In what cases and how is the installation of an artificial lens of the eye

The lens of the eye is a kind of lens of natural origin, which provides focusing of the image on the retina. When it breaks down due to any damage to the eyeball and congenital diseases, it is replaced during the operation by an artificial one, which provides a good vision for the person for many years to come. In some cases, such an operation may be the only way to restore the lost visual acuity to the patient.

What it is?

The artificial lens (intraocular lens) is a lens made of artificial materials that is implanted in the eyeball as a substitute for the natural in the course of a surgical operation.Any lens of this type consists of optical (provides good vision) and haptic (for fastening in the eye) parts.

In practice, two types of lenses are currently used:

• Soft- are made of an elastic polymer. They have the advantage of less eye injury and do not presume the presence of stitches after the operation.
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• Rigid- consist of organic glass. Implantation does not require many additional devices, it involves the imposition of sutures.

Any artificial lens should have flexibility, durability, sufficient refractive index and absolute transparency.

The installation of a soft lens may cost more than implantation of a hard lens. However, the soft lens has many advantages and assumes a low risk of complications after surgery.

Application area

The operation to replace the lens is indicated for a number of diseases of the eyesI. It is prescribed in two cases: either at the patient's desire to improve visual acuity (if there is evidence), or in If other means of eliminating pathologies do not yield the desired results and there is a risk of total loss view.

As a rule, surgical intervention can improve the condition of the visual apparatus when:

• Cataract:
• Myopia and hyperopia;
• Presbyopia;
• Afakia;
• Astigmatism.

However, there are a number of contraindications:

• Too small volume of the anterior part of the eye(chambers);
• The cataract is shaped like a cuff;
• Dystrophy of the retina.

Replacement operation

The procedure for replacing the lens is usually carried out in several stages:

1. Establishing diagnosis.
2. The choice of an artificial lens.
3. Directly surgical operation.
4. Rehabilitation of the patient.

   Structure of the lens of the eye

It should be noted that the choice of lens can be an extremely important stage of treatment.

Methods of conducting

Currently, there are three types of surgical intervention:

• Phacoemulsification.The most common, effective and less painful method. Intervention in this case does not require much time and suturing.
• Extracapsular method. This method involves waiting for the lens to achieve a certain condition, which in the future is a prerequisite for its removal. In turn, the artificial lens begins to perform the functions assigned to it only after a while. Seams are required.
• Intracapsular method.In this case, the natural lens is removed with the capsule and artificial analogs are placed in its place.

The best method to date is considered phacoemulsification. And in spite of the fact that such operation is more expensive, it is better to stop the choice on this method.

Preparation of the patient

Before the beginning of a surgical operation, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies on the general health of the patient and the presence of other diseases.In addition, the patient is obliged to comply with the prescriptions of the attending physician and undergo treatment with special medications.

The last meal before the procedure should be no later than eight hours. Otherwise, it is possible to increase arterial and intraocular pressure, dyspepsia.

Rehabilitation

, of which the patient should spend about five to ten days in the ward under the supervision of doctors after applying a special bandage. Usually during the rehabilitation period, operations to replace the lens of the patient do not disturb pain and discomfort, otherwise painkillers can be used.

The first few days the patient should adhere to the following rules in order to avoid complications:

• Do not use chemical means for washing;
• Avoid fatigue and great tension of the visual apparatus:
• Do not touch or rub eyes;
• Do not lift the weight and do not allow yourself to exercise heavily;
• Do not make any sudden movements;
• Avoid exposure to sunlight, wear sunglasses;
• Alternate the use of electronic devices, reading and working with long breaks;
• Do not use cosmetics (especially decorative);
• To refuse from bad habits.

Regardless of the method of operation, the patient is assigned a number of special medications that accelerate and facilitate the healing process and fix the result.

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conclusions

In the event that the natural lens of the eyeball is seriously damaged, there is a high risk of losing the opportunity to see or too low visual acuity, a surgical operation involving intraocular placement lens. After it is carried out, the patient can be guaranteed excellent vision for almost the rest of his life without the need to wear optical devices. However, this procedure still has a number of contraindications and the risk of complications. Therefore, the condition of the visual apparatus before it should be carefully examined.

Read also about the treatment of secondary cataracts after lens replacement.