.
Laser coagulation of the retina
A lens is placed over the patient's eye through which the laser is passed.Retinal tears are repaired with a laser.If the gap is not "soldered" in time, it will turn into a retinal detachment.Detachment is much more difficult to handle.Therefore, it is important to perform surgery in time - laser coagulation of the retina.
Corrects small retinal detachments (individual decision for each patient).
The intervention lasts 20 minutes.Before this, the patient is dripped with anesthetic drops.
Contraindications:
- dimming of the visual apparatus;
- vascular pathologies (including differences in bleeding);
- reduced visual acuity (not recommended with vision of 0.1);
- dystrophy of the organs of the visual apparatus.
A complication may occur - corneal edema.It causes temporary visual impairment.But if the doctor's instructions are followed, the patient's vision is restored.
The cost of laser coagulation of the retina ranges from $33 to $830.
Strabismus correction
Surgery to correct strabismus is usually performed in childhood.Adults most often request such an intervention in case of acquired strabismus.
Indications:
- squinting;
- paralysis of the eye muscles.
The intervention enables a cosmetic effect and restores the patient's vision.But vision does not always return completely.After surgery, only half of the vision returns.
Ophthalmologists recommend this operation only if conservative (non-surgical) methods do not help.This manipulation is a particularly complicated intervention.
It costs about $330.
Crosslinking
The surgery is performed on the cornea (the convex front part of the eyeball).A small thin layer of the cornea is cut.The corneal layer is carefully reinforced.A protective lens is placed on top.Cross-linking is prescribed in the following cases:
- corneal dystrophy;
- keratoconus;
- keratomalacia;
- "burning out" of some parts of the cornea.
Contraindications:
- age up to 15 years;
- pregnancy period;
- thin corneal layer;
- low visual acuity.
Curing does not take longer than 1 hour.The patient is in the hospital for 2-3 days.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.The result of the intervention lasts 8-10 years.
Cross-ties start at $330.
Glaucoma treatment
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by a periodic or permanent increase in intraocular pressure.This surgical intervention is prescribed when the patient does not respond to conservative methods.The operation can be performed at the request of the patient.One gets tired of constantly taking drops and pills.
Surgery to correct glaucoma is temporary (most often).The increased intraocular pressure gradually returns to the patient.
During the rehabilitation period, the person must follow all the instructions and advice of the attending physician.Then the effect of the surgery lasts longer and complications can be avoided.
The main complication is the appearance of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
In general, surgery to treat glaucoma is considered safe.In most cases it is successful.
The cost of laser intervention starts at $130.Surgical intervention - from $330.
Cataract removal
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye.Surgical intervention is performed when conservative treatment methods do not help, or when a severe disease develops.The damaged lens is removed with a laser or ultrasound.
It will be replaced by a new artificial one.The operation takes 15-20 minutes.
Contraindications:
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- the presence of infectious eye diseases;
- inflammation;
- psychological disorders;
- heart failure;
- Age under 18 years (contraindications are determined individually, based on the individual characteristics of the patient).
It is important to observe the 1-2 month rehabilitation period.Do not perform heavy physical activity, do not go to the pool, stop driving (1-2 weeks after the operation).Do not rub your eyes after changing the lens.
Within 1-2 months, the lens should "take root" in the patient's body.The person can return to their usual lifestyle again.
Cost - from $330.
Laser vision correction
Laser correction is the most popular operation.Executed when:
- nearsightedness (myopia);
- hypermetropia (farsightedness)
- astigmatism.
It takes 20-30 minutes with anesthetic drops.On the day of the laser correction, the patient goes home.1-2 days after the correction, the person will feel discomfort (acute light reaction, tearing, pain).But the discomfort gradually passes.
Laser correction is contraindicated in the following cases:
- age up to 18 years (individually determined based on the characteristics of the patient);
- infectious and inflammatory diseases;
- progressive myopia condition (hypermetropia, astigmatism).
In most cases it is successful.The patient's vision is completely restored.
The cost of laser correction starts at $330.