Laser correction - when is it too early and when is it too late?

Laser correction is a safe and highly effective method of vision restoration. Every year, more than three million operations are performed around the world to get rid of wearing glasses. People are no longer wary of this kind of intervention, seeing their effectiveness. Unfortunately, this method of vision correction is not suitable for everyone.

Laser vision correction is a set of techniques, the indications and contraindications for which depend on the age and health of the patient. The principle of laser vision correction is to correct the cornea and create optimal conditions so that the refracted beam of light is focused directly on the retina. When exposed to the cornea, the laser evaporates its thinnest layer, so before surgery, patients must undergo a full ophthalmological examination, which allows them to obtain accurate data on the state of the visual system. If all indications are normal, you can choose your preferred date for the procedure, and then forget about myopia, astigmatism and farsightedness for many years.

Eye surgery for myopia with laser

• Laser vision correction is most often performed for myopia. However, this procedure is not always completely safe.
• To understand whether you need such a procedure, understand its essence. In laser vision correction, the doctor uses a laser on the cornea of ​​the eye. At the same time, its shape changes irrevocably
• Scientists around the world cannot guarantee 100% safety of this procedure. There is a high probability of complications, especially after a long period of time
• Laser correction does not guarantee absolutely good vision and avoidance of glasses (or contact lenses). It may happen that your vision changes only slightly for the better.
• If you decide to undergo this procedure, be sure to choose a good clinic.

What types of myopia vision can be treated with laser correction?

• Laser vision correction for myopia can be done from -1 to -15 dioprics
• The procedures work best if the patient’s vision is down to -10 dioprics and does not decline for several years

Laser correction for myopia and farsightedness

Is laser vision correction worth it?

Advantages of laser vision correction:

• Laser correction can be prescribed for many vision disorders. Therefore, it is quite universal and widespread
• Many positive results and good patient reviews
• Not a long list of contraindications. This makes it possible to perform the operation on a wide range of the population.
• No general anesthesia during surgery. Due to the fact that the laser correction procedure is not too painful, it is performed under local anesthesia
• Fast speed of the procedure. Typically, the procedure itself takes less than 15 minutes.

Disadvantages of the procedure:

• Possibility of complications. Moreover, there is a lack of studies that prove normal vision health after 10-15 years after the procedure
• There is no guarantee that vision will not return to its previous state
• The cost of the operation is quite high
• Presence of contraindications in which surgery should not be performed
• Age barrier. Laser correction is not performed on young people under 18 years of age. Likewise, this procedure is not advisable for older people

Age restrictions for LKZ

The procedure for laser vision correction is safe, but those over 60 years of age require careful examination for contraindications . The doctor is chosen to be experienced and trustworthy.

If after the examination it turns out that there are no contraindications, then the operation is performed. If there are contraindications, then the operation is not performed.

LKZ cannot be performed if a person suffers from:

• Cataracts.
• Glaucoma.
• Age-related pathological changes in the lens.
• Pathology in the retina.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Tuberculosis.
• Inflammation in the body.
• Oncology.
• Other common diseases.

At what age can you have laser vision correction?

Until the age of 18, the eyeball, retina and cornea are at the stage of formation. During the process of growth, the refraction may change, so it is not recommended to perform the operation earlier .

Despite this, there are cases in the world and in the Russian Federation when similar corrections are made to primary schoolchildren and teenagers.

The doctor can give the go-ahead and a referral for the procedure if, for example, the child is farsighted in the right eye and has astigmatism, and the left eye is nearsighted and does not tolerate correction with glasses well.

If nothing is done, the child’s visual system will continue to develop pathologically. For such diagnoses, ophthalmologists recommend LKZ to their patients.

The best option for LKZ: from 18 to 45 years

Ophthalmologists believe that it is optimal when laser vision correction surgery is performed on people aged 18-45 years.

Important! One year before surgery, vision should not deteriorate.

Until the age of 18, the eyeball of adolescents grows and this provokes worsening myopia. That is why they operate after the age of 18 , when vision stops deteriorating significantly.

Photo 1. Schematic representation of the stages of laser vision correction surgery. In total, the LKZ consists of three parts.

