Treatment of myopia with laser vision correction. Treatment of myopia with laser: modern methods and patient reviews. Prices for laser vision correction

Among all visual impairments, myopia (myopia) is the most common type in both adults and children. In Russia alone, from 25 to 30% of the population are registered with such impaired visual acuity, and almost a third of them cannot be corrected normally using generally accepted means. And these means are glasses, contact lenses, special gymnastics, and so on. For a modern busy person in our fast-paced age, they are losing relevance because they create additional hassle and take up time. Fortunately, over the last decade, laser eye surgery has reached a high level, which is also used to correct myopia, and solves this problem quickly and effectively.

Myopia concept

Nearsightedness or myopia is a decrease in the ability to distinguish distant objects, with predominant vision at a close distance. The reason is an increase in the curvature of transparent eye lenses (cornea, lens), when light, refracted through them at a large angle, does not reach the retina, where the light-receiving cells are located.

It would seem like simple physics, or rather optics, but with the eye it’s not so simple. The eye is a complex system that includes biological lenses (cornea, lens), which can change their thickness and angle of curvature under the influence of contraction of the eye muscles. This process is influenced by many other factors, which will be discussed below.

Causes of myopia

Among other causes of myopia, the most important are:

eye fatigue during prolonged exercise - reading, working with a computer, small parts, especially in low light;
malnutrition – lack of protein, vitamins, microelements;
the influence of harmful production factors and poor ecology.

In recent decades, there has been an increase in incidence, mainly in children, adolescents and young people due to the spread of information technology. The Internet, for all its advantages, has the “other side of the coin” in the form of a negative impact on vision, especially on mobile devices, iPads, tablets, and e-books. On all these devices, unlike a book, the image is not reflected, but pixelated, causing a lot of strain on the eye muscles.

Symptoms and degrees of myopia

In Rus', a person who cannot see beyond his hands was called short-sighted. And the term myopia comes from the Greek myopio - narrowing the eyes. These names literally reflect the manifestation of the disease, the main symptoms of which are decreased distance vision and squinting of the eyes, which partially compensates for vision by reducing the angle of rays hitting the retina.

Myopia is also characterized by increased eye fatigue, pain in the eyeballs, headache, and blurred contours of objects. Dark spots before the eyes and dizziness may also appear.

Based on severity, there are 3 types of myopia:

weak degree – the level of vision is reduced to 3 diopters;
medium degree - from 3 to 6 diopters;
high degree - more than 6 diopters.

If weak and moderate myopia can be easily corrected with glasses and lenses, then with a high degree, correction is needed for both distance and near vision. In this case, laser correction is indispensable.

Advice: myopia is easy to recognize in adults and children when the child begins to draw and read. In younger children, the disease can be suspected when the child squints his eyes or brings toys closer to his face.

Laser correction - indications, technique

Laser vision correction is based on the ability of a laser beam to soften the biological lens of the eye - the cornea, giving it the desired angle or radius of curvature. In case of myopia, the cornea is made more “flat”, that is, the radius of curvature increases. As a result, the focus of the rays entering the eye is concentrated on the retina, and normal vision occurs. All this is calculated in advance using special instruments and computer technology.

Laser correction is indicated in cases of high myopia (from -6D to -15D), in other cases it is performed at the request of the patient if he does not want to use glasses and contact lenses. The age limit of the operated patients is not limited, but the optimal age is considered to be 18-55 years, when the growth of the eyeball has already stopped, and there are no gross age-related changes and concomitant severe diseases.

The laser correction procedure itself is a filigree microsurgical operation on the finest structures of the cornea, its layers. Today there are many options for surgery: Lasik, Femto-Lasik, Epi-Lasik, Super-Lasik, Excimer, Smile and others, which differ in the method of cutting and shaping the cornea. But their principle remains common: a corneal flap is formed, then the shape of the cornea is individually formed, then the flap is returned to its place, “welded.”

Video

Attention! The information on the site is presented by specialists, but is for informational purposes only and cannot be used for independent treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor!

Myopia (scientifically - myopia) is a visual impairment in which a person is able to distinguish small details of objects and images that are only close to him. Objects located at a distance from the viewer are perceived indistinctly and vaguely. The further away an object is, the worse a nearsighted person sees its details.

