This will allow you to forget about myopia once and for all - laser vision correction! Is there a danger in laser correction of myopia? Pros and cons of modern operations Treatment of myopia laser vision correction.

- this is a serious defect in perception, in which the image is formed not on the retina, but in front of it. The point of the ideal image is inside the eye, and the picture reaches the retina itself in an obscure 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 literally in a matter of hours by laser correction of myopia.

Varieties 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 the correction, vision is restored (up to 100 and even 120%). The patient begins to see well already in the first few hours after the operation. Many 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 in about 1 to 6 months.

LASIK

The LASIK or LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) operation is done using an excimer laser. Indications: hyperopia (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 the corneal tissue and laser evaporation of part of the stroma are performed.

During the operation:

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

The peculiarity of the operation is that the surface protective layer of the cornea is practically not damaged (in contrast to the PRK method). The accuracy of the surgeon's actions is due to the program, in which the individual parameters of each eye are set. Recovery after such a correction is quite fast.

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 detect 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 called by the people "knifeless correction". The difference is that during the correction, the corneal flap is formed non-contact: by tissue stratification. Otherwise, the procedure differs little from LASIK, Femto LASIK is mainly recommended for those who have thin corneas.

With a more expensive Presby Femto LASIK correction The ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser is used. Restoration of vision 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, dry eyes, and blurred vision. More difficult situations: ingrowth of the epithelium under the corneal flap and its rise, which adversely affects the accuracy of perception.

There may also be ptosis or drooping upper eyelid. All of these issues need to be addressed promptly. If the operation was performed poorly, then undercorrection or overcorrection may occur. An infection is also possible, which does not bode well.

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

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

Operation cost

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

educational video

For more information on how the LASIK operation is performed, see the video.

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

PRK

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

During the PRK operation:

1. The position of the eye is centered and the epithelium is removed from the area that will be affected by laser radiation.
2. The laser forms a new surface of the cornea (up to 5-7 minutes for each eye).
3. 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 the operation, you can go in for sports, moderate physical activity. After 3-4 days, you can lead the same way of life as before the operation.

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

A variation of the operation is TransPRK (transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy). It is one-stage and without drying of the surface of the cornea. The operation is considered more accurate and safer for the eyes than conventional PRK. Due to minimal impact on the cornea TransPRK is often recommended to athletes and people leading an active lifestyle..

Possible Complications

Complications after PRK surgery are different from those that can occur after LASIK. Within a few 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, visual distortions begin. There may also be small pinpoint hemorrhages from the terminal branches of the vessels. However, if the operation is performed by experienced professionals, then the risks will be even less than in the case of LASIK.

What is the price?

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

How can myopia be corrected?

Indications for the operation: myopia up to -15.00 diopters. But with the question: until what age do the operation, everything is not so simple. Age restrictions for surgery: 55-60 years, but in some clinics it is not recommended to make a correction after 40 years. It all depends on the individual characteristics of each patient.

Correction is possible if:

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

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

It must be remembered that this is not a cosmetic manipulation, but major operation . Be sure to undergo an examination on hardware equipment, pass tests and get detailed recommendations from an ophthalmologist on choosing a correction method.

IMPORTANT! Recovery of vision after correction is observed in approximately 98% of patients. Problems occur 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 illness eye (for example, retinal detachment, central dystrophy), then he will be refused correction.

The purpose of the examination of the patient:

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

If the patient has already been treated, then you must bring medical card, test results and all issued certificates. At re-passing laser correction in another clinic will be required full information about the previous operation and the mistake made by the doctor.

The patient removes at least three days before the operation so that the eyes can rest and the cornea recovers. It is allowed to take sedatives to relieve anxiety before the operation, but alcohol is strictly prohibited. They come to the operation without makeup and in clothes with a wide collar. It is better to go back, protecting your eyes with sunglasses. In the early days, there may be a very serious photophobia, so glasses will come in handy in the future.

