laser vision correction

Modern vision correction technology can permanently remove lenses or glasses in a low-invasive and highly effective procedure. Laser vision correction (LVC) is considered the most innovative method of correcting structural pathology of the visual organ. There are many types of this surgery, varying lengths of recovery periods, and other important features to know ahead of time.

What is LKZ

Pathological correction is performed using high-precision laser equipment. The entire 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 (ophthalmologist). Unfortunately, LKZ at its current stage of development is not a panacea for all "eye" conditions; it has a small list of contraindications. Vision may decrease after several years of correction, usually 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 your doctor, who will determine the appropriate type of laser intervention.

Indications and contraindications for laser vision correction

Laser surgery can eliminate conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness (not all types of MCL), astigmatism, and more. Selection of the appropriate exposure method depends on the characteristics of the patient and their financial capabilities.Typically, indications for laser vision correction are as follows:

• Hyperopia up to +6 diopters.
• Myopia can reach -12 diopters.
• Astigmatism ranges from -4 to +4 diopters.

Surgery is recommended in patients who cannot use contact lenses and in patients with significantly poorer vision in only one eye. An initial consultation and thorough examination by an ophthalmologist will help to exclude possible contraindications for which such intervention is not recommended.In what situations is laser vision correction prohibited:

• During pregnancy and lactation due to unstable hormonal levels.
• If vision loss is observed in the past two years.
• Used for pathologies of corneal structures, chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases of the eye.
• diabetes.
• Immunodeficiency.
• Cataracts and glaucoma.
• Threat of damage, rupture and retinal detachment.
• Thin corneas (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 related to age-related changes in the cornea. Laser vision correction is actually not performed before the age of 21. This is because final formation of the eye apparatus ends around this age, which precludes such intervention. In any case, you need to consult an experienced ophthalmologist to assess the possible consequences and level of risk to your body.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Vision Correction

Unlike invasive surgeries, laser interventional procedures are minimally impactful, highly precise, and safe. The main advantage is that there is no risk of accidental damage to the eye organ due to so-called "human factors". The entire process is carefully controlled by automation, so accidents and negligence are ruled out. Modern laser equipment greatly facilitates the work of doctors, and for patients it becomes an opportunity to quickly and effectively restore vision.Key benefits of laser vision correction:

• The postoperative results were excellent. Visual acuity is about 100% and is rarely certain even in people without any eye pathology.
• The incidence is low. The recovery period ranges from a few hours to a week and is very short compared to other types of surgical intervention.
• There are no strict restrictions. The preparation and recovery period for laser vision correction does not require patients to significantly change their daily lives. After intervention, you can return to work, study, and sports training almost immediately.

Disadvantages include the considerable cost of laser correction and the smaller risk of complications. According to various statistics, approximately 1. 2% of patients are dissatisfied with the results of vision correction, and 0. 1% develop complications that require additional medical intervention.

Types of laser vision correction

The first successful laser surgery was performed in the eighties. During this period, several types of laser correction emerged, with significant differences in their methods. The essence of all surgeries is to use laser to correct the shape of the cornea according to specified parameters. First, a special tool is used to separate the top layer of the cornea. The flap is then returned to its original position, and the time it takes to regenerate the damaged tissue is the patient's recovery period. In some cases, the incisional flap is removed entirely and a special lens is used to protect the eyeball. The differences between the different laser calibration methods and some of the nuances of the procedures are discussed below.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This is the oldest method of laser vision correction and is still used today. Although patients experience some discomfort and recovery times are longer than other surgeries, PRK is still used for medical reasons. Especially when the patient has a thin cornea and a large pupil.The process takes place in several stages:

1. The superficial layer of the cornea is removed.
2. A laser is used to vaporize corneal tissue (laser ablation).
3. Once the cornea has reached the desired shape, a protective lens is installed on top.