The physics of such refractive error as myopia (myopia), is simple: images of distant objects are focused in the eyes of nearsighted people not on the retina, as it should be in a healthy person, but in front of it. Because of this, a person sees distant objects unclearly and blurry. This can happen either due to a very strong optical refraction of the eye, or due to a change in the shape or size of the eye, which may be due to stretching of the back wall of the eye. In case myopia (myopia) is not congenital; most often it occurs in children aged 10-16 years during the growth of the eyeball. The reasons for the progression of myopia (myopia) - constant deterioration of vision that does not stop for a long time - can be, for example, certain specifics of the anatomy of the eye, hereditary factors ( myopia is inherited), myopia can also be caused by harmful factors such as stress, excessive visual stress, general diseases, poor ecology, etc.

To prescribe effective treatment, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination with dilation of the pupil and examination of the fundus. It is important to correctly determine the degree of myopia (magnitude of myopia) and the rate of its progression.

Correcting myopia with glasses

Traditionally, myopia is corrected glasses, selecting the optical properties of spectacle lenses based on the individual parameters of the patient’s myopic eyes. At the same time, of course, glasses correction of myopia has one big disadvantage - this is a whole complex of inconveniences and limitations that glasses bring to their owners. Wearing glasses is inconvenient and sometimes simply impossible to engage in active sports (swimming, skiing or snowboarding, water sports, playing tennis, volleyball, football and other team games). Glasses often sweat, and may even break or get lost, leaving their nearsighted owner helpless.

Correction of myopia with lenses

Contact lenses, which appeared in the 20th century, expanded the range of possibilities for those whom myopia greatly constrained and limited, but they could not completely relieve them of problems and inconveniences. Wearing lenses every day is also quite a troublesome process, and, importantly, not safe. Long-term wearing of contact lenses limits the supply of oxygen to the cornea, which ultimately leads to a lack of tear fluid (dry eye syndrome), corneal swelling and vascular ingrowth. In addition, there is individual intolerance to lenses.

Myopia correction with laser

At the end of the 20th century, new technologies entered the fight against myopia - in the 90s all over the world for myopia treatment and vision correction began to be actively used excimer laser. To correct myopia, it is necessary to correct the optical power of the eye by moving the point on the retina at which the beam of light rays penetrating into the eye converges. To do this, it is necessary to make the cornea flatter, which is achieved by exposing the cornea to a laser beam. This is the essence of the procedure.

Over the course of twenty years of widespread use of laser correction of myopia, technologies have been constantly progressing. Methods for laser correction of myopia are being improved, and new equipment is appearing. Techniques for laser correction of myopia are being improved, and new things are emerging. During this time, refractive surgeons have already accumulated enough experience to make laser correction the most effective, fast, painless and safe procedure for correcting myopia.

If myopia progresses, a general strengthening regimen, physical exercise, walks in the fresh air, oral intake of vitamins and calcium and phosphorus preparations, a visual load regimen are important; if accommodation is weakened, reflexology and visual stimulation are important. If the above measures are ineffective, surgical treatment is indicated. myopia treatment- scleroplasty, which aims to strengthen the back wall of the eye using various materials (donor sclera, collagen, silicone, etc.). The effectiveness of such an operation is 50-70%. A slight deterioration in the quality of vision by 0.5 diopters over 1-2 years is not progression.

Methods for correcting myopia

With stable myopia, after 18-20 years, when the growth of the body, including the eyeball, ends, it is possible myopia correction in an operative way. For this purpose, excimer laser operations are performed: as well as surgical implantation of a phakic lens. Myopia comes in 3 degrees: low, medium and high. Correction of mild myopia (up to -3, -4 diopters) can be carried out using Femto LASIK 3D, LASIK, REIK, LASEK; moderate and high degrees of myopia - only with Femto LASIK 3D and REIK methods.
If laser correction and IOL implantation are not possible, lens replacement surgery is also considered.