Up to 45 years of age, men and women have fewer chronic diseases and contraindications for surgery. From the age of 45, many people experience age-related changes in their bodies and develop farsightedness. This means that people will need reading glasses, as they have difficulty seeing the small print of magazines, newspapers, and computers. Experts explain to patients that if myopia is severe, after surgery the vision will remain less than 100% .

Peculiarities! After an examination based on the patient’s health condition, the ophthalmologist will allow or prohibit him from making a correction.

Vision correction after 40, 50 years, until what age is surgery performed?

Ophthalmological practice shows that people who turn to clinics for help after 40 and even 50 years old successfully undergo laser correction. How successful the operation will be depends on the pathology that the person had and how much it has developed.

Laser correction does not protect the patient from presbyopia. is most effective for myopia up to minus 15.0 D or farsightedness up to plus 6.0 D. When a patient is over 50 , he makes the decision to undergo surgery based on a complete examination of the body and the decision of his attending ophthalmologist. If there are no serious contraindications, the patient is ready for surgery and the doctor approves, then a day and time will be assigned to him at the selected clinic.

Photo 2. The process of laser vision correction. Doctors monitor the condition of the eyes on a special monitor.

At what age can vision correction be performed and for how long?

• One of the contraindications for the laser correction procedure is the age limit. This operation is not permitted for children under 18 years of age.
• In fact, the age number is extremely abstract. It's not a matter of age, but the fact that it makes no sense to do such a procedure on an underdeveloped eye apparatus. And until the age of 18 - 20 it has not yet fully developed
• Also, it is not advisable to undergo laser correction after 45-50 years of age. The healing process is worse and the cornea may not return to a healthy state
• It is not recommended to treat age-related farsightedness with laser correction. It occurs due to changes in the lens of the eye and there is no way to fix it

Rehabilitation after laser vision correction

What contraindications to laser vision correction can be eliminated?

One of the temporary limitations to laser vision correction is the rapid progression of myopia and hypermetropia - in this case, it will be necessary to undergo a therapeutic course prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Once the process has stabilized, you can begin preparing for laser vision correction. The same applies to various ailments such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, stye - they can only delay surgery for a while.

If retinal pathologies were identified during diagnosis, the operation should be postponed. Dystrophic changes, depending on the condition, may become a temporary obstacle to the procedure.

In this case, the patient is recommended a laser coagulation procedure, which prevents the progression of the disease and strengthens the retina. Once the patient's condition has stabilized, laser vision correction can be considered.

How long is rehabilitation and recovery after vision correction surgery?

• After the laser correction procedure, the patient must stay in the clinic for some time. Usually this is a fairly short time - about two hours
• The doctor makes an examination, a conclusion and sends the patient home. At the same time, he is prescribed special antibiotic drops and gel
• For some time (4 - 5) days, the patient carries out home treatment prescribed by the doctor, and then goes to the clinic to observe the condition of the eye
• Complete healing occurs within two weeks. However, this process is purely individual. It can be either faster or longer

Features of rehabilitation

The patient stays in the clinic for a couple of hours after the operation, then the doctor examines him, writes out a conclusion, gives recommendations on care and lifestyle, and sends him home. Additionally, topical gels and antibiotic drops may be prescribed.

You will need to rest for 5 days and carry out the treatment prescribed by your doctor, then come for a consultation and examination.

Complete healing on average requires a couple of weeks, but this indicator is still individual - much depends on the characteristics of the individual patient.

From drops, doctors usually prescribe Systane and Tobradex. Do not self-medicate - your doctor should choose the drug for you. Do the instillation very carefully, with clean hands, and do not touch the eye with the tip of the pipette. The drops should fall into the hollow between the skin of the eyelids and the apple of the eye. After the procedure, the eyes are closed so that the medicinal substance is distributed evenly.

What drops should I use after vision correction?