The operation itself lasts no longer than fifteen minutes. The patient does not feel any pain, but you need to be prepared for the fact that a special expander will be installed on the operated eye. We'll have to look at the green dot at the top and not move. The doctor will explain each of his actions, 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 to public transport and call a taxi.

Recovery period

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

To relieve symptoms after surgery, medications are often prescribed, drops that will be needed for the first few weeks. Use the drops 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 the operated eyes at least in the first days, so as not to injure them and not to infect. You should not visit the pool, swim in the sea, lake, river. Saunas and baths are very dangerous, because of which the temperature and pressure can rise. Smoking is not allowed as the smoke can get into your eyes. It is better to sleep on your side or back, and preferably alone, so that no one can accidentally push with an elbow in a dream 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;
• age up to 18 years;
• a sharp drop in vision within 6 months;
• eye injuries, infections and other diseases;
• dystrophic change in the retina;
• skin diseases(psoriasis, etc.);
• mental illness;
• diabetes, rheumatism, AIDS, asthma.

Naturally, you should not come to the operation if you have a cold and watery eyes. During the correction, you need to remain calm and fully trust the doctors. Nervous jerky movements during laser operation are highly undesirable.

It is better not to hide anything from the doctor during the examination so that there are no complications in the future. The method of correction is determined precisely at this stage.

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

Pros and cons of the procedure

Most of the patients who underwent the operation are satisfied with the result. Vision is fully restored, and glasses and lenses are forever a thing of the past. The recovery period does not last very long and you can start working in a matter of days after the operation.

Correction Benefits:

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

Disadvantages of the operation:

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

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

Note that there have been many cases when patients completely lost their sight due to the fact that they behaved incorrectly after the operation. Before the operation, clients are usually offered to sign not only a contract for the provision medical services, but also a notification that they are familiar with possible risks correction and have no claims to doctors.

Minor imperfections - discomfort after correction, residual myopia after surgery, allergic reaction on drugs, poorly performed surgery and other complications. They usually pass quickly. In extreme cases, it is possible to re-apply to the clinic (often free of charge if a doctor's mistake was made).

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

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

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

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

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

Causes and symptoms of myopia

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

Important! AT high group children are at risk of myopia adolescence, whose parents have this pathology.

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

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

The most common symptoms of myopia are:

• difficulty in recognizing objects away;
• fast fatigue eye;
• strong headaches;
• worsening twilight vision.

Degrees

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

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

3 degree. The focus of the image is at a distance from the retina more than 6 diopters. The vessels become thinner until the sclera is translucent. Possible severe complications high risk of blindness. Visibility of objects - within arm's length.

Indications for laser vision correction for myopia

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

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

Photorefractive keratectomy method: contraindications, reviews, price

Mechanical cleaning of the cornea and evaporation under the action of a laser beam of the superficial epithelial layer and, as a result, a change in the curvature of the cornea, which leads to a shift in the focus point to the retina. The result is clear vision without blurring objects in the distance.

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

Measures to prepare for the operation

1. Carrying out analyzes in the direction of a doctor (the patient gives the required blood counts for at least per month before correction by the PRK method, fluorography - per year).
2. The passage of the therapist and as needed highly specialized specialists to detect diseases in acute form, chronic pathologies and other inflammatory processes in the body, in which this method is unacceptable.
3. Diagnostics of the visual apparatus using modern computer equipment and forecasting.
4. The use of contact lenses is prohibited: hard - in 14 days to PRK, soft - in 7 days.
5. To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary cleanse the skin of cosmetics and other products. Perfumes are also banned.
6. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on time less than a month before surgery.
7. Prepare Sunglasses to be worn after an eye correction procedure.

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Operation

Before the PRK is applied anesthetic eye drops subject to surgical intervention. The anesthetic helps to avoid pain and discomfort during the procedure. Used to immobilize the eyelids during surgery. eyelid expander. Using a microsurgical spatula, the epithelial layer of the cornea is removed, then the curvature is evaporated with an excimer laser.

When using a laser device, the patient focuses the eye 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 special preparations and install a temporary protective lens.