Prices for laser vision correction

Treatment of progressive myopia

Myopia (myopia) is one of the most common ophthalmopathologies in the world, which is characterized by decreased visual acuity when looking into the distance and requires correction either with glasses or contact lenses, or with a laser in the absence of contraindications.
According to ophthalmological scientists, today in Russia, the USA and Europe, every third or fourth resident suffers from myopia. If the disease continues to spread at the same rate, then in 2 years there will be 2.5 billion myopic people on Earth.

Price

SURGERY

Femto-LASIK 3D) (cost per 1 eye)

Femto LASIK 3D myopia up to 6.0D without astigmatism or not higher than 2.5D

57 500

Femto LASIK 3D myopia up to 6.0D with astigmatism from 2.75D and above

Femto LASIK 3D myopia from 6.25D without astigmatism or not higher than 2.5D

59 000

Femto LASIK 3D myopia from 6.25D with astigmatism from 2.75D and above

Femto LASIK 3D hyperopia without astigmatism or up to 2.0D

60 000

Femto LASIK 3D hypermetropia with astigmatism above 2.0D

Femto LASIK 3D mixed astigmatism up to 2.5D

58 500

Femto LASIK 3D mixed astigmatism from 2.75D and above

Laser vision correction (refractive surgery in the corneal stroma according to the method REIC) (cost per 1 eye)

REIC myopia up to 6.0 D without astigmatism or not higher than 2.5 D

Laser vision correction is a modern surgical method that allows you to solve eye refractive problems.

During the operation the shape of the cornea changes, which leads to the projection of the image onto the retina and a clear vision of the environment.

The operation is very quick, it is painless, and complications after it are minimized.

Causes and symptoms of myopia

long-term stress(low illumination of the workplace, prolonged sitting at the computer, harmful working conditions);
deficit vitamin-mineral complex;
increased intracranial and intraocular pressure;
injuries visual apparatus;
ignoring the first symptoms of myopia;
incorrectly selected optics in the early stages of myopia to correct visual impairments;
congenital pathology;
hereditary predisposition.

Important! Adolescent children are at high risk of developing myopia. whose parents have this pathology.

other reasons leading to a weakened state of the body and obstruction of the normal supply of nutrients to the eye: infectious diseases, traumatic brain injuries, hormonal disorders, etc.

Reference. Particularly important for the visual system vitamins of groups B and C, as well as a number of microelements: magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese.

The most common symptoms of myopia:

difficulty recognizing objects in the distance;
fast fatigue eye;
strong headache;
deterioration twilight vision.

Degrees

1st degree. Distance between image focus and retina less than 3 diopters, lengthening of the eye axis from standard values (24 mm) - about 1.5 mm. Objects in the distance are blurred.

2nd degree. Removing focus from the retina in range from 3 to 6 diopters. Elongation of the eye axis - approx. 3 mm. Stretching and thinning of the ocular vessels, initiation of processes of degeneration of the eyeball. At a distance more than 30 cm objects are blurred.

3rd degree. The focus of the image from the retina is at a distance more than 6 diopters. The vessels become thinner until the sclera becomes visible. Severe complications are possible, and there is a high probability of going blind. Visibility of objects - within arm's reach.

Indications for laser vision correction for myopia

A state of stable (permanent) myopia.
Combination of myopia with astigmatism.
Image focusing distance to retina no more than 10.0 diopters.
Inconvenience due to professional or other activities, which forces you to wear optical accessories - contact lenses or glasses.

The laser correction method is not a treatment procedure that stops the development of myopia. This measure is temporary Possible long-term vision improvement when identifying the causes of myopia and their immediate treatment, as well as elimination.

Photorefractive keratectomy method: contraindications, reviews, price

Mechanical cleansing of the cornea And evaporation under the action of a laser beam of the surface epithelial layer and, as a consequence, a change in the curvature of the cornea, which leads to a shift in the focal point to the retina. The result is clear vision without blurring distant objects.

Photo 1. Schematic representation of the stages of the photorefractive keratectomy operation. There are four stages in total.

Preparatory measures for surgery

Carrying out analyzes according to the doctor’s direction (the patient donates the required blood values at least per month before correction using PRK, fluorography - in a year).
Passing a therapist and as needed highly specialized specialists to identify acute diseases, chronic pathologies and other inflammatory processes in the body for which this method is unacceptable.
Diagnosis of the visual apparatus using modern computer equipment and making a forecast.
The use of contact lenses is prohibited: hard - in 14 days to PRK, soft - in 7 days.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary cleanse the skin of cosmetics and other products. Perfumery is also prohibited.
Drinking alcoholic beverages on time is not allowed less than a month before surgery.
Prepare Sunglasses for wearing after eye correction procedure.