• Drops and gel that need to be instilled into the eye after surgery are usually prescribed by a doctor. Don't self-medicate
• One option for drops is Tobradex. These drops need to be dripped for 9 days, gradually reducing the number of instillations (the first 3 days - 5 times a day, then - 4 and 3 times a day)
• Another popular drop for eye healing is Systane Ultra. They need to be dripped for a month 2 or 3 times a day
• You need to instill gas carefully, after washing your hands with soap.
• Do not touch the tip of the pipette to your eye to avoid injury.
• Instillation should be carried out not on the cornea itself, but in the hollow between the eyeball and the eyelid. Then you need to close the eye so that the drops are distributed throughout the eye.

Drops for laser correction

At what age can you have surgery?

The acceptable age for laser vision correction is 18 years.

If the procedure is carried out earlier, the result will be inconclusive. The fact is that in children the eyeball is still growing and developing, the refractive properties of various elements of the eye are constantly changing. A stable position of the tissues is achieved by the age of 18, then further development and formation of the eyeball does not occur.

Ophthalmologist of the highest category. Candidate of Medical Sciences.

The best option for LKZ: from 18 to 45 years

The highest threshold for carrying out LKZ is indicated by the age of 45 years, since before this time patients have fewer various chronic diseases and contraindications.

Upon reaching 45 years of age, age-related changes occur in the body and farsightedness develops. People need reading glasses; they have difficulty seeing nearby objects, small print in magazines, newspapers, and displays. In case of severe myopia after surgery, vision will not be 100% perfect.

Vision correction after 40, 45, 50 years: features

• After 45 - 50 years, laser vision correction is usually not recommended.
• This is due to the fact that the layer of the cornea becomes thinner, and the healing processes do not proceed quickly and without complications
• In any case, you need to see a doctor. He will be able to examine the eye and tell whether such an operation is possible.
• If there are no contraindications, then surgery can be prescribed
• It should be taken into account that laser correction will not help the patient with age-related changes in vision. It will not be able to cure farsightedness, and you will still have to wear glasses

Indications for reoperation

In rare cases, the use of laser correction does not lead to a complete improvement in vision. However, the point is not that it is impossible to correct the existing violations, but that they turned out to be too strong and it was not possible to carry out a complete correction at once.

Sometimes the process of healing and vision restoration takes a long time and does not lead to the desired results due to the fault of the patient himself, who did not comply with the ophthalmologist’s instructions and appointments during the postoperative rehabilitation period.

The exact opposite also happens - tissue healing occurs too intensively, and a person who was myopic before surgery can acquire disorders characteristic of farsightedness (and vice versa).

In any case, when vision does not completely improve, it is necessary to carry out repeated or additional correction. The duration of its implementation depends on the healing time; as a rule, it should take from 3 to 6 months after the initial operation. However, vision can finally stabilize after 1 or 1.5 months, it all depends on individual characteristics.

What not to do after vision correction: contraindications?

• 2 hours after the operation, the pain should go away and the eye will be able to function normally. But the discomfort remains, so it is not recommended to drive
• You can do light sports. But visiting the gym and lifting heavy weights is not recommended. It is better to refrain from strong physical activity for a month
• You cannot use eye cosmetics (creams, mascara, shadows) for 2 weeks.
• Alcohol impairs healing and worsens the effects of medications. Therefore, you need to abstain from it for at least 2 weeks.
• Do not rub your eye, even if you feel discomfort. To reduce dryness, you can instill artificial tears, which are sold in pharmacies.
• It is not recommended to swim in ponds or pools, take a hot bath or go to a sauna.
• Also, you should not look at the sun and sunbathe intensely.

Stages of laser correction

Limitations and contraindications after laser vision correction

Are there any contraindications after laser vision correction? Yes, there is, although the recovery period is short. Already a month after the operation, you can resume fitness classes and perform physical exercises. During the first week of rehabilitation, it is recommended to wear sunglasses to prevent bright ultraviolet rays from affecting the cornea. The restrictions also include the use of digital technology with screens: smartphones, tablets, laptops.

Particular care should be taken during morning and evening washing. You should not visit the sauna, swimming pool, or use cosmetics.

A calm lifestyle in the first week after laser vision correction is the key to rapid healing.

Sometimes the doctor recommends that patients drip an anti-inflammatory drug into their eyes for several days. In the future, for people who have undergone this kind of intervention, there are no restrictions regarding physical activity.