Reference. Duration of PRK correction — no more than 10 minutes, cleaning the cornea with an excimer laser - 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 refractive surgeon using a slit lamp.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

• Correction of myopia only in case of violations of the superficial layer of the cornea (within 1 to 6 diopters). The need for a second procedure for high degrees of myopia.
• Discomfort (lacrimation, cutting pains, photophobia) during the rehabilitation period after the procedure.

• Operation on both eyes at the same time is excluded.
• Full recovery about a month, sometimes - up to 6 months.
• Probability of inaccurate correction ( 0.25-0.75 diopters).
• The risk of turbidity - Hayes.

Necessarily strict adherence to doctor's orders and taking prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. At the time of recovery, activities that require increased physical stress and stress on the visual apparatus are minimized. Severe discomfort is observed from 3 to 5 days before healing of the epithelium of the operated cornea.

Complications are unlikely. Basically, there are infectious processes, optical illusions at dusk (areolas and distortion of objects in bright light), clouding of the epithelial layer (haze).

Contraindications for carrying out

• diseases of the visual system(glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, ectopia, reduced 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 carried out until the patient reaches coming of age and in deep old age, for women - in case pregnancy and lactation period.

Reviews

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

AT recent times it seems that vision began to deteriorate You need to see your doctor again."

"I decided to have surgery. in 2015. Healing took a long time, there were painful sensations ... Turbidities have survived to this day, causing double vision. Vision has become clearer, but the bifurcation significantly interferes.

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 the separation of the epithelial layer of the corneal flap at the time of the operation and further laser resurfacing of the stromal layers of the cornea.

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

Operation

I stage. Partial section of the superficial epithelial layer of the cornea ( about 8 mm) microkeratome, which allows to provide the same thickness ( 100-150 microns). This stage opens access to the corneal stroma. Duration: 2-5 seconds.

II stage. Grinding of the inner layers with a high-precision excimer laser controlled by a computer program. The incompletely incised flap is returned to its original location. Due to the colossal short time of the layer cut, the cornea heals without additional suturing 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 operation of laser introstromal keratomileusis. Contains eight stages.

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

Reference. Important difference this method from PRK, 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, minimization of the wound zone;
• fast healing cornea - no more than 24 hours;
• there are no painful sensations both at the time of the procedure and during the rehabilitation period;
• deeper surgery: correction of myopia up to -15 diopters.;
• the possibility of performing surgery on both eyes;
• minimal chance of complications.

Disadvantages:

• a single standard of methodology that is not adjusted personally for the patient;
• this operation is excluded with a thin cornea;
• the risk of complications due to the likelihood of poor adhesion of the flap to the cornea.

During the first 1-2 hours upon completion of the correction of the visual system, the patient should be in the clinic under the supervision of a doctor.

Follow up with scheduled follow-up visits up to 3 months after the operation. It is required to use only drugs prescribed by the attending physician.

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

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

Contraindications

• Progressive myopia, recently operated retinal disinsertion.
• Eye health disorders (optic nerve atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, etc.), thin cornea ( less than 450 µm).
• Increased intraocular pressure .
• monocularity(the presence of only one working eye).
• Autoimmune diseases that reduce the regenerating 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.

Hello again, friends! As you know, myopia is the most common and frequently encountered disease of the organs of vision, due to which the quality of life is significantly reduced. In order to see distant objects well, a person has to resort to the use of corrective glasses or contact lenses, which is not always convenient and reliable.

But the treatment of myopia with a laser has established itself as the safest and most effective method fight this eye disease. To date, it is laser correction that is often used to treat myopia and other diseases of the organs of vision. This is due to the good results and the absence of the need to wear glasses or lenses after the operation.

For treatment eye ailments use the following laser correction methods:

1. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). This technique can be called the ancestor of laser correction. This method corrects low degree myopia. During PRK, the upper layer of the cornea is removed for subsequent evaporation of its middle layers.

Duration rehabilitation period is 5-6 days. The disadvantage of PRK is that in some cases such an operation does not completely cure myopia, and the person still has to wear corrective optics.

1. Subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). An indication for the use of this method is too thin cornea. During the operation, a valve is formed from the Bowman's membrane, the outer layer and the stroma (transparent layer) of the cornea. A temporary lens is used to secure and fix the valve, which does not allow it to move. The recovery period takes no more than 3 days.
2. Laser keratomileusis (LASIK). This method of laser correction is the most modern and gentle. The operation is carried out in stages: first, the surgeon carefully cuts off the epithelium of the cornea, then eliminates defects in its deep layers using a microkerator, and at the end, returns the cut area to its original place. The high efficiency of the Lasik method is due to the fact that it allows you to get rid of, and the result is felt already 3-4 hours after the operation.

In addition, after such an operation, there are no stitches left, since healing occurs due to the adhesion of cornea collagen. The main advantages of LASIK surgery include: complete restoration of vision, absence of pain, stable refractive effect, the possibility of correcting myopia up to 10 D.

Each of the above methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. The optimal method of correction should be chosen by the attending ophthalmologist, taking into account individual characteristics every patient. Most experts agree that best practices laser vision correction are PRK and LASIK.

Varieties of the LASIK method

There are several modifications of laser keratomileusis (LASIK), which have their own characteristics:

1. Super LASIK. This technique is much superior to the basic one, since laser correction in this case is carried out taking into account the individual parameters of the patient's optical system. In addition, high-precision equipment is used during the operation, which ensures the best results.
2. Femto Super LASIK. This method has many similarities with the previous one, however, not a microkerator, but a femtosecond laser is used to cut the cornea. Its uniqueness lies in obtaining a very even surface of the corneal tissue separation border without the need to mechanically act on the cornea.
3. Presby LASIK. This procedure is recommended for patients over 40 years of age.

Treatment of myopia in the Konovalov clinic

One of the most popular ophthalmological centers in Moscow and Russia - the Konovalov clinic, which provides a wide range of medical services in the field of ophthalmology.

The clinic, founded by the outstanding ophthalmologist Mikhail Yegorovich Konovalov, corrects almost all refractive anomalies: myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, etc.

Complete restoration of vision is achieved through the use of laser correction techniques such as PRK, LASIK and IOL implantation.

Separately, it should be said about the cost of an operation involving the use of a laser. So, laser keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy in the Konovalov clinic will cost 27-40 thousand rubles per eye, and the average price of intraocular lens implantation is 27 thousand rubles.

Patient reviews about laser treatment of myopia

The vast majority of patients who went through were satisfied with the effectiveness of this technique. Many of them leave rave reviews in which they talk about a significant improvement in the quality of their life after laser exposure to the affected organs of vision.

Quite often in nearsighted people after laser correction, vision is restored by almost 100%, so they can afford to refuse to use optics - glasses and contact lenses recommended by doctors.

Speaking of negative points, some patients complain of swelling, discomfort and blurred images. AT in some cases, myopia is not completely corrected, but even in such situations, patients do not regret the laser surgery performed . Sometimes patients' complaints are due to complications that developed after surgery.

Ophthalmologists often attribute this to neglect medical advice, because the final result of the correction depends precisely on how carefully all the prescriptions of the attending physician are followed.

Important! It should be remembered that even the most best clinics and highly qualified eye doctors are not able to guarantee 100% positive result operations. Unfortunately, not a single person is naturally insured against accidents, and one should also be prepared for this.

As for the ophthalmological centers where myopic patients prefer to have their eyesight corrected, most trust private clinics with experienced and reliable specialists.

• What is myopia?
• Laser correction in the clinic "SPHERE": an operation that preserves vision
• Laser correction or traditional operations?
• What are the causes of myopia?
• How to diagnose the presence of myopia?
• What will happen without myopia treatment?
• Is treatment necessary for myopia?
• Laser correction of myopia
• Glasses as a treatment tool
• contact correction

What is myopia?

