Myopia refers to the condition in which the eye’s axis lengthens due to prolonged close viewing during development. When gazing at distant objects, the distant image focuses in front of the retina, causing the image inside the eye to appear blurred. Myopia surgery involves changing the refractive power of the cornea through lasers, surgery, and other methods to reduce or cure myopia. Commonly used clinical surgical procedures include laser corneal refractive surgery and phakic intraocular lens implantation. Laser corneal refractive surgery includes laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and femtosecond laser. The appropriate population for different surgeries, the method of operation, and postoperative care vary. This article uses laser in situ keratomileusis as an example.
Applicable people
Myopia surgery is suitable for patients with stable myopia over the age of 18.
Taboo groups
1. People with serious systemic diseases, such as diabetes, lupus erythematosus, etc.
2. People with infections inside or outside the eyes, such as acute conjunctivitis, keratitis, etc.
3. People with eye diseases such as keratoconus, glaucoma, severe dry eye, exophthalmos, and incomplete eyelid closure.
4. People with severe amblyopia and extremely poor vision.
5. People with scar-prone constitution.
6. One-eyed man.
Technical/surgical risks
1. Infection: Failure to strictly follow aseptic techniques during treatment and improper post-treatment care may lead to eye infection. In this case, you should actively seek medical attention and use antibiotics appropriately when necessary.
2. Unsatisfactory results: For patients with high myopia, the expected ideal results may not be achieved.
3. Corneal flap deviation: Improper operation during the operation may cause the position of the corneal flap to shift, and corneal transplantation is required.
4. Others: such as decreased night vision, double vision, etc.
Postoperative care
Here we take excimer laser in situ morcellation as an example. After the operation, attention should be paid to local care, drug management and life behavior management.
1. Local care: Keep the eyes clean and dry, avoid water, and prevent infection.
2. Medication management: Use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
3. Lifestyle behavior management: Pay attention to eye health, avoid eye fatigue and strenuous exercise.
Preoperative precautions
1. Communicate with the doctor before the operation to understand the specific process, risks and effects of myopia surgery and be mentally prepared.
2. Complete relevant examinations, such as blood routine and coagulation function tests, to rule out surgical contraindications.
3. Stop wearing contact lenses 1-2 weeks before surgery.
4. Use antibiotic eye drops as directed by your doctor 3 days before surgery.
5. Take a shower one day before the operation and maintain good personal hygiene.
6. Wear loose clothes on the day of surgery, especially avoid pullovers with tight collars and hoodies.
7. Do not wear makeup on the day of surgery and keep your face clean.
Surgical procedure
Laser surgeries for myopia include LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy, and all-femtosecond laser assisted keratomileusis (LASIK). Here, LASIK is used as an example. The procedure involves opening the eyelids, cutting the cornea, flipping the corneal flap, laser ablation, repositioning the corneal flap, and removing the eyelid speculum.