Carrying out the operation

Before performing PRK, apply anesthetic eye drops subject to surgical intervention. The anesthetic helps to avoid painful and unpleasant sensations during the procedure. Used to immobilize eyelids during surgery eyelid speculum The epithelial layer of the cornea is removed using a microsurgical spatula, followed by evaporation of the curvature with an excimer laser.

When operating the laser device, the patient focuses the gaze on a specific luminous point, if necessary, the eye is fixed with a vacuum ring.

After the operation is completed, the surface of the eye is disinfected and treated with special preparations, and a temporary protective lens is installed.

Reference. Duration of correction using PRK method — no more than 10 minutes, corneal excimer laser cleansing takes less than a minute. The patient needs to be within 2 hours in the clinic after the operation to monitor well-being and check the visual apparatus by a refractologist surgeon using a slit lamp.

Advantages:

safety of the method;
80% normalization of vision among patients;
minimum possible complications;
correction is permissible with a thin corneal layer;
the possibility of a postoperative period on an outpatient basis;
compatibility with an active lifestyle after correction.

Flaws:

Correction of myopia only in case of violations of the surface layer of the cornea (within from 1 to 6 diopters). The need for a repeat procedure for high degrees of myopia.
Discomfort (tearfulness, cutting pain, photophobia) during rehabilitation after the procedure.

It is impossible to perform surgery on both eyes at the same time.
Full recovery takes about a month, sometimes - up to 6 months.
Probability of inaccurate correction ( 0.25—0.75 diopters).
Risk of haze formation.

Necessarily strict adherence to doctor's orders And taking prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs And painkillers. During recovery, minimize activities that require increased physical stress and stress on the visual apparatus. Pronounced discomfort is observed from 3 to 5 days until the epithelium of the operated cornea heals.

Complications are unlikely. Mainly, infectious processes occur, optical illusions in the twilight (areolas and distortions of objects in bright light), opacities of the epithelial layer (haze).

Contraindications for carrying out

diseases of the visual system(glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, ectopia, decreased sensitivity of the cornea, retinal detachment);
Availability chronic diseases in an acute form (including diabetes mellitus) and inflammatory processes in the body;
unstable or severe psycho-emotional state.

Attention! Laser vision correction is not performed until the patient reaches coming of age and in deep old age, for women - in case pregnancy and lactation period.

Reviews

« In 2012 The ophthalmology center advised me to do PRK ( myopia was -3). The pain is gone within a month. It was very unusual to see clearly and stop squinting.

Lately it seems like vision began to deteriorate, we need to consult a doctor again.”

“I decided to have the operation in 2015. Healing took a long time, there were painful sensations... The opacities have persisted to this day, causing double vision. Vision has become clearer, but double vision is a significant hindrance.”

Price - from 22,000 to 36,000 rubles.

Treatment with laser intrastromal keratomileusis

Modern safe and gentle method of vision correction, which eliminates the need for optical accessories one day after the procedure. It is based on separation of the epithelial layer of the corneal flap during the operation and further laser resurfacing of the stromal layers of the cornea.

Important! Preparation for surgery is similar with the PRK method. Before correction is required taking tests according to the direction of the attending physician and appointment with highly specialized specialists of necessity.

Carrying out the operation

Stage I. Partial section of the superficial epithelial layer of the cornea ( about 8 mm) microkeratome, allowing for uniform thickness ( 100-150 microns). This stage provides access to the corneal stroma. Duration: 2-5 seconds.

Stage II. Grinding of internal layers using a high-precision excimer laser controlled by a computer program. The incompletely cut flap is returned to its original location. Due to the colossal short time of layer cutting, the cornea heals without additional sutures according to the principle of adhesion (sticking together). The duration of the stage is from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Photo 2. Schematic representation of the sequence of the laser introstromal keratomileusis operation. Contains eight stages.

