The problem of myopia is more relevant than ever. A huge number of children come to specialists complaining of visual impairment. This condition is especially dangerous because changes in the structure of the eye are possible. In children aged 8 to 15 years, the disease is actively progressing. If it is not stopped in time, then complications can even lead to blindness. Scleroplasty in children is one way to stop myopia. However, visual acuity using this operation cannot be returned.
How vision problems develop
Myopia is an eye disease in which objects located at close range are clearly visible. If they are further away, the image becomes blurry. This is due to the lengthening of the eyeball. The rays of light that come from objects in the normal state converge on the retina. With myopia, they connect in front of her. On the retina, however, a blurred image of the subject appears. Another name for the disease is myopia. Among the reasons that affect the development of myopia are a hereditary factor, weakening of the tissues of the sclera, muscles, eye strain from adverse living conditions.
Scleroplasty in children. Indications
An indication for this type of surgical intervention is actively progressive myopia (vision drops by more than 1 diopter per year). Myopia is a fairly serious disease. It is the cause of disability in more than 40% of patients. In addition, complications that may arise are quite dangerous. This is retinal detachment and hemorrhage. Also, myopia can lead to dystrophic changes in the retina or choroid. Similar problems cause a change in the size of the eyeball, namely its increase. All these factors are an indication for an operation such as scleroplasty in children. Reviews of ophthalmologists indicate that the development of myopia at the same time stops.
Are there any contraindications?
Like all procedures that involve surgical intervention, scleroplasty has some contraindications. First of all, experts do not recommend this procedure for children under 8 years old. If there is an inflammatory process in the body, a chronic infection is present, then surgery is impossible. Eye diseases, thinning of the sclera also include a rejection of the procedure. Scleroplasty of eyes in children is not performed if there are cicatricial changes in the tissues of the organs of vision.
Technique
The essence of this surgical intervention is to strengthen the sclera of the eye. This is a pretty responsible operation. It is performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. The choice of anesthetic depends on the age of the child and his temperament. Older children have enough drops that anesthetize. Scleroplasty in children occurs as follows: the surgeon introduces a special strengthening substance into the eyeball . It is a sclera framework. This is how the growth of the eyeball stops. Micro-incisions are made. Such an operation also improves blood circulation. The main positive aspects include the mechanical strengthening of the sclera, and the stimulation of metabolic processes in the organs of vision.
Types of Scleroplasty
There are several subspecies of this procedure. Simplified scleroplasty of the eyes in children occurs as follows: through the incisions with the help of a syringe, a composition is introduced, which hardens after a while. It can be either a synthetic polymer or a natural material based on blood or cartilage. The next type is simple scleroplasty. Strips of special material are introduced behind the back wall of the eyeball. They are silicone, metal-plastic, natural (from the shell of the brain, donor sclera). These strips, like a bandage, support the eyeball. The third type is complex scleroplasty of the eyes in children. It involves dissecting the muscles in order to hold the strip. Also with this method, a large number of binders are used.
Possible complications
This procedure is less traumatic. However, scleroplasty of the eyes in children can still cause complications. First of all, this is associated with the introduction of foreign material. It can be rejected by the body, despite all its inertness. If this happens, then most often specialists remove this component and replace it with another. Due to insufficient fixation on the back wall, the binder material may shift. There is a swelling. In this case, a second operation is performed. Allergic reactions to the composite are also possible.
Recovery period
Scleroplasty refers to those operations that are not particularly painful and traumatic. Therefore, the recovery period is quite short. Of course, it will be different depending on the age of the child, the stage of the disease and the type of operation performed. After about 2 weeks, you can return to normal life and even play sports. After a month, classes in the pool are allowed. Nevertheless, doctors strongly recommend not to expose the eyes after surgery to heavy loads for two years.
Is scleroplasty effective in children? Pros and cons
The main argument used by fans of this procedure is to stop progressive myopia. After all, everyone knows the grave consequences that myopia can lead to. Complete loss of vision is the factor that causes fear in children and their parents. However, not everyone has this point of view. Many people resist any surgical interventions, which include scleroplasty of the eyes in children. Hardware treatment, glasses, contact lenses - most parents choose this kind of conservative therapy. The fact that in Europe this intervention is a thing of the past is also used as an argument, since there is no reliable data on its effectiveness. In any case, it is important to observe the development of myopia. If the drop in visual acuity is within -0.5 diopters, then this is quite acceptable. If the deterioration is more than 1 diopter, then it is worth listening to the recommendations of doctors and choosing the appropriate method to stop the progression of the disease.
Prevention of vision problems
So that in the future you don’t have to choose between surgical intervention and conservative treatment, it’s worth it now to instill in the child the rules that will help preserve his vision. First of all, the time spent in front of the computer should be strictly controlled. Every half hour, the eyes need a break. Its duration should be at least 5 minutes. It is good at this time to do several exercises for the eyes, for example, to look at one thing at a time from distant objects, then from those that are close. Such gymnastics perfectly strengthens the muscles of the eyes. The distance to the monitor should be at least 50 cm. Books should be kept at a distance of 30 cm. In no case should you read while lying down or in moving vehicles. It is important to remember the correct posture and adequate lighting of the workplace. You need to watch TV with the light on. For the eyes, a good rest is also important. Sleep at least 8 hours will give them the opportunity to relax. Proper balanced nutrition, fresh air, active games instead of a computer monitor will also help maintain visual acuity.