Nowadays, laser coagulation is, one might say, the golden 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, about it and its features, we should now consider the material in detail.
Types of Intervention
I would like to start with them. Today they carry out such operations:
- Barrier. It consists in applying microcoagulants next to the macula.
- Panretinal. Coagulation of the entire retinal area is performed. The exception is only the region of the optic nerve. In one session, up to 800 micro-burns can be applied. It takes about 3-5 repetitions.
- Peripheral. It implies the strengthening of only a certain area of the retina. This is usually a preventative procedure.
- Focal. It is also performed on certain sites to stop point hemorrhages, ruptures and removal of scanty neoplasms.
- Sectoral. The impact is within the section affected by ischemic or dystrophic transformation.
- Barrage of the macular area. 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 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 the ophthalmologist.
What after laser coagulation of the retina?
Many people ask this question in dismay. 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 light flashes and feels a 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 responding to them. He returns to normal size, restored visual ability. Very rarely there is a feeling of irritation and redness. Such symptoms disappear in the next few hours on their own.
Of course, after the intervention you need to rest. It is not recommended to drive, go outside without safety glasses (even in the absence of sun during the day it is very bright). You must follow these tips until the moment when chorioretinal durable adhesions form in the area of the retina.
Do I need to stay in the hospital?
This question also occurs. In fact, patients are left for several days (usually 3-5) only in private clinics. In state medical institutions this is not practiced - a person is immediately sent home. Therefore, everyone who goes for this operation should have a “helper” nearby - a relative, friend, or just close (since you will need help with orientation).
Of course, the option of staying in the clinic is preferable, although it takes some time. But then the most difficult days of the postoperative period, a person will be in a comfortable environment under medical supervision.
Every day, the doctor will check how well the retina heals, and the nurse will bury drugs that contribute to speedy recovery. And, of course, the state of complete rest, which is necessary for the body that has undergone surgical stress, is important here.
Rehabilitation
One to two weeks is how long the postoperative period lasts. Laser coagulation of the retina, being a surgical intervention, requires a person to continue to lead a certain lifestyle. Within 1-2 weeks you need to spare yourself in every possible way:
- Do not engage in activities accompanied by tremors, falls, vibrations.
- Refuse sports.
- Do not bend, lift heavy objects, or carry them.
- Rid yourself of eye strain at extremely close range.
- Do not use saunas, pools and saunas.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not drink too much liquid.
- Refuse junk food and salty foods.
Of course, you will need to visit an ophthalmologist 1-2 weeks after laser retinal coagulation. The postoperative period by that time will come to an end, and it will be possible to assess the patient’s health status and how the recovery went.
Cost
Talking about the features of laser coagulation of the retina, the price is also worth paying attention to. The cost of this procedure directly depends on how badly the blood circulation is disturbed, and also what is the nature of the changes. All this is determined during a detailed ophthalmic diagnosis.
Having studied the general prices for laser coagulation of the retina, you can see how wide the scatter is. In Moscow, for example, the cost of the procedure starts at 3,500-4,000 rubles, and ends at 50,000-60,000 rubles. (if you believe the data provided on various resources).
The price is always set individually, depending on the case. 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.
Effects
Can complications result from retinal laser coagulation? Yes, but nowadays, technologies are used, the use of which minimizes this probability. However, you still need to know about it. The list of probable consequences is as follows:
- Corneal edema. It leads to a decrease in visual acuity.
- Inflammation of the iris, deformity of the pupil.
- Closing the front camera corner.
- The development of cataracts.
- Violation of perfusion of the optic nerve.
- The appearance of microscopic hemorrhages or even detachment elsewhere.
- Macular edema.
- Ischemia of the nerve.
- Vitreous detachment.
- Rupture of the Bruch membrane.
- Retinal and vitreous hemorrhages.
Once again, it needs to be clarified that these are only unlikely complications. If a person goes to a specialized clinic, to good doctors, everything will go away without any problems.
Medical supervision
There is another important recommendation of an ophthalmologist: it consists in a regular, monthly examination. This is necessary for prevention.
It is advisable to be observed by a specialist for six months. Then you can limit yourself to a visit once every 3 months.
Do not underestimate the importance of fundus prophylaxis. This is very important, as it helps to identify new localization with tissue degeneration. Or, once again, make sure that the operation has produced the desired effect, and nothing threatens the health of the eye - neither thinning, nor rupture.
After all, it is better to really prevent possible consequences than to bring the situation to the next intervention, only an emergency. Plus, there are complications that occur after surgery. This is a progressive atrophy of the pigment layer. For its formation and development takes a certain time. This consequence is also rare, but it is better to play it safe undergoing inspection.
MNTK them. Fedorova - a place where vision is returned
Today, coagulation is carried out in many specialized medical institutions. But, of course, for the sake of this, you need to contact the best, proven place. Such is the ISTC them. Fedorova.
At this institution, advanced methods of treating eye diseases are developed and introduced into medical practice, not forgetting the most important social task - to make services available to citizens of the Russian Federation.
The ophthalmological complex combines a scientific institution, experimental production, as well as training centers and modern clinics.
But it is best characterized by the fact that over the lifetime of the complex (32 years, created in 1986), more than 6 million patients have regained sight within its walls. That is why people come here not only from all over Russia, but also guests from abroad.
What do people say?
Many patients who had the appropriate indications have already undergone laser coagulation of the retina and the postoperative period. In the reviews, they tell 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 should not be allowed, and therefore you have to endure and control yourself.
It’s hard to endure a lens, but it’s necessary. Laser flashes are very bright, but you can transfer them. Of course, looking at them is unpleasant, but they are painless and short-lived.
After the operation, the photosensitivity becomes stronger at times, causing discomfort with the movement of the eyes from one side to the other.
People who underwent surgery recommend taking sick leave for the duration of rehabilitation. Still, the eyes are our main sense organ, but within 1-2 weeks (some longer), it will not be able to fully perform its functions. And excessive overvoltage will not lead to anything good.