Laser vision correction

Modern vision correction technology makes it possible to permanently remove lenses or glasses through a low-traumatic and highly effective procedure. Laser vision correction (LVC) is considered the most innovative method for correcting structural pathologies of the visual apparatus. This procedure has several types, recovery periods of varying length, as well as other important features that are best known in advance.

What is LKZ?

Pathological correction is carried out using high-precision laser equipment. The procedure itself only takes 10-15 minutes; Special drops are used to relieve pain. Laser vision correction is performed for medical reasons and requires prior consultation with 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. A few years after correction, vision may deteriorate somewhat, usually due to age-related changes in the visual apparatus. At the same time, the decrease in visual acuity occurs more slowly than without surgery. Before correction, you should definitely consult with your doctor, who will determine the appropriate type of laser intervention.

Indications and contraindications for laser vision correction

The possibility of laser surgery provides the elimination of pathologies such as myopia, farsightedness (not all types of MCL), astigmatism. The choice of the appropriate exposure method depends on the characteristics of the patient, as well as his financial capacity.

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

• Farsightedness up to +6 dioptres.
• Myopia up to -12 diopters.
• Astigmatism in the range from -4 to +4 dioptres.

This operation is recommended if it is not possible to use contact lenses, as well as for patients whose vision is much worse in only one eye. Early consultation and thorough examination by an ophthalmologist will help to exclude possible contraindications where 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 for the past two years.
• For corneal structural pathology, chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases of the ocular apparatus.
• diabetes.
• Immune deficiency.
• Cataracts and glaucoma.
• Damage, rupture and threat of retinal detachment.
• Thin cornea (determined by special tests).

Restrictions also affect age - most clinics prefer patients between 20 and 40 years old. In individual cases, correction is performed 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 due to the fact that the final formation of the ocular apparatus ends around this age, which prevents such interventions. In any case, you should consult with an experienced eye surgeon to assess the possible consequences and level of risk specific to your body.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser vision correction

Unlike traumatic surgery, laser intervention involves minimal impact, high precision and procedural safety. The main advantage is the absence of the risk of accidental damage to the ocular device due to the so-called "human factor". The entire process is carefully controlled by automation, so accidents and negligence are excluded. Modern laser equipment significantly simplifies the work of doctors, and for patients it becomes an opportunity to quickly and effectively restore visual acuity.

The main advantages of laser vision correction:

• Excellent effect after the procedure. Visual acuity will be about 100%, which is rarely determined even in people who do not have any pathology on the ocular apparatus.
• Low morbidity. The recovery period is from a few hours to a week, which is very short compared to other types of surgical intervention.
• No serious restrictions. Preparation for laser vision correction, as well as the recovery period, does not require patients to significantly change their normal life. After the intervention, you can immediately return to work, study, and sports training.

The disadvantages include the relatively 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 operation with laser equipment was carried out in the 80s. Currently, several types of laser correction have appeared, methods that have significant differences. The essence of all procedures is to correct the shape of the cornea with a laser according to the specified parameters. First, the upper layer of the cornea is separated with a special tool. After that, this flap is returned to its place, and the time required to regenerate the damaged tissue is the patient's recovery period. In some cases, the cut flap is removed completely, and a special lens is used to protect the eyeball. The differences between different laser correction methods, as well as some nuances of the procedure are discussed below.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

This is the oldest method of laser vision correction and is still relevant today. Although there is little discomfort for the patient and a longer recovery period than other operations, PRK is used for medical reasons. In particular, when the patient has a thin cornea and a large pupil.

This procedure takes place in several stages:

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

The eye surgeon will spend about 10 minutes on each eye. The patient is under local anesthesia (anesthetic drops are implanted). Immediately after the intervention, you may experience mild pain, dryness and burning sensation in the eye, which becomes weaker 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 ultraviolet protection.
• Recovery lasts from 3 to 5 days. Special drops prescribed by a doctor are used, rest is recommended, working in front of a computer, or spending a long time in front of a smartphone or TV screen is excluded.
• Mechanical effects on the eyes are excluded. Do not rub, press or otherwise affect the damaged area. In the event of an accidental injury and severe pain, a change in perspective, or the appearance of any visual effects in vision, you should definitely see a doctor.
• If it is necessary to restore vision in both eyes, the intervention is carried out at an interval of 10-14 days. This helps to better cope with post-operative recovery and avoid severe pain.