During the operation, similar to the PRK method, the surgeon uses anesthetic, eyelid speculum and vacuum ring, and upon completion - disinfectants.

Reference. An important difference between this method and PRK is that LASIK surgery affects the deep layers of the cornea, which makes this method suitable for people with more severe myopia.

Advantages:

absence of seams and scars, minimizing the wound area;
rapid healing of the cornea - no more than 24 hours;
there is no pain either during the procedure or during the rehabilitation period;
deeper surgical intervention: correction of myopia up to -15 diopters.;
possibility of performing surgery on both eyes;
minimal likelihood of complications.

Flaws:

a single standard of methodology that is not adjusted personally for the patient;
This operation cannot be performed if the cornea is thin;
risk of complications due to the possibility of poor adhesion of the flap to the cornea.

In the first 1-2 hours Upon completion of the correction of the visual system, the patient must be in the clinic under the supervision of a doctor.

In the future, follow the prescribed examinations during up to 3 months after the operation. It is required to use only medications prescribed by your doctor.

It is forbidden to rub your eyes; in case of tearing, wet your vision with a clean, lint-free cloth. In the coming 2-3 days It is not recommended to use shampoos, hairsprays and other products that can cause irritation in the operated eye. Be sure to minimize physical activity, including possible traumatic sports and recreation.

Complications: the need for re-correction 5-7% of patients due to insufficient effect of normalizing vision and incorrect attachment of the flap; probability of feeling discomfort in the twilight (unclear images of illuminated objects, sensitivity to light) on average about 6 months due to the dilation of the pupil of the eye, which has undergone correction; development of keratoconus after few years; astigmatism.

Contraindications

Progressive myopia, recently operated on retinal disinsertion.
Eye health problems (optic atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, etc.), thin cornea ( less than 450 microns).
Increased intraocular pressure.
Monocularity(having only one working eye).
Autoimmune diseases, reducing the regenerative ability of the cornea.
Severe damage to the body in connection with viral, infectious or other diseases (retinopathy in diabetes mellitus), which can significantly slow down recovery.
Pregnancy And lactation.
Age under 18 years old And over 55.
Skin problems.
Deviations of a psychological and neurological nature.

is a serious defect of perception in which the image is formed not on the retina, but in front of it. The point of the ideal image ends up inside the eye, and the image reaches the retina in an unclear form. As a result, a person sees well near, but cannot see distant objects.

The disease is a serious problem if, for example, you need to carefully work with documents or spend a lot of time driving. Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to restore vision in literally a matter of hours through laser correction of myopia.

Types of excimer laser intervention

There are two types of excimerlase surgeries: LASIK and PRK. It allows you to correct, correct myopia (myopia) and.

Types of operations:

LASIK;
Super LASIK;
Femto LASIK;
Presby Femto LASIK;
TransFRK.

After correction, vision is restored (up to 100 and even 120%). The patient begins to see well within the first few hours after the operation. Many people start work the very next day, but it is advisable not to strain your eyes at least during the first 3-4 days. In the first week, noticeable improvements occur, and vision finally stabilizes within about 1 to 6 months.

LASIK

LASIK or LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is performed using an excimer laser. Indications: farsightedness (up to +4.00 diopters), myopia (up to −15.00 diopters), astigmatism (up to ±3.00 diopters). The essence of the operation is that mechanical excision of corneal tissue and laser evaporation of part of the stroma are performed.

During the operation:

First, a corneal flap with a diameter of about 8 mm is created in the superficial layers of the cornea in 2-5 seconds.
Next, a new profile of the cornea is created using a laser, so that the rays are then focused precisely on the retina of the eye.
After reshaping the surface of the cornea, the superficial corneal flap, separated at the first stage, is returned to its place.

The peculiarity of the operation is that the surface protective layer of the cornea is practically not damaged (unlike the PRK method). The accuracy of the surgeon’s actions is determined by a program in which the individual parameters of each eye are specified. Recovery after such a correction occurs quite quickly.

A more advanced technique is called Super LASIK.. During the operation, the Wave Scan program is used, which is able to take into account even the pattern of the iris and can identify higher-order distortions. Super LASIK correction is more expensive than regular LASIK.