The ophthalmologist will spend approximately 10 minutes on each eye. The patient is under local anesthesia (anesthetic solution is dripped). Immediately after the intervention, you may experience mild pain, dryness, and burning in the eye, which will become less intense as the cornea heals.Special recommendations:

• Your eyes become more sensitive to light, so be sure to wear sunglasses with the appropriate level of UV protection during the day.
• Recovery lasts 3 to 5 days. Exceptions include the use of special drops prescribed by a doctor, recommended breaks, working in front of a computer, or working in front of a smartphone or TV screen for long periods of time.
• Mechanical effects on the eyes are excluded. Do not rub, press or impact the damaged area in any other way. Always see your doctor if you experience an accidental injury, severe pain, changes in perspective, or any visual effects on your vision.
• If binocular vision needs to be restored, intervention is performed every 10-14 days. This helps to better cope with post-operative recovery and avoid severe pain.

After excimer laser correction, vision gradually returns, a process that takes a month or more. If you follow your doctor's advice and treatment, the risk of complications is extremely low. The program is affordable and has been proven to be effective.

Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

A variation of PRK, laser correction, is the popular and less invasive LASEK method. The main advantage is that it can be used in patients with dry eye, corneal thinning and keratoconus. The first successful corrective surgery using this method dates back to 1999, during which time numerous statistics have emerged regarding the success and effectiveness of the procedure.How laser correction is performed:

1. The top layer of the cornea is cut away and the corneal flap is moved to one side. In this case, no scalpel or laser is used, but only an alcohol solution is used to soften the connection between the lower and upper layers of the corneal epithelium.
2. The underlying layer is burned with a laser to create the desired shape.
3. The flap is placed in its original position and secured with a bandage lens.

Choose lenses with high breathability for better and faster healing. You must wear them for at least 4 days - the entire recovery period after correction. Vision recovers more quickly, taking about a week. Overall, the procedure is less painful than PRK, but it does have some side effects.Common adverse symptoms after surgery:

• For the first two days, you will experience discomfort and a foreign body sensation in your eyes.
• Drier eyes, which can last up to six months. To eliminate it, special moisturizing drops can be used.
• "Veil" in front of the eyes, worsening of vision at dusk, blurred vision - all these undesirable phenomena may reappear within six months of correction.

Any discomfort or pain should be discussed with your doctor. In order to eliminate adverse symptoms in time, regular examinations and consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist are required. You will have to see your doctor regularly for a year after surgery, and then less frequently.

Laser-Assisted Keratomileusis (LASIK)

The LASIK method is now the most popular and is considered less invasive and has a high chance of restoring vision. Since its first use in surgery in 1987, the technique has gone through many changes, becoming one of the most popular.The operation process is as follows:

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

The surgery requires no sutures and no bandage lenses. For patients, this means a shorter recovery period and return of vision within hours after surgery.LASIK laser vision correction technology is divided into the following categories:

1. Super laser surgery.An almost completely automated procedure that can be calibrated to the patient's individual parameters. The cornea is first thoroughly examined, the resulting topography is loaded into the program, and operations are performed according to the program.
2. Femtosecond laser surgery.To perform the correction, a special type of laser device is used - a femtosecond laser. He cut off an epithelial flap from the upper layer of the cornea according to prescribed parameters, which greatly facilitated 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 and those with severe myopia (up to -25 diopters). This type of laser correction is characterized by the fastest recovery period – patients notice improvements in vision within hours of intervention.
4. Presby Laser Surgery.Laser vision correction technology specifically developed after 40 years. Suitable for patients with progressive presbyopia. The main complaint in this case is the inability to fix the view of small elements at close range. If the disease occurs against the background of myopia, the patient is forced to wear two pairs of glasses. During the surgery, the cornea is shaped into a multifocal lens that completely compensates for this vision defect.
5. Epi-LASIK.Laser correction methods are rarely used and are usually used in the early or middle stages of myopia or hyperopia. In this case, the cornea has a flatter shape, which allows the corneal flap to be cut along the natural edge (the part of the corneal epithelium). After correction, the flap is returned to its original position and a highly breathable protective lens is attached to it. It must be removed after three days, which requires final recovery. It is important that you continue with your usual routine the next day, including exercise training. That’s why this laser correction method is suitable for active people and patients whose areas of activity involve physical activity.

