Myopia surgery is usually done in people with a degree of myopia stabilized and who do not have other more serious problems in the eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye, for example. Thus, the best candidates for this type of surgery are usually young adults over 18 years.
Although there are different techniques of surgery, the most used is laser surgery, also known as Lasik, in which a light ray is used to correct the cornea, and can be used to definitively cure myopia up to 10 degrees. In addition to correcting myopia, this surgery can also correct up to 4 degrees of astigmatism. Understand more about lasik surgery and the necessary recovery care.
This surgery can be done free of charge by the SUS, but it is usually stored only in cases of very high degrees that make daily activities difficult and not covered in the case of purely aesthetic alteration. However, surgery can be done in private clinics with prices ranging from 1, 200 to 4, 000 reais.
How is the surgery done
There are several different techniques for doing myopia surgery:
- Lasik : is the most used type, because it corrects several types of problem in the vision. In this surgery, the doctor makes a small cut in the membrane of the eye and then uses a laser to definitively correct the cornea, allowing the image to form in the correct location of the eye;
- PRK : using lasik is similar to Lasik, however, in this technique the doctor does not need to do cut in the eye, being more indicated for who has a very thin cornea and can not do Lasik, for example;
- Implantation of contact lenses : it is used especially in cases of myopia with a very high degree. In this technique, the ophthalmologist places a permanent lens in the eye, usually between the cornea and the iris to correct the image;
During the surgery an anesthetic eye drops are placed on the eye, so that the ophthalmologist can move the eye without causing discomfort. Most surgeries last about 10 to 20 minutes per eye, but in the case of lens implantation in the eye can be more time-consuming.
Once the vision is affected due to inflammation of the eye and anesthetic eye drops, it is advisable to take another person so that later you can return home safely.
How is recovery
The recovery from myopia surgery lasts on average for about 2 weeks, but may depend on the degree of myopia that one had, the type of surgery used and the healing capacity of the organism.
During recovery it is usually advisable to have some care such as:
- Avoid scratching the eyes;
- Place the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops indicated by the ophthalmologist;
- Avoid impact sports such as football, tennis or basketball for 30 days.
After the surgery, it is normal that the vision is still blurred due to the inflammation of the eye, however, over time, the vision becomes clearer. In addition, it is common for the first few days after surgery to appear burning and itching in the eyes.
Possible risks of surgery
The risks of surgery for myopia may include:
- Dry eye;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Infection of the eye;
- Increased myopia.
The risks of surgery for myopia are rare and happen less and less due to the advancement of the techniques used.