Is it possible to give birth naturally after vision correction?

• During pregnancy, the laser correction procedure is prohibited in principle. Also, the ban applies to the period of breastfeeding
• To prevent vision deterioration, women are not recommended to become pregnant for at least a year after surgery.
• Laser correction, in principle, does not affect vision during childbirth. The problem may arise due to myopia and retinal damage
• Laser correction does not eliminate myopia as such. This is why there is a risk of retinal detachment during pregnancy.
• To avoid complications during childbirth, it is better to go to an ophthalmologist. He will examine the fundus and tell you whether you can give birth on your own.

Can laser correction negatively affect visual acuity?

The main concerns of patients who decide to undergo surgery are distrust of the technology. Many are afraid that the lights will be turned off during manipulations, and without equipment the doctor will not be able to complete the correction process. That the specialist will miss, and the laser will not be able to accurately create the profile of the cornea, and this will lead to loss of vision or a significant decrease in its acuity.

Fortunately, thanks to the use of precise modern equipment, the human factor is minimized, and if there are interruptions in the power supply to the equipment, electricity generators are used.

During the procedure, the eyes are fixed with a special vacuum ring, and the head is fixed with a vacuum pillow, so no displacements will occur. But a person who chooses laser correction will soon appreciate all the benefits of living with maximum visual acuity.

Is it possible to drink alcohol after vision correction or smoke?

• Alcohol is not compatible with taking antibiotics. And they, in turn, are prescribed after the operation. Therefore, alcohol intake is prohibited for at least 2 weeks.
• Smoking impairs metabolism, and smoke irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes. This can cause the operated eyes to become dry, red, and watery. It is also better to abstain from smoking, at least while the cornea is healing

What not to do with laser vision correction

Hardware treatment

Nowadays, hardware vision treatment for children is often practiced. At this age, it is easier to eliminate ophthalmological problems and avoid the need for surgical intervention. In the treatment of ophthalmic pathologies in minor patients, different programs and devices are used. The attending physician should select the type of hardware therapy.

Synoptophore

This drug can be used both for therapy and for diagnosing strabismus.

It has the following capabilities:

• Determination of strabismus angles;
• Analysis of the state of the retina;
• Detection of scotoma;
• Carrying out therapeutic exercises.

The device helps to separate the field of view. For example, one eye fixates a bird, and the other a square. The principle of operation is that the patient needs to visually place a bird in a square figure. This helps strengthen the eye muscles.

The cost of the procedure at the synoptophore is from 400 rubles.

Amblyocor

This device is used to improve visual acuity. It stabilizes the ability of the nervous system to control the processes occurring in the visual organs. The device improves the brain's ability to form a distorted image on the retina.

The mechanism of Amblyocor's work comes down to the fact that the child is placed in a special chair, after which he watches an animated film. During this period, specialized equipment reads data on the functioning of the visual organs and produces an encephalogram. The picture on the display disappears if the vision is too blurry.

The device helps reduce the duration of non-contrast vision. As a result of such exposure, visual acuity increases. The device does not pose any danger. Treatment with its help is carried out in a playful way.

The Amblyocor device is effective for the following ophthalmological pathologies:

• Myopia;
• Farsightedness;
• Astigmatism;
• Retinopathy;
• Glaucoma;
• Deterioration of vision due to aging processes;
• Atrophy of the optic nerve.

The price for a procedure using amblyocor starts from 600 rubles.

Laser eye stimulation

This technique stimulates intraocular blood circulation, improves the functioning of the entire visual apparatus and accommodation, and also increases the sharpness and quality of visual function.

Laser stimulation is performed under the close supervision of a medical specialist. Before performing the procedure, patients undergo a comprehensive diagnosis, after which the optimal intensity of correction is selected.

Laser stimulation is performed in a sitting position. There is no discomfort during the procedure, so children don’t even have to be persuaded. Main indications for laser stimulation:

• Amblyopia;
• Astigmatism;
• Strabismus;
• Myopia;
• Farsightedness;
• Dystrophic processes occurring in the retina;
• Decreased vision when working on a PC for long periods of time.

The cost of the procedure starts from 450 rubles.