After excimer laser correction, vision returns gradually, the process takes a month or more. If you follow the doctor's recommendations and treatment, the risk of complications is very low. This procedure is affordable and has been proven to be 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, thinning cornea, and keratoconus. The first successful corrective operation using this method began in 1999, where many statistical data have appeared on the success and effectiveness of the procedure.

How laser correction is done:

1. The upper layer of the cornea is cut and the flap is moved to the side. In this case, a scalpel or laser is not used, but only an alcohol solution that softens the connection between the lower and upper layers of the corneal epithelium.
2. The bottom layer is burned with a laser to give it the required shape.
3. The flap is placed in its original place and fixed with a dressing lens.

Lenses are selected with a high level of gas permeability for better and faster healing. You need to wear it for at least 4 days - the entire recovery period after the correction. Visual acuity returns faster, in about a week. Overall, this procedure is less painful than PRK, but it has some side effects.

Frequent unwanted symptoms after surgery:

• In the first two days there is discomfort and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
• Improved eye dryness, lasting up to six months. To eliminate it, special moisturizing drops are used.
• "Veils" in front of the eyes, deterioration of twilight vision, 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. For timely elimination of unwanted symptoms, regular examination and consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist is required. You will need to see the doctor regularly for a year after surgery, after which the number of visits will be reduced.

Laser-assisted keratomileusis (LASIK)

The LASIK method is currently the most popular, considered less traumatic, with a high chance of restoring vision. The first operation using this technique has been carried out since 1987, the technology has undergone many changes, becoming one of the most popular.

The course of operation is as follows:

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

Surgery is performed without stitches, and the use of contact lenses is not required. For patients, this means a shorter recovery period, as well as the return of vision within hours of surgery.

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

1. Super Lasik.An almost fully automated procedure that allows correction according to the individual parameters of the patient. 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 carry out the correction, a special type of laser equipment is used - a femtosecond laser. He cuts the epithelial flap of the upper layer of the cornea according to the specified parameters, which greatly facilitates the patient's recovery period. It is characterized by a high cost and a 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 for farsightedness (up to -25 diopters). This type of laser correction is characterized by the fastest recovery period - patients see an improvement in vision within a few hours after the intervention.
4. Presbyopia LASIK.Specially developed technique for laser vision correction after 40 years. Prescribed for patients with progressive presbyopia. The main complaint in this case is the inability to fix vision on small elements at close range. If the disease develops against the background of myopia, the patient is forced to use two pairs of glasses. During surgery, the cornea is formed into a multifocal lens, which completely compensates for this visual defect.
5. Epi-LASIK.A rarely used laser correction method, it is usually used in the early or middle stages of myopia or farsightedness. The shape of the cornea in such cases is flatter, which makes it possible to cut the flap along the natural edge - part of the corneal epithelium. After correction, the flap is put in place, and a protective lens with a high degree of gas permeability is installed on top. It must be removed no earlier than after three days, which requires final recovery. It is important that the next day you can follow 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 increase visual acuity up to 100%, as well as improve twilight vision clarity. During surgery, thanks to the use of high-precision laser equipment, the level of damage to the eye is minimized, which almost eliminates postoperative complications.

ReLEx SMILE femtosecond laser vision correction

The innovative ReLEx SMILE technology eliminates the need to create or remove a corneal flap. Using a special laser, the lens of the required shape is formed directly in the corneal tissue. It is called a lenticule, and its removal occurs through a minimal incision (2 to 4 mm) in the upper layer. Recovery after correction takes several hours, vision returns almost immediately after the operation. There is practically no information about possible complications, because this method has been actively used for the past five years, which is not enough to assess 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 ophthalmological operations, including laser vision correction. The disadvantages are relatively high costs and possible difficulties in choosing a clinic and a doctor familiar with the specifics of the operation.

Prepare for surgery

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

Preparing the patient before laser correction includes several important points:

1. Avoid wearing soft contact lenses for about a week before your consultation. Rigid contact lenses that the patient has been wearing for more than a year should be removed three to four weeks before the consultation. Continuous use slightly changes 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. Mandatory consultation and examination 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 visual acuity is 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 protocol, the list of necessary procedures includes fluorography, checking blood sugar levels, general blood tests, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C tests.
4. Women should remove eyelash extensions the day before the procedure, and also refrain from using any decorative cosmetics, creams, or lotions.

It is advisable to immediately consider the option of a mini-vacation for better recovery after laser correction. Typically, the procedure is performed on a "hospital day" basis, with patients returning home within hours of surgery. It is important to solve everyday issues: who will pick you up from the hospital and help solve everyday problems. It is important for patients to focus on rest, putting aside normal worries for a while.