Correction can be carried out using a femtosecond laser. In this case, the procedure will be called Femto LASIK or, as it is often popularly called, “knifeless correction.” The difference is that during correction, a corneal flap is formed non-contactly: by tissue delamination. Otherwise, the procedure differs little from LASIK; Femto LASIK is mainly recommended for those with thin corneas.

For more expensive Presby Femto LASIK correction The ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser is used. Vision restoration occurs painlessly and in one day.

Possible complications

Possible complications after surgery are rare. While the corneal flap is healing, the patient may experience watery eyes, problems with night vision, a feeling of dry eyes, and blurred vision. More complex situations: ingrowth of the epithelium under the corneal flap and its elevation, which negatively affects the accuracy of perception.

Ptosis or drooping of the upper eyelid may also be observed. All these problems require prompt elimination. If the operation was performed poorly, undercorrection or overcorrection may occur. It is also possible to get an infection, which does not bode well.

Often patients also complain about the so-called night blindness, that is, limited vision at night. Due to the dilation of the pupil, rays begin to penetrate into the eye and pass through the edge of the cornea. Over time, problems with poor vision in the dark usually disappear.

IMPORTANT! The biggest problem after repair is damage or loss of the flap due to trauma during the first month after surgery. Only in this case there is a risk of losing vision. In other cases, the risk of blindness is minimal.

Cost of the operation

LASIK surgery price: from 30 thousand rubles, Super LASIK - from 40 thousand rubles, Femto LASIK - from 60-70 thousand rubles, Presby Femto LASIK - from 100 thousand rubles per eye.

To these costs, do not forget to add the cost of a comprehensive examination by a doctor before surgery. The first examinations after correction are usually free, but you will have to pay for subsequent visits.

Educational video

For more information on how LASIK surgery is performed, watch the video.

Attention! This video contains video footage of a surgical operation!

PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is another method of vision correction using an excimer laser. Indications: myopia up to -6.0 D, astigmatism up to -3.0 D, farsightedness up to +3.0 D. With PRK there is also an effect on the cornea and evaporation of tissue from the surface. But after the laser treatment, the patient is also fitted with a special lens. Due to this, it is easier to recover from surgery, and it is also possible to carry out the correction on both eyes at once.

During PRK surgery:

The position of the eye is centered and the epithelium is removed from the area that will be affected by laser radiation.
The laser forms a new surface of the cornea (up to 5-7 minutes for each eye).
The cornea is washed and a special protective lens is put on the eye (just for a couple of days for faster healing).

As with LASIK, PRK is performed fairly quickly. After surgery, you can engage in sports and moderate physical activity. After 3-4 days you can lead the same lifestyle as before the operation.

The peculiarity of PRK is also that it can be done for any shape of the eye orbit, thin cornea, and also in cases where additional correction is required after an already performed surgical intervention. Photorefractive keratectomy does not disrupt the internal structure of the cornea.

A type of operation is TransPRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy). It is one-stage and does not dry out the surface of the cornea. The surgery is considered more precise and safer for the eyes than conventional PRK. Due to minimal impact on the cornea TransPRK is often recommended for athletes and people leading an active lifestyle..

Possible complications

Complications after PRK surgery are different from those that can occur after LASIK. For several days after the correction, discomfort in the eye area may be observed, which is relieved by wearing lenses.

It is also possible to reduce the transparency of the cornea (1.5-3%), regression of myopia in the future with a certain amount of initial myopia. Light perception may change and visual distortions may begin. There may also be small pinpoint hemorrhages from the terminal branches of the vessels. However, if the operation is performed by experienced professionals, the risks will be even lower than in the case of LASIK.

What is the price?

The cost of PRK is from 25-30 thousand rubles, TransPRK - from 40 thousand rubles per eye.

In what cases is it possible to correct myopia?

Indications for the operation: myopia up to −15.00 diopters. But with the question: up to what age is surgery performed? It’s not so simple. Age restrictions for surgery: 55-60 years, but some clinics do not recommend correction after 40 years. It all depends on the individual characteristics of each patient.

Correction is possible if:

age from 18 to 60 years;
no diseases of the retina and cornea, infectious or somatic diseases;
residual corneal thickness 400 microns (for FemtoLastic 500 microns);
relatively smooth surface of the cornea.