Laser vision correction using this technology can improve vision by up to 100% and improve the clarity of twilight vision. During the operation, due to the use of high-precision laser equipment, the degree of damage to the eyes is minimized and postoperative complications are almost eliminated.

Femtosecond laser vision correction ReLEx SMILE

The innovative ReLEx SMILE technology eliminates the need to create or remove a corneal flap. A special laser is used to form the lens of the desired shape directly into the corneal tissue. It is called a lenticule and is removed through a minimal incision (2 to 4 mm) in the top layer. Rehabilitation after correction takes several hours, and vision is fully restored almost immediately after the procedure. There is virtually no information about possible complications, since this method has been actively used for the past five years, which is not enough to assess the prospects.The main benefit is the ability to perform laser vision correction for diagnosed dry eye syndrome. This condition is a contraindication to many eye surgeries, including laser vision correction. The disadvantages are that the cost is quite high and you may have difficulties choosing a clinic and doctor who are familiar with the ins and outs of this type of surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Although the technology of laser correction is very complex, it is virtually unnoticeable to the patient and is fast. The average time for LKZ was 10 minutes per eye. All necessary operations are performed using high-precision lasers, with the total exposure time of the laser beam being only a few seconds.Patient preparation before laser correction includes several key points:

1. Avoid wearing soft contact lenses for about a week before your consultation. Hard contact lenses that the patient has worn for more than a year should be removed three to four weeks before the appointment. Continued use slightly changes the shape of the cornea, which may cause errors in vision diagnosis and in the calculated trajectory of the laser beam.
2. A consultation and examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary before surgery. It is recommended to immediately choose a clinic and carry out the necessary examinations there. At the time of your appointment, a thorough examination of your fundus and vision will be performed. If the patient has no contraindications, the doctor will help you choose the appropriate type of laser correction and perform a corneal typography examination for the upcoming surgery.
3. It is important to have a general health check-up. Depending on the treatment plan, necessary procedures include fluoroscopy, checking blood sugar levels, general blood tests, and testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.
4. Women are asked to remove eyelash extensions the day before surgery and refuse to use any decorative cosmetics, creams or lotions.

It is recommended that you consider taking a short vacation immediately to allow for better recovery after laser correction. Typically, the surgery is performed on a "hospital day" and the patient goes home within a few hours of the surgery. Solving everyday problems is important: who will pick you up at the hospital and help with everyday problems. It is important for patients to temporarily put aside their usual worries and focus on resting.

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

Most of the fears and concerns associated with the operation proved to be completely unsubstantiated. The patient's total time in the operating room does not exceed 10 minutes. Vision correction surgery is performed in the supine position, and the eyelids are fixed with a special device, making it difficult to see freely. In fact, the patient will feel nothing except the effects of the anesthetic drops and slight discomfort as the ring is placed over the eye. This device allows you to quickly and accurately remove the desired size flap. A slight heating may be felt due to the effects of the laser beam, but essentially all sensations are relieved by the effects of the anesthetic medication, and the possible discomfort is more of a psycho-emotional nature.

Postoperative period: recovery, restrictions, post-correction recommendations

Symptoms of dizziness, eye pain, nausea, and other discomforts often occur after laser correction. Basically, these symptoms are related to psychological stress, which is inevitable in such conditions. The pain does become real after the effects of the anesthetic drops wear off, but usually on the first day your doctor will prescribe regular pain relief. Use antibiotic drops and corneal moisturizing medications. Important nuances for proper recovery after laser correction:

• You cannot touch your eyes, touch them with your hands, rub them, or affect them in any other way. This may result in flap displacement and the need for repeated intervention.
• In some cases, patients will wear special protective lenses for three to four days after surgery. They prevent eye injuries, foreign objects or contaminants from entering the eyes.
• In the week following surgery, it is recommended to limit time spent in front of the television, computer screen, or smartphone.
• It is also recommended to avoid additional eye strain, wear sunglasses when going out, and avoid exposure to frost or strong winds.
• Reduce physical activity and avoid heavy lifting and prolonged bending positions.