Software-computer treatment

Using contrasting images, the retina is irritated. This procedure is performed in a playful way. This therapy is recommended for strabismus, amblyopia, pathologies of binocular vision and accommodation.

The most popular PKL program is “Spider”. During the procedure, the child must connect the visual fields. The duration of the game is no more than 30 minutes for each eye daily.

The application for PKL “Cross” is similar to classic checkers. The child must catch the crosses that appear on the field in a circle. This method improves visual function with spasm of accommodation and amblyopia. The gaming application has several levels of complexity at once. The more complex the game, the more the child strains his eyesight. The average duration of the procedure is from 10 to 15 minutes.

Crosses has several difficulty levels that affect the size and number of black and white squares.

Another program, “Shooting Range,” helps improve visual acuity and fixation. When it is performed, two images are combined, as a result of which the condition of the entire visual apparatus improves.

There are many similar programs, they are most often distributed free of charge. You can play them with your child at home on your own, but before doing so you need to consult an ophthalmologist.

Helium-neon laser therapy

A low-intensity light beam activates the cells of the visual organs. This treatment method prevents the occurrence of pathologies in the central nervous system, improves blood supply and metabolism, and also increases local immunity and makes it possible to eliminate spasms of the eye muscles.

Amblyopanorama

Amblyopia is treated with a special device. This simulator can be used in both automated and manual mode. You can perform the procedure yourself. During the session, special glasses are used to correct ophthalmic pathology. With amblyopanora, the angle of inclination of the equipment changes.

The child should bring the flap to the healthy eyeball. With the other eye you need to focus on the proposed figure.

Apparatus "Rucheyok"

The device was developed specifically for accommodation training. It trains the visual organs and is used both to treat spasms and to prevent myopia.

Using this technique, you can reduce eye strain, as well as speed up recovery during the period after surgical interventions in ophthalmology. Training is provided by the patient focusing on the red indicator, which first moves closer and then moves away. The size of the symbol is selected individually.

The cost of the procedure starts from 450 rubles.

Vacuum massage

For eye massage, special massagers are used, equipped with a large number of functions. Such treatment allows you to cope with a large number of ophthalmological problems. The main advantages of this procedure:

• Improving blood circulation in the visual apparatus;
• Pronounced tonic effect;
• Strengthening local immunity;
• Improving metabolic processes;
• Acceleration of the breakdown of fat cells;
• Versatility.

These devices can be made in the form of masks or separate devices. It is necessary to use such equipment taking into account the requirements of the instructions and safety measures.

Do they take you into the army after vision correction?

• They are not accepted into the army if the total myopia is -12 diopria
• Laser correction improves vision, but does not eliminate myopia. Therefore, joining the army may still be dangerous
• Therefore, when you go for examination to the military commissar, be sure to warn the doctors that you have had laser correction. Take the necessary documents confirming the procedure
• You may be prescribed additional testing. And after that they will tell you whether you can join the army

Possible consequences, complications after vision correction

• A long-term inflammatory process that causes discomfort. This complication is observed quite often and is associated with the personal characteristics of the body, the reaction of the eye to the procedure
• The operation was not performed correctly, due to which the vision correction was not fully completed. In this case, there may be two options - either the vision has not become good and the problem remains, or the disease has changed polarly (for example, myopia to farsightedness). In this case, repeat surgery may be necessary.
• Vision may continue to deteriorate because the problem itself has not been corrected. Laser correction only changes the shape of the cornea and creates a certain focus, like a lens
• Laser vision correction may take several years to have consequences. With age, the condition of the tissue changes, due to which a weakened cornea may not function properly and scars will appear on it.
• Laser correction has many contraindications; this must be taken seriously when carrying out the procedure.

Possible consequences of laser correction

Is it possible to wear makeup after vision correction?

• Do not use decorative cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow.
• They will act as an irritant and negatively affect the healing process.
• Also, you should not use creams that have a strong odor.
• You need to wash your face carefully, do not rub your eyes and make sure that no water, shampoo or soap gets into them
• You can start applying makeup no earlier than 2 weeks after the procedure.

Repeated laser correction procedure