The size of the ablation zone should always be larger than the diameter of the pupil. The operation is not recommended for those who have an irregular cornea with topographic patterns in the form of an asymmetrical butterfly, or asymmetrical keratometry data, as well as thinning of the posterior layers.

It must be remembered that this is not a cosmetic manipulation, but a serious operation.. It is imperative to undergo an examination using hardware equipment, take tests and receive detailed recommendations from an ophthalmologist on choosing a correction method.

IMPORTANT! Vision restoration after correction is observed in approximately 98% of patients. Problems arise in no more than 1-2% of cases.

Examinations and preparation for correction

The operation is preceded by a thorough examination by a doctor. Correction is possible only with stable vision, and if during the examination it turns out that the patient has serious eye diseases (for example, retinal detachment, central dystrophy), then he will be denied correction.

Purpose of patient examination:

During the examination, autorefractometry, keratometry, non-contact tonometry, precise determination of visual acuity, biomicroscopy, perimetry, ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound, pachymetry are performed. The fundus is examined using a Goldmann lens.

If the patient has already undergone treatment, then it is necessary to bring a medical record, test results and all issued certificates. When undergoing laser correction again in another clinic, you will need complete information about the previous operation and the doctor’s mistake.

The patient takes it off at least three days before surgery to allow the eyes to rest and the cornea to recover. You can take sedatives to relieve anxiety before surgery, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. People come to the operation without makeup and in clothes with a wide collar. It is better to drive back, protecting your eyes with sunglasses. Photophobia may be quite serious in the first days, so glasses will be useful in the future.

The operation itself lasts no longer than fifteen minutes. The patient does not experience any pain, but you need to be prepared for the fact that a special expander will be installed on the operated eye. You will have to look at the green dot at the top and not move. The doctor will explain his every action, so that the patient is aware of all his actions.

After the correction, there will be a not very pleasant feeling in the eyes, so it is recommended not to go back by public transport, but to call a taxi.

Recovery period

After the operation, it is advisable to take a couple of days off. Rest and try not to strain or close your eyes. It is better not to work at the computer, looking at small letters and limit watching TV. It is prohibited to drink alcohol in the first days after correction.

To relieve symptoms after surgery, medications and drops are often prescribed, which will be needed during the first few weeks. The drops must be used very carefully, without touching the eye. It is also forbidden to apply makeup in the first days.

Recommendations after surgery:

sleeping on your back or side;
regular check-ups with a doctor;
do not rub your eyes;
follow all doctor's instructions.

It is better not to wash your operated eyes at least in the first days, so as not to injure them or cause an infection. You should not visit the pool, swim in the sea, lake, or river. Saunas and baths are very dangerous, because of which the temperature and pressure can increase. Smoking is not allowed as smoke may get into your eyes. It is better to sleep on your side or back and preferably alone, so that no one can accidentally push you with your elbow in your sleep and touch the eye area.

Contraindications

As with any operation, there are certain contraindications for laser correction. The doctor will definitely warn the patient about them at the stage of preliminary examination.

Main contraindications:

pregnancy, lactation period;
age under 18 years;
a sharp decline in vision within 6 months;
eye injuries, infections and other diseases;
dystrophic change in the retina;
skin diseases (psoriasis, etc.);
mental illnesses;
diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, AIDS, asthma.

Naturally, you should not come for surgery if you have a cold and your eyes are watering. During the correction, you need to remain calm and completely trust the doctors. Nervous sudden movements during laser operation are extremely undesirable.

It is better not to hide anything from the doctor during the examination, so that complications do not arise in the future. The method of correction is determined at this stage.

IMPORTANT! Laser correction is not possible if there is a diagnosis of optic atrophy, cataract or keratoconus.

Pros and cons of the procedure

Most patients who have undergone surgery are satisfied with the results obtained. Vision is completely restored, and glasses and contact lenses are a thing of the past forever. The recovery period lasts very short and you can start working within a few days after the operation.

Benefits of correction:

painlessness of the procedure;
fast recovery;
selection of correction options;
98% result.

Disadvantages of the operation:

high price;
possible complications after correction;
restrictions during the recovery period;
risk of overcorrection, undercorrection.