During the recovery period after laser vision correction, it is recommended to use eye drops containing pantothenic acid and hyaluronic acid - this is a preventive eye medication designed to moisturize and accelerate the healing process of the eye. Thanks to pantothenic acid, the drops help to: stimulate mucosal regeneration; accelerate cell division and increase the strength of collagen fibers; provide regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and protects eyes from negative effects, providing effective hydration and comfort.It is essential to see a doctor during the recovery period after laser correction. Regular vision exams will help you understand the dynamics of your recovery and prevent possible complications.

Possible consequences of laser correction

Only through self-control and discipline can the already small risk of complications be minimized. It is important to strictly follow all your doctor's advice, use prescribed medications, and follow health and wellness recommendations. In general, the risk of adverse symptoms from laser vision correction is fairly low: 0. 1% to 1. 2%.Postoperative complications include:

• The damaged area becomes swollen, inflamed, and bleeds.
• Decreased twilight vision (usually resolves spontaneously 6-9 months after surgery).
• Displacement of the flap due to trauma. Common consequences of patients touching their eyes on the first day after laser correction. In some cases, a second surgery is needed to put everything back into place.

If you experience any unusual sensations, pain or discomfort, you should seek medical advice. Often, even at the stage of consulting the patient before surgery, experts give comprehensive advice in advance and warn of possible symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about LKZ

What happens if I accidentally move my eye during surgery?

This situation is completely ruled out. During laser vision correction, special equipment is used to reliably fix the position of the patient's eyes at the desired angle.

Will vision decline again after giving birth?

This is a common myth with no statistical evidence. Vision loss during childbirth may be associated with high blood pressure, eye lesions, and other conditions. After laser correction, there is no need to postpone pregnancy plans or worry about vision loss during childbirth.

Isn’t the efficacy of laser correction that high?

According to various data, the recovery rate of patients with 1. 0 vision is 90. 8%. Another 99. 5% claimed that their vision improved within the range of 0. 5 - 1. 0, and about 1. 2% were dissatisfied with the results of the surgery. Despite the low failure rate and the risk of possible complications (most of which occur when physician recommendations are not followed), LKZ remains the most effective and successful type of visual function restoration.

How soon can I dye my eyes?

Accidental contact of cosmetics with the eyes may trigger an inflammatory process, which should be avoided at all costs. Until the cornea has completely healed (which takes 4-7 days), it is recommended to completely abandon cosmetics and not perform eyelash extensions.

Sports banned?

It is best to abstain from physical activity the day before surgery. The recovery period depends on the type of intervention. You must forget about contact sports for about a month to eliminate the risk of eye injury. Generally speaking, there are no special restrictions on exercising, the main thing is to wait until the epithelium recovers.

How long does it take for vision to be perfect?

Modern methods are not yet designed to achieve lifelong results. Typically, approximately 45% of PRK patients and 65% of LASIK patients report stable vision quality. The progressive loss of vision depends largely on the diagnosis: in patients with severe myopathy, only 25% and 37%, respectively, of vision are preserved.

Can the surgery be repeated?

With high-grade myopathy, patients sometimes decide to undergo repeat surgery to slow vision loss. This can be done two years after the first intervention, but actual indications can only be determined by an ophthalmologist during a personal examination.The advent of laser vision correction technology has enabled millions of people around the world to stop wearing glasses and contact lenses. This significantly improves the quality of life and allows people to see the world in bright colors. Characteristics and main differences between the various LKZ techniques, important questions about preparation, recovery and the extent of visual recovery after surgery - all the necessary information on this topic is provided in our review.