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

Most of the fears and anxieties associated with the operation turned out to be completely unverified. The total time the patient will spend in the operating room is no more than 10 minutes. The vision correction procedure is carried out in a 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 the anesthetic drops and some discomfort when applying the ring to the eye. This device allows you to quickly and accurately remove the flap of the required size. The effect of the laser beam may be felt as a slight warming, but basically all sensations are relieved by the action of anesthetic drugs, and the discomfort may be more psycho-emotional in nature.

Postoperative period: recovery, restrictions, recommendations after correction

Immediately after laser correction, there are often complaints of dizziness, pain in the eyes, nausea, and other discomforts. Basically, these symptoms are associated with psychological stress, which inevitably arises in such situations. After the effect of the anesthetic drops wears off, painful sensations can indeed be real, but usually on the first day the doctor prescribes periodic pain relief. Antibiotic drops and corneal moisturizers are used.

Important nuances of correct recovery after laser correction:

• You must not touch your eyes, touch them with your hands, rub them, or affect them in any other way. This can lead to flap displacement and the need for repeated interventions.
• In some cases, patients will wear special protective lenses for three to four days after surgery. They prevent injury to the eye, foreign bodies or contaminants from entering it.
• During the week after surgery, it is advisable to limit the time spent in front of the TV, computer screen, or smartphone.
• It is also advised to avoid additional strain on the eyes, use sunglasses when leaving the house, and avoid exposure to frost or strong winds.
• Reduce physical activity, eliminate heavy lifting, and stay in a bent over position for long periods of time.

During the recovery period after laser vision correction, it is recommended to use eye drops with pantothenic and hyaluronic acid - these are preventive ophthalmic agents designed to moisturize and accelerate the eye healing process. Thanks to pantothenic acid, drops help: stimulate the 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 eye from negative influences, providing effective hydration and comfort.

It is mandatory to visit your doctor during the recovery period after laser correction. Regular eye examinations will help you see the dynamics of recovery and prevent possible complications.

Possible consequences of laser correction

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

Postoperative complications include:

• Swelling, inflammation and bleeding in the damaged area.
• Decreased twilight vision (usually resolves on its own 6-9 months after surgery).
• Flap displacement due to trauma. A common consequence of the patient touching the eye on the first day after laser correction. In some cases, a second operation is needed to put everything back in place.

If you experience any unusual sensation, pain or discomfort, you should see your doctor for advice. Usually, the specialist will give comprehensive recommendations and warn about possible symptoms in advance, even at the stage of consultation with the patient before surgery.

Common questions about LKZ

What happens if I accidentally move my eye during surgery?

Such situations are completely excluded. During laser vision correction, a special device is used that can correct the position of the patient's eyes in the desired angle.

Will my vision decrease again after giving birth?

A common myth that has no statistical evidence. Loss of vision during childbirth may be associated with high blood pressure, pathologies of the ocular apparatus, and other conditions. After laser correction, there is no need to delay pregnancy planning, and there is no need to worry about losing vision during childbirth.

The effectiveness of laser correction is not so high?

According to various information, 1. 0 visual acuity returns to 90. 8% of patients. Another 99. 5% can be proud of the improvement of vision in the range of 0. 5 - 1. 0, and about 1. 2% are not satisfied with the results of the operation. Despite the low failure rate and the risk of possible complications (most of which occur when the doctor's recommendations are not followed), LKZ is the most effective and successful type of visual function restoration.

After what time can you get your eyes colored?

Accidental contact of cosmetics with the eyes can trigger an inflammatory process, which should be avoided at all costs. Until the cornea fully heals, which takes 4-7 days, it is advised to completely abandon cosmetics and not undergo eyelash extensions.

Sports banned?

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

How long will the vision be perfect?

Modern methods are not yet designed to achieve lifelong effects. Typically, about 45% of PRK patients and 65% of LASIK patients report stable quality of vision. The gradual decline is largely influenced by the diagnosis: with severe myopathy, visual acuity is preserved in only 25% and 37%, respectively.

Is repeat surgery possible?

With a high degree of myopathy, patients sometimes decide to undergo repeated surgery to slow down the decline in visual acuity. This can be done two years after the first intervention, but the real signs can only be determined by an ophthalmologist during a personal examination.

The advent of laser vision correction techniques has allowed millions of people around the world to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses. This significantly improves the quality of life and makes it possible to see the world literally in bright colors. The main features and differences between various LKZ techniques, important questions about preparation, recovery, as well as how much vision is restored after surgery - all the necessary information on the topic is presented in our review.