Nearsightedness, or scientifically myopia, is a refractive error that reduces distance vision. To obtain a clear image, the rays passing through optical system, must be collected at a point on the retina. With myopia, the rays are focused in front of it. In order to return focus to the retina, diverging lenses with “minus” diopters are used. In the case when the light rays are not collected in a point, but in a line, they speak of astigmatism. Astigmatism is perfectly corrected in the treatment of myopia with a laser beam; The operation allows you to simultaneously get rid of two diseases at once.

Stable myopia needs to be accurately diagnosed and correctly corrected by well-chosen treatment. It is considered not a disease, but a variant of an anomaly of refraction. If myopia actively progresses to high degrees and is accompanied by a change in the biomechanical properties of the eyeball, a significant increase in the anterior-posterior size, degenerative changes in the retina and choroid, changes in the optic nerve head, they speak of myopic disease. In this case, the treatment is aimed at strengthening connective tissue and prevention of development dystrophic changes on the fundus, as well as for the correction of myopia with glasses or lenses.

Laser correction in the clinic "SPHERE": an operation that preserves vision

Treatment of myopia is necessary at any age. Correctly selected glasses are a traditional way of dealing with myopia. But it is a method of treatment that comes with many of the inconveniences familiar to people with myopia. An imperfect alternative to them are soft contact lenses, which have a negative impact on the condition. ocular surface, and also carry certain risks of developing complications if the wearing mode is not observed. Professor Eskina Erika Naumovna, Doctor of Medical Sciences, most often visits the clinic to receive treatment that will allow them not to depend on either glasses or lenses.

Laser vision correction is the most accurate, fast and safe method of treatment that will provide excellent vision for many years. It can be done between the ages of 18 and 50.

The Sphere Clinic has the largest selection of excimer and femtosecond methods for correcting myopia in Russia. During the full diagnostic examination conducted by highly qualified doctors of the Sfera clinics, all the necessary parameters of the eyeball and the presence of certain contraindications are determined, in which laser vision correction cannot be performed. As a result of this examination, you will be offered the most accurate and safe technique correction of myopia by surgery, suitable for achieving high visual acuity and forming a long-term effect.

Laser correction or traditional operations?

The set of laser techniques of the clinic is so wide that we can carry out correction with the help of surgery even for those patients who cannot be helped by others. But even in those rare cases when, on individual medical indications there is no suitable laser technique or operation for the patient, the surgeon of the clinic will find alternatives that will give the most comfortable and clear vision. The most popular non-laser vision correction methods in the clinic are orthokeratology (“night lenses”, especially popular in children and adolescents who are still too early to undergo myopia treatment surgery, with their help it is possible to stabilize the growth of myopia) and refractive lens replacement with intraocular lens implantation (this technique operations are chosen if there are contraindications to the use of a laser; in the presence of cataracts).

What are the causes of myopia?

The most common cause of myopia is an increase in the length of the eyeball. With this form, the rays that have passed through the cornea, lens and vitreous body are focused in front of the retina. They hit the retina already diverging from the focal point. Thus, a blurry image is formed.

After the baby is born, the eyeball continues to grow. Approximation of the length of the eyeball to the final size occurs in children only during the period of schooling, at the age of 8-12 years. At the same time, a perfect perception of the shape of objects and normal visual acuity are formed. Until this time, the child has physiological farsightedness, which is successfully compensated by the mechanism of accommodation. If the eyeball continues to grow, then myopia develops. In some children, the length of the eye increases earlier, and myopia appears at an earlier age.

Presumably, the reasons why in some people the eyeball stops growing earlier (then hypermetropia occurs), and in others later (myopia is formed), lie in genetic changes (PAX6, PRSS56, BMP3, KCNQ5, LAMA2, TOX, TJP2, RDH5, ZIC2, RASGRF1, GJD2, RBFOX1, SHISA6 are a number of genes, changes in the nucleotide sequences of which can lead to myopia), and so far scientists cannot influence them. There are also reasons that are easier to influence: constant visual load when using gadgets, insufficient time for fresh air, poor lighting when doing homework and others. The operation is a control over the dynamics of changes in the length of the eye, refraction, the state of the retina; correct correction of existing ametropia (refractive error); maintaining the correct ergonomics of study and work spaces.

