Laser photocoagulation is now the gold standard for the treatment of degenerative visual diseases, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions that, if ignored, can lead to retinal detachment.
What is this procedure? How is it carried out? How long is the postoperative period? Laser coagulation of the retina is a serious intervention, and therefore the material should now be considered in detail about it and its features.
Types of intervention
I would like to start with them. Today the following operations are carried out:
- Barrier. It consists in applying microcoagulants near the macula.
- Panretinal. Coagulation of the entire area of the retina is performed. The only exception is the region of the optic nerve. Within one session, up to 800 microburns can be applied. You need about 3-5 repetitions.
- Peripheral. It implies the strengthening of only a certain part of the retina. This is usually a preventative procedure.
- Focal. It is also performed in certain areas to stop petechial hemorrhages, ruptures and remove scanty neoplasms.
- Sectoral. The impact is within the section affected by ischemic or dystrophic transformation.
- Macular barrage. It is prescribed if a person is diagnosed with central retinal dystrophy. This operation allows you to restore visual abilities (at least partially).
- Surgery in the area of the subretinal neovascular membrane. It has a depressing effect on the growing newly formed blood vessels.
These are all currently existing types of laser coagulation of the retina in eye microsurgery. What kind of operation is shown to a person is determined by an ophthalmologist.
What after laser photocoagulation of the retina?
This is a question many people ask in confusion. The intervention is non-standard - it takes only 20-30 minutes, and it is performed using only local drip anesthesia on the pupil. And there is no pain. The patient sees only flashes of light and feels the touch of the lens.
So is there a postoperative period? Laser coagulation of the retina is microsurgery, and therefore yes.
Within two to three hours after the completion of the procedure, the action of the drops weakens, and therefore the pupil stops on themto react. It returns to its normal size, visual ability is restored. Very rarely there is a feeling of irritation and redness. These symptoms resolve on their own over the next few hours.
Of course, after the intervention you need to rest. It is not recommended to drive, go outside without goggles (even in the absence of the sun during the day it is very bright). It is necessary to follow these tips until the chorioretinal strong adhesions are formed in the retinal zone.
Do I need to stay in the hospital?
This question also occurs. In fact, patients are kept for a few days (usually 3-5) only in private clinics. This is not practiced in state medical institutions - a person is immediately released home. Therefore, everyone who goes to this operation should have an “assistant” nearby - a relative, friend, or just a close one (as help in orientation will be needed).
Of course, the option of staying in the clinic is preferable, although it takes some time. But on the other hand, the most difficult days of the postoperative period, the person will be in a comfortable environment under medical supervision.
The doctor every day will check how well the retina heals, and the nurse will instill drugs that promote speedy recovery. And, of course, the state of complete rest is important here, which is necessary for the body that has undergone surgical stress.
Rehab
One or two weeks - that's how long the postoperative period lasts. Laser coagulation of the retina, being a surgical intervention, requires a person to continue to maintain a certain lifestyle. Within 1-2 weeks you need to spare yourself in every possible way:
- Do not engage in activities that are accompanied by shaking, falling, vibration.
- Give up sport.
- Do not bend over, lift or carry heavy objects.
- Save yourself from visual stress at excessively close distances.
- Do not visit saunas, pools and baths.
- Don't drink alcohol.
- Don't drink too much liquid.
- Refuse junk food and s alty foods.
Of course, you will need to visit an ophthalmologist 1-2 weeks after laser coagulation of the retina. The postoperative period will come to an end by then, and it will be possible to assess the patient's state of he alth and how the recovery went.
Cost
When talking about the features of laser coagulation of the retina, the price should also be paid attention to. The cost of this procedure directly depends on how severely the blood circulation is disturbed, as well as what the nature of the changes that have occurred. All this is determined during a detailed ophthalmic diagnosis.
By examining the general prices for laser photocoagulation of the retina, you can see how big the spread is. In Moscow, for example, the cost of the procedure startsfrom 3,500-4,000 rubles, and ends at 50,000-60,000 rubles. (according to the data provided on various resources).
The price is always set on an individual basis, depending on the occasion. But it also reflects what equipment will be involved. The more expensive the operation, the better and more modern the technologies used by the clinic.
Consequences
Can complications arise due to laser photocoagulation of the retina? Yes, but in our time, technologies are used, the use of which minimizes this probability. However, you still need to know about it. The list of possible consequences is as follows:
- Swelling of the cornea. Leads to decreased visual acuity.
- Inflammation of the iris, pupil deformity.
- Closing the anterior chamber angle.
- Development of cataracts.
- Impaired optic nerve perfusion.
- The appearance of microscopic hemorrhages or even detachment elsewhere.
- Macular edema.
- Nerve ischemia.
- Vitreous detachment.
- Bruch's membrane ruptured.
- Hemorrhages of the retina and vitreous body.
It needs to be clarified again that these are only unlikely complications. If a person goes to a specialized clinic, to good doctors, everything will pass without any problems.
Doctor's follow-up
There is another important recommendation of an ophthalmologist: it consists in a regular, monthly examination. This is necessary for prevention purposes.
Watchwith a specialist, preferably within six months. Then you can limit yourself to a visit once every 3 months.
Don't underestimate the importance of fundus prophylaxis. This is very important, as it helps to identify new localizations with tissue degeneration. Or once again make sure that the operation has produced the desired effect, and nothing threatens the he alth of the eyes - neither thinning nor rupture.
After all, it is better to really prevent possible consequences than to bring the situation to the next intervention, only this time it is urgent. Plus, there are complications that arise after surgery. This is a progressive atrophy of the pigment layer. It takes a certain amount of time for its formation and development. This consequence is also rare, but it is better to play it safe by passing the inspection.
MNTK im. Fedorova - a place where vision is restored
Today, coagulation is carried out in many specialized medical institutions. But, of course, for the sake of this you need to go to the best, proven place. Such is the MNTK im. Fedorova.
This institution develops and introduces into medical practice advanced methods of treating eye diseases, not forgetting the most important social task - to make services accessible to citizens of the Russian Federation.
The ophthalmological complex connects a scientific institution, experimental production, as well as training centers and modern clinics.
But it is best characterized by the fact that during the existence of the complex (32 years, created in 1986) more than 6millions of patients regained their sight within its walls. That is why people come here not only from all over Russia, but also guests from abroad.
What are people saying?
Many eligible patients have already undergone laser coagulation of the retina and the postoperative period. In the reviews, they talk in detail about their feelings and impressions. The good news is that they are all positive - there is a result, and it is what it should be.
But, nevertheless, there are unpleasant moments. Most patients complain that the eye must always be kept open, but it reflexively closes. Because of this, the lens falls out, which cannot be allowed, and therefore you have to endure and control yourself.
Lens is hard to endure, but you have to. The laser flashes are very bright, but they can be transferred. Of course, they are unpleasant to look at, but they are painless and short-lived.
After the operation, the photosensitivity becomes much stronger at times, the movement of the eyes from one side to the other causes discomfort.
People who have undergone surgery are recommended to take sick leave during rehabilitation. Still, the eyes are our main sense organ, but within 1-2 weeks (for some longer) it will not be able to fully exercise its functions. And too much overvoltage will not lead to anything good.
