Strengthening of the retina is carried out with the help of laser coagulation, which helps to eliminate pathological changes (degenerative or dystrophic) that prevent it from functioning normally. Most often, this operation is performed before vision correction and is preparatory in nature. In addition, laser retinal enhancement can be prescribed for pregnant women, as the procedure reduces the risk of retinal detachment during labor.
Features of this operation
Laser vision coagulation is a minor surgical intervention, so pain relief is local. Strengthening the retina is carried out by cauterization of exfoliated areas and retinal vessels. The procedure is practicallypainless and only takes about fifteen minutes per eye. After laser coagulation, visual impairment stops progressing, unless, of course, it was associated with retinal detachment.
Pros and cons of this method
The positive side is that:
- no general anesthesia;
- no bleeding;
- no physical contact with the tool, eliminating the possibility of injury;
- recovery occurs within a day, and minor restrictions are imposed for several weeks;
- after coagulation, you can safely go home;
- surgery allowed during pregnancy.
The disadvantages are age restrictions on strengthening the retina with a laser and the inability to resist senile changes in visual perception. In addition, the procedure (like any other treatment method) has a potential risk of postoperative complications.
Shown to
Coagulation is prescribed for such anomalies and diseases as:
- damage to the vitreous body, vessels or retina;
- macular degeneration;
- retinal tears and detachment;
- diabetic retinopathy;
- abnormal vascular growth and lengthening of the optic nerve;
- inflammation of retinal vessels with hemorrhages;
- damage to the macula;
- Obstruction of the main ophthalmic vein, and, as a result, diseasesretina;
- Local retinal detachment during pregnancy.
Moreover, the latter during labor activity threatens to develop into a complete detachment, and the woman may lose her sight. That is why it is necessary to strengthen the retina of the eye and at the same time cauterize the damaged blood vessels.
Laser coagulation as a lifesaver for ophthalmic surgeons
According to statistics, approximately 55-60% of patients who dream of restoring their vision are shown preliminary strengthening of the retina with a laser, and restrictions on this operation are not so common, so it is difficult for modern doctors to imagine vision correction without it. This method has been used successfully for over forty years, and millions of people have successfully experienced it.
Outlet for visually impaired expectant mothers
It is often heard that experienced obstetricians-gynecologists forbid their pregnant patients with a history of peripheral retinal dystrophy to give birth naturally, recommending a caesarean section. And this is logical, since with a high degree of myopia, the retina stretches and becomes thin, which means that labor attempts can lead to its rupture. But now this problem can be solved by laser coagulation of vision, and a woman can safely give birth herself. Therefore, an operation performed before the 35th week of pregnancy will avoid a caesarean section and its possible unpleasant consequences.
When this interference is unacceptable
You need to know that laser coagulation is contraindicated indiseases such as:
- The third and greater degree of gliosis, in which the light-sensitive cells of the retina are replaced by connective tissue, as a result of which visual impairment progresses rapidly.
- Hemorrhage of the vessels of the eyeball is a temporary contraindication, since after its successful termination, coagulation can be carried out without risk. Sometimes treatment is required, which may take some time.
- Pathological retinal detachment.
- Loss of transparency of the lens or clouding of the vitreous as a result of pathological conditions like cataracts. But once the underlying cause is identified and successfully corrected, proper functionality is restored and retinal enhancement surgery is possible.
Preparatory period
Before the doctor sets the date for the operation, the patient must undergo a full examination to identify all hidden diseases (especially ophthalmic), after which the doctor will decide on the advisability of laser coagulation and give special recommendations. About a week before surgery, drinking alcohol is taboo, as alcohol can trigger inflammation that will burden the entire procedure.
On the eve of the operation, the ophthalmologist instills special drops to strengthen the retina and an anesthetic solution, after which the pupils dilate. Then he fixes the head in the required position and inserts a three-mirror Goldman lens into the operated eye, with the help of which the doctorguides the laser and examines the fundus.
Operating
After previous manipulations, the laser beam affects the retina and retinal vessels. The patient does not feel pain at this moment, feeling only a slight tingling sensation. The laser is perceived by the eye as bright flashes of light, therefore, apart from them, the person at the time of the operation does not see anything. One organ of vision takes an average of fifteen minutes, after which the Goldman lens is removed and inserted into the other eye. If the patient's condition worsens at the time of coagulation, the doctor takes a short pause, after which he instills an additional dose of painkiller. Then he starts working with the second eye. When everything is over, the patient can relax in the provided room and get used to new sensations. But if he wants, he can go home right away, since hospital stay is most often not required.