How to diagnose the presence of myopia?

The easiest way to self-diagnose the symptoms of myopia in a child is to follow how he looks at toys or books with small pictures and how he looks into the distance: does he bring the object closer to himself and squint, looking at something in the distance? If yes, then you should contact an ophthalmologist to check your eyesight, as these signs are characteristic of the development of myopia.

Myopia immediately noticeably reduces distance visual acuity, and it is easy to detect it during a routine eye examination using the Golovin-Sivtsev table (unlike hypermetropia, which can “hide”). The main task for early stage detection of myopia - to make sure that it does not progress. If it is stable, then we can talk about laser correction. Usually stabilization occurs after 18 years. If vision continues to fall, and the “minus” grows, then before correcting myopia and performing an operation, it is necessary to stop its progression.

What will happen without myopia treatment?

Consequences of refusal of treatment and surgery:

• continued growth of the eyeball and stretching of its membranes;
• trophic disorders in the vascular and retinal membranes;
• risk of retinal detachment in case of development certain types dystrophy;
• stretching of the vessels of the eyeball, which makes them brittle;
• the likelihood of hemorrhages in the retina and vitreous body increases;

at high degree myopia and a significant increase in the size of the eyeball, cracks in the Bruch's membrane may appear, through which newly formed vessels can grow from the choroid. This leads to the appearance of edema, hemorrhages in the central zone of the retina, which significantly reduce central vision. Myopic maculopathy develops. At the same time, the patient himself feels a constant drop in vision, the inability to perform ordinary activities, his ability to work and professional opportunities are falling, up to visual disability.

Is treatment necessary for myopia?

Myopia needs to be corrected. Why?
This stops her from growing. Without correction, a person's quality of life is significantly reduced - he does not see the number of the approaching transport, does not distinguish between road signs, does not recognize the faces of friends
If myopia, especially in combination with astigmatism, is not corrected in childhood, amblyopia of varying degrees may form.

Laser correction of myopia

There are several types of laser correction of myopia, the use of which depends on the degree of myopia, the thickness of the cornea and other parameters of the eye, the age of the patient, the presence or absence of contraindications (for example, diabetes mellitus), the patient's lifestyle (office work or constant physical activity, indoors or outdoors, etc.).
The operation methods have age restrictions - the treatment of myopia with a laser can be done only after the end of eye growth (after 18–20 years). Treatment of children's myopia in the clinic "Sphere" is carried out in a complex manner, using various kinds of medication and physiotherapy methods. used spectacle correction, as well as soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology treatment (“night lenses”).

Glasses as a treatment tool

When myopia is stable, glasses are a fairly reliable and familiar means of correcting vision (most of the glasses we see on young people are "minus"). But they have a number of disadvantages:

• scattering spectacle lenses visually reduce the size of the eyeballs;
• the retinal image decreases - objects seem small;
• glasses limit peripheral vision;
• there are difficulties in correcting anisometropia (differences in eye refraction of more than 2 diopters). For example, if a person has minus 3 diopters in one eye, and minus 6 diopters in the second, then there will be a problem with wearing glasses: the maximum difference in spectacle glasses between the eyes of each individual. As a rule, one eye remains undercorrected;
• glasses are uncomfortable when playing sports;
• glasses are an obstacle in a number of professions (some military specialties, pilots, etc.);
• loss of points can interfere with planned activities;
• glasses have to be worn all the time.

contact correction

Contact lenses are a good addition to glasses, but not an alternative. A person's face in contact lenses looks more natural; in addition, they do not interfere with peripheral vision. These are serious advantages, but contact lenses also have disadvantages:

• lenses do not replace glasses. The patient will still need to have a pair of glasses and alternate them with wearing contact lenses;
• lenses are not suitable for swimming;
• contact lenses constantly irritate the cornea, which leads to subjective unpleasant sensations(itching, burning), to problems with tear production, impaired tear film stability, corneal gas exchange, etc .;
• lenses exacerbate the effects of dry eye syndrome;
• lenses are a constant risk factor for the development of infectious complications;
• lenses can not be worn with a cold;
• the purchase of contact lenses during the year is more expensive than the average pair of glasses, and in three years it is more expensive than the cost of laser vision correction in Moscow.

