Myopia is like an ocean deep. Though it stems from careless eye habits, it often accompanies us for life. Once afflicted, we struggle to see food clearly before us, and our eyes grow dull and distorted. How can we rescue our once beautiful eyes?
Preoperative Considerations
Unsuitable Candidates
1. Minors under 18 years old
Surgery is not recommended for those under 18, as it requires stable refractive status. Refractive status includes conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Individuals under 18 are still in their physical growth phase, and their refractive power remains unstable. Undergoing surgery prematurely may result in vision regression within one to two years.The optimal age for surgery is between 25 and 30 years old.
2. Individuals with congenital eye conditions
Laser refractive surgery requires a certain corneal thickness, which varies among individuals. Those with congenitally insufficient corneal thickness are not eligible for laser procedures.
3. Presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)
Presbyopia results from age-related decline in the eye's focusing ability. Even if temporarily corrected, it will recur as the condition progresses with age.
Therefore, excimer laser myopia correction surgery requires meeting the following conditions: 1) Age between 18 and 50 years old; 2) Stable myopia for over two years; 3) No history of severe eye diseases or prior eye surgeries; 4) No diabetes, collagen diseases, or keloid-prone constitution.
Intraoperative Precautions
Refractive surgery primarily involves the cornea, which lacks blood vessels but contains nerves. Consequently, you will not feel pain during the procedure. Patient cooperation is crucial for surgical success. Therefore, observe the following points during surgery:
1. Relax and avoid tension.
2. Avoid squeezing your eyes shut or moving your eyes unnecessarily. Follow the doctor's guidance to keep your eyes still.
3. During critical moments of the procedure, strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Do not speak or move randomly.
4. Keep your eyes fixed on the flashing red or green fixation light throughout the procedure. Even if you cannot see the light, do not move. Gently shift your eyes as directed by the doctor without moving your head.
5. While on the operating table, do not touch the sterilized surgical area with your hands.
Postoperative Precautions
1. Persistent Caution for High Myopia
Myopia causes significant retinal damage, including peripheral retinal thinning. Even after successful vision correction surgery, this underlying damage remains irreversible. Therefore, individuals who have undergone myopia correction surgery must continue to exercise extreme caution regarding their eye health.Postoperative precautions for patients with high myopia include: Avoid strenuous activities such as basketball and heavy physical labor.When the head experiences jolts or during heavy labor/vigorous exercise, the retina may be stretched, leading to retinal tears and detachment. Early signs of retinal detachment typically include flashes of light, a significant increase in floaters, or gradually expanding dark spots in the visual field. If any of these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention without delay.Waiting until significant vision loss occurs before seeking treatment will result in poorer outcomes. 2. Maintain Eye Care Practices Although refractive surgery is primarily performed on adults over 18, the common belief that adult vision is stable and unlikely to deteriorate further is inaccurate.China has nearly 400 million myopia patients, with numbers increasing annually. Many individuals continue to experience worsening myopia after age 20, primarily due to widespread computer use and heightened work pressures in modern society. Prolonged close-up work can still exacerbate myopia. Therefore, those engaged in primarily close-up work must continue protecting their eyes post-surgery.Within 1 to 2 months after surgery, most individuals experience difficulty with near vision. During this period, reducing close-up work time is essential. This not only prevents eye fatigue and discomfort but also facilitates proper recovery.Even for those whose vision has fully recovered, maintaining good eye hygiene remains crucial. Those who spend extended periods working at computers or engaged in close-up desk work should take a short break after every hour of use. Performing eye exercises to relax the eyes or gazing into the distance provides necessary rest, preventing postoperative complications from excessive strain.