Restrictions after surgery
Strengthening the retina with a laser is a surgical intervention, so some regimen should be observed. Within a couple of weeks (and especially three days after coagulation), restrictions are placed on:
- Drinking alcohol.
- Physical activity accompanied by shaking.
- Stay driving.
- Being in front of a screen (computer, smartphone or TV) and reading.
- Long standing and leaning forward.
In addition, you will need to undergo several examinations from the same doctor who performedstrengthening the retina. Restrictions after its implementation should be strictly observed. In addition, within two to three weeks from the day of the operation, it is imperative to instill special eye drops, and for various purposes (keratoprotectors, anesthetics and antiseptics). This is necessary in order to reduce the risk of possible complications. The ophthalmologist prescribes the required dosage and, based on the condition of the retina, determines the duration of their use.
In these weeks, you should refrain from being outside for a long time, especially if it is the autumn-winter season. Indeed, in the cold season it is easy to catch a cold, and the mucous membrane of the eye, as you know, suffers no less than the whole body as a whole, therefore, in the postoperative period, you need to carefully monitor your he alth. In addition, inflammation can cause conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious. You should not appear in public places too often, all for the same reasons.
What are the complications?
During the first days after laser coagulation, the following eye he alth disorders may occur:
- Inflammation of the third eyelid (conjunctivitis). To prevent such a complication, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic in the form of drops, which avoids the multiplication of pathogenic microbes.
- Dry eye syndrome. This violation may be the result of malfunctioning of the lacrimal glands, which could be accidentally damaged during surgery. Moisturizing drops are prescribed to prevent this condition.
- Secondary retinal detachment. Often the cause of this pathology is its excessive exfoliation that occurred even before the operation. Only repeated laser coagulation will help save the situation.
- Decrease in the clarity of visual perception, which is especially noticeable in the evening hours. Such a complication most often becomes noticeable immediately, but there are cases when its manifestation occurs on the third or fifth day after the operation, when the puffiness of the eyes begins to disappear.
- The appearance of glaucoma or cataracts, which may result from laser damage to the lens or excessive tissue swelling that blocks the outflow of fluid circulating inside the eye.
- Changes in the contour of the pupil. There are cases when during the operation there is a hemorrhage in the retina, damage to the optic nerve or detachment of the vitreous body.
These conditions require immediate treatment with a possible hospital stay.
Price of the procedure in the Russian Federation
On average, the cost of the procedure for each eye ranges from 6,000 to 8,000 rubles, but with local detachments, it can increase to 15,000., the experience of medical professionals or more advanced technology, and in a high-status institution. Therefore, preference should be given to organizations with more democratic prices. It is noteworthy that for residents of Russia, this operation is possible free of charge. To achieve this, an examination by an ophthalmologist is required inclinic located at the place of residence of the patient, after which the doctor will write out a referral for laser coagulation. But it can take from two to three months before the operation is carried out, since the queue is usually very long. Therefore, in situations that require it to be carried out as soon as possible, it is required to resort to the services of a paid clinic.
Retina strengthening reviews
Many patients say that they had to resort to this procedure on the eve of laser vision correction. Most often, doctors explain that first it is required to eliminate minor retinal detachments, and then proceed with the main operation to restore visual perception. The cost of the operation, according to patients, is quite acceptable. During coagulation, some painful sensations are observed, most often this is due to the increased sensitivity of the eyes to such actions. The recovery period is very favorable, and complications are not observed. In most cases, laser vision correction is carried out after four weeks.
It is quite common to hear that coagulation is carried out at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, when, during examinations, it turns out that the woman has a retinal detachment. In this case, it is undesirable to delay the operation. Many pregnant women note that they did not feel anything during the procedure. Rehabilitation of the operated eye is quick and without complications.
From the above it follows that reviews ofstrengthening the retina with a laser is very positive.
The main task of coagulation
This method is used specifically to prevent the progression of major ophthalmic diseases that lead to vision deterioration, but do not improve it. The method restores intraocular circulation and fresh blood flow, due to which the nutrition of damaged areas is improved. In addition, laser coagulation prevents fluid from penetrating under the retinal area, which leads to the cessation of detachment.
In general, on the positive side, the method has proven itself for a long time and is still successfully used throughout the civilized world. However, before making such a serious decision, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Be sure to listen to what your doctor recommends.