Orthokeratology - Approach contact correction vision, in which during the day, during the active time of the day, the patient is free from glasses and contact lenses, and at night he puts on special "night lenses". While the patient is sleeping, the lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea. Orthokeratology is able to correct myopia of varying degrees from -1 to -6.5D, and astigmatism up to -1.75D. It is suitable for children and adults.

Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) - Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses that replace the patient's own lens during surgery. Typically, this operation is used in the treatment of cataracts, but thanks to the experience and excellent equipment of the Sfera clinic, eye surgery can also be performed on a transparent lens if the patient has a high degree of myopia. This operation is called refractive lens replacement. Exist Various types IOL: monofocal, toric, multifocal, etc. A combination is possible: IOL implantation surgery followed by laser correction of the cornea.

Sharp distance vision without glasses and lenses!
Correction of myopia in the clinic "Sphere" is the joy of clear vision without glasses and contact lenses. In 1996, we were one of the first in Moscow to begin treating high myopia using German laser systems. Constant updating of technologies, regular internships of specialists in Europe and the USA, as well as the scientific activities of the clinic's doctors allow us to maintain and exceed international standards for the treatment of myopia. Daily operations are the usual work for the clinic's specialists.

Among all visual impairments, myopia is the most common type in both adults and children. Only in Russia, from 25 to 30% of the population are registered with such visual acuity impairment, and almost a third of them fail to correct it normally using generally accepted means. And these means are glasses, contact lenses, special gymnastics and so on. For modern busy person in our fast-paced age, they lose their relevance, because they create additional troubles and take time. Fortunately, over the past decade, laser eye surgery has reached a high level, which is also used to correct myopia, and solves this problem quickly and efficiently.

The concept of myopia

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

It would seem that simple physics, or rather, optics, but not everything is so simple with the eye. The eye is a complex system that includes biological lenses (cornea, lens) that 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 stress - reading, working with a computer, small details, especially in low light;
• malnutrition - lack of protein, vitamins, trace elements;
• influence of harmful production factors and bad ecology.

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

Symptoms and degrees of myopia

In Russia, a short-sighted person was called someone who does not see beyond his own hands. 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 a decrease in distance vision and squinting of the eyes, which partially compensates for vision by reducing the angle of incidence of rays on the retina.

Also, myopia is characterized by increased eye fatigue, pain in the eyeballs, headache, vague contours of objects. May also appear dark spots before eyes, dizziness.

According to the severity, 3 types of myopia are distinguished:

• 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 average myopia can be easily corrected with glasses and lenses, then at a high degree, correction is needed for both distance and near vision. In this case, it is laser correction that is indispensable.

Advice: myopia is easy to recognize in adults and in children, when the child begins to draw, read. Children have more early age you can suspect the disease when the child squints his eyes, or brings toys closer to his face.

Laser correction - indications, technique

The basis of laser vision correction is the property of a laser beam to soften the biological lens of the eye - the cornea, giving it the desired angle or radius of curvature. In the case of myopia, the cornea is made more “sloping”, 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 with the help of special instruments and computer technology.

Laser correction is indicated in cases of a high degree of 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 operated patients is not limited, but the age of 18-55 years is considered optimal, when the growth of the eyeball has already stopped, and there are no rough age-related changes and associated serious illnesses.

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 the operation: Lasik, Femto-Lasik, Epi-Lasik, Super-Lasik, Excimer, Smile and others, which differ in the way the cornea is cut and formed. But their principle remains the same: a corneal flap is formed, then the shape of the cornea is individually formed, then the flap is returned to its place, “welded”.

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