Myopia surgery is usually done on people with stabilized myopia and who do not have other more serious eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye, for example. Thus, the best candidates for this type of surgery are usually young adults over 18.
Although there are different surgical techniques, the most used is laser surgery, also known as Lasik, in which a beam of light is used to correct the cornea, which 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 kept only for cases of very high degrees that hinder daily activities, not being covered in the case of purely aesthetic changes. However, the surgery can be done in private clinics with prices ranging between 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, as it corrects various types of vision problems. In this surgery, the doctor makes a small cut in the membrane of the eye and then uses a laser to permanently correct the cornea, allowing the image to form in the correct location of the eye; PRK: uses laser is similar to Lasik, however, in this technique the doctor does not need to cut the eye, being more suitable for those who have a very thin cornea and cannot 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 surgery, an anesthetic eye drop is placed over 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 implantation of the lens in the eye it may take longer.
Since vision is affected by inflammation of the eye and anesthetic drops, it is advisable to take someone else so that you can safely return home later.
How is recovery
Recovery from myopia surgery takes an average of about 2 weeks, but it may depend on the degree of myopia you had, the type of surgery used and the healing capacity of the body.
During recovery it is usually advised to take some precautions such as:
- Avoid scratching your eyes; Put antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops indicated by the ophthalmologist; Avoid impact sports, such as football, tennis or basketball, for 30 days.
After surgery, it is normal that the vision is still blurred, due to the inflammation of the eye, however, over time, the vision will become clearer. In addition, it is common that in the first days after surgery there will be burning and constant itching in the eyes.
Possible risks of surgery
The risks of surgery for myopia can include:
- Dry eye; Sensitivity to light; Infection of the eye; Increased degree of myopia.
The risks of surgery for myopia are rare and happen less and less, due to the advancement of the techniques used.