The main disadvantage of laser correction is the risk of vision loss. After surgery, you need to be very careful about your health. You can injure your operated eyes with a branch in the country, or while playing with a child or dog. It is best to limit physical activity and protect your eyes from any external influence as much as possible. It is also necessary to undergo examinations with a doctor in order to notice complications in time.

Let us note that there have been many cases where patients completely lost their vision due to improper behavior after surgery. Before the operation, clients are usually asked to sign not only an agreement for the provision of medical services, but also a notice stating that they are familiar with the possible risks of correction and have no claims against the doctors.

Minor drawbacks - discomfort after correction, residual myopia after surgery, allergic reaction to drugs, poorly performed surgery and other complications. They usually go away quickly. As a last resort, it is possible to return to the clinic (often free, if a doctor’s mistake was made).

It is advisable to study all the pros and cons of treating myopia with laser correction at least a month before surgery. The clinic where the operation will be performed is also carefully selected, as well as the doctor who will work with the laser.

IMPORTANT! When performing laser correction, the risk of medical error and corneal trauma is very small. The accuracy of all manipulations is determined by a computer program. It is impossible to go blind during the operation, since all manipulations are superficial and no deep incisions are made.

One of the important problems of ophthalmology, since this type of pathology is very common. Laser techniques are the most effective way to relieve a person of poor vision forever (which cannot be said about glasses or).

The following degrees of myopia are distinguished:

weak degree - up to 3.0 diopters,
average degree - 3.25 to 6.0 diopters,
high degree - more than 6 diopters.

Treatment of myopia in children

Treatment of myopia in children should be careful. The number of patients with this vision pathology increases every year. The following factors may contribute to this:

excess visual stress (frequent use of computers, tablets, smartphones, e-books, etc.),
unfavorable environmental situation,
genetic predisposition,
irrational and unbalanced nutrition,
lack of physical activity.

In this regard, children who have just entered first grade are often diagnosed with myopia. This condition requires dynamic monitoring by an ophthalmologist, as well as timely and effective therapy.

Laser treatment methods for myopia are not used in children. Since active growth of eyeball tissue occurs in childhood, the outcome of surgical intervention is difficult to predict.

In addition, a distinctive feature of children's visual organs is their excellent ability to adapt. Using a complex technique, it is possible to improve vision in children with myopia without the use of surgical intervention.

Treatment of myopia in children is carried out using:

hardware techniques,
glasses or contact lenses,
restrictions on working with a computer, etc.,
moderate physical activity,
course of vitamins and antioxidants.

The presence of myopia in children also implies treatment for associated anomalies, such as “lazy eye” syndrome due to a large difference in the refractive power of both eyes.

Treatment of myopia in adults

There are many methods for treating myopia in adults:

wearing glasses and contact lenses,
hardware techniques (used in complex therapy),
laser treatment.

The choice of treatment method will depend on the following factors: the degree of myopia, the patient’s age, the patient’s desire, and professional activity. The presence of high myopia leads to significant restrictions in the patient’s daily life. Laser treatment of myopia in this case will be the best choice.

Video by a refractive surgeon about methods for eliminating myopia

Laser treatment for myopia

Laser treatment refers to microsurgical operations and is a highly effective method of vision restoration. There are several ways to perform surgery using a laser. The principle of all methods is based on a change in refractive power under the influence of high-precision laser radiation. During the operation, optimal refractive indices for each individual patient are achieved, allowing for restoration of visual acuity.

Advantages of laser treatment for myopia:

Speed of execution. The laser operation takes 10 minutes.
Fast rehabilitation. The recovery period is several days, after which the patient can return to normal activities without the need to use glasses or contact lenses.
Stable result. Laser treatment methods have been used for many years, which makes it possible to analyze data on long-term results of surgery. Patients live a full life, they do not need contact vision correction with glasses or lenses 10 or more years after laser treatment for myopia.

Price of laser treatment for myopia

The cost of laser treatment for myopia differs depending on the method, clinic, qualifications of the ophthalmic surgeon, and the scope of the intervention. Prices for laser vision correction using the most popular method - LASIK in eye clinics in Moscow start, on average, from 35,000